It's no surprise that when you look good, you feel good. Not only does a healthy skin barrier protect you from foreign invaders, it helps prevent evaporation to keep skin supple and hydrated. When the skin's protective barrier is compromised and the microbiome becomes unbalanced, it can make skin vulnerable to a variety of issues.

Your skin — your body's largest organ — is home to millions of fungi, bacteria and viruses that make up the microbiota. Similar to your gut microbiome, the skin microbiome is in charge of keeping you healthy and safe.

Yes, some bacteria is actually good for you! 

It might seem like using antibacterial soap to get rid of bacteria on the skin's surface would only be a good thing, these soaps don't differentiate between good and bad bacteria. They simply remove all bacteria, and antibacterial soap can actually cause an imbalance in the skin microbiome. Which is not good! 

1. Probiotics can help you deal with a variety of skin conditions

If you suffer from skin conditions such as acne, rashes, eczema, rosacea or psoriasis, there’s a good chance that your gut flora is altered to some extent. This means that both oral and topical use of probiotics can result in balancing the skins good bacteria and improve the skins hydration. 

2. Probiotics can reduce visible signs of aging on your skin

It is believed that the topical use of probiotics can help you build collagen to achieve stronger skin structure and add smoothness to your appearance. Also, reduced inflammatory response makes your skin more resistant to negative effects of exposure to sun, which in turn results in fewer wrinkles and fine lines.

3. Probiotics improve the level of hydration on your skin

There is evidence that certain strains of probiotics have a beneficial effect on the skin barrier. The stronger it is, the more water loss is significantly reduced. Consequently, your skin will stay healthy and well hydrated for longer periods of time.

4. Probiotics help prevent breakouts and clarify your skin

A number of studies show that certain types of food increase skin’s oil production, which can result in clogged pores, acne and breakouts. Since acne sufferers often have elevated inflammatory response as well, keeping inflammation at bay with the regular use of probiotics can provide much-needed relief and result in beautiful, clear skin.

5. Probiotics can repair your skin and reduce its sensitivity

Skin disorders come hand in hand with a number of unpleasant symptoms such as burning, itching and painful sensitivity to touch. What’s more, even when those irritated red bumps or patches temporarily heal, it seems almost impossible to get rid of discoloration, marks or even scars in places where active lesions once were. Users have reported diminished scarring and improved smoothness of skin once covered with blemishes after persistent application of topical probiotics.

So are probiotics your skin’s new best friend? There’s only one way to find out.