Top Probiotics for Acne + the Science Behind Gut and Skin Health
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There’s been a growing interest in using probiotics for acne as a natural way to improve skin health and manage acne symptoms.
Probiotics are good bacteria that offer us several health benefits. They are known to balance the gut microbiome and boost the immune system when consumed in adequate amounts.
But can they really help with acne too? Whether you’re dealing with occasional breakouts or chronic acne, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind probiotics and acne and recommend the top probiotic for acne to help you achieve healthier skin. Let’s get started!
- 2 billion CFUs
- Zinc
- Chaste tree helps improve acne
- Clean Ingredients
- Made with clinically-proven probiotics and prebiotics
- Contains six targeted probiotic strains that target gut-skin axis
- Soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO
- Contains 500 million CFU of bacillus coagulans and prebiotics
- Gluten-free and no artificial flavors
- Juicy peach flavor
Here are some of the top probiotics for clear skin that you can buy, how they can treat acne, and what makes them effective.
Table of Contents
15 Top Probiotics for Acne and Clear Skin
We love the 10 billion live active cultures of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in Culturelle. It is a clinically studied probiotic strain that supports digestive and immune health.
Primary Benefits: Keeps your digestive system in balance; supports skin health; doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge; works naturally with your body to support your digestion and immune defenses
Features:
- Vegetarian and allergy-friendly
- Safe and effective formula
- Only requires one capsule per day
- Comes in an easy-to-swallow capsule form
Imagine our surprise to find Culturelle Daily Probiotic Capsules expertly formulated while still being comparably budget-friendly.
One of the great things about Culturelle Daily Probiotic Capsules is that they are vegetarian and gluten-free, so they’re suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
Plus it does not contain any artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, making Culturelle a natural and wholesome choice for those who are conscious about what they put in their bodies.
Simply take one capsule daily with a glass of water, and you’ll be on your way to supporting a healthy gut and immune system.
Whether you’re dealing with digestive issues, looking for the best probiotic for clear skin, or simply wanting to promote overall wellness, Culturelle Daily Probiotic Capsules are a great option to consider.
The unique blend of Love Wellness Clear Skin Probiotic has 15 strains of beneficial bacteria to support skin health.
Primary Benefits: Helps clear acne; supports healthy skin and the gut-skin connection; promotes the look of healthier, more hydrated skin; improves skin complexion
Features:
- 2 billion CFUs help support the appearance of healthy skin texture
- Zinc
- Chaste tree helps improve acne
- Clean ingredients
Love Wellness Clear Skin Probiotic is a high-quality and effective probiotic supplement that supports your skin health from the inside out.
Love Wellness Clear Skin Probiotic is designed to support clear and healthy skin.
This probiotic formula contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which work together to balance your gut microbiome and promote healthy skin from the inside out.
With just two capsules daily, this probiotic supplement is an easy and convenient way to boost your overall health.
Since we’re talking about hormonal imbalance, this probiotic may also be the top probiotic for PCOS acne.
If you want to reduce acne due to hormonal imbalance, Love Wellness Clear Skin Probiotic is for you.
Vitamin Bounty contains a high-potency blend of probiotics and prebiotics that can help support digestive and immune health.
Primary Benefits: Supports overall digestive health; supports your digestive system; nourishes your gut; helps with flatulence, bloating, and constipation
Features:
- 50 billion organisms per serving
- 13 probiotic strains
- Delayed release capsule to protect the organisms from stomach acid
Vitamin Bounty Pro 50 Probiotics With Prebiotics is a top-rated product and an Amazon's Choice. It’s a market leader in probiotic supplements for acne and gut health.
Vitamin Bounty Pro 50 Probiotics With Prebiotics is a dietary supplement that contains 50 billion CFUs of 13 different probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum.
These strains work together to support digestive and immune health.
Plus, each capsule has prebiotics, compounds that help nourish probiotics and promote their growth.
Moreover, the easy-to-swallow pill is gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Talk about taking the role of probiotics to the next level! In addition to improving gut and skin health, Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics can even aid in weight loss.
Primary Benefits: Supports immune system; helps good bacteria thrive; promotes digestive balance and regularity; helps relieve occasional discomfort
Features:
- 30 billion CFU and 14 probiotic strains
- Certified organic and non-GMO verified ingredients
- Hypoallergenic
Dr. Formulated Probiotics is a powerful probiotic supplement for anyone who wants to add probiotics to their daily health plan.
According to research, dysbiosis is a common symptom for people who are overweight.
To restore the healthy balance of gut bacteria, Dr. Formulated Probiotics contains specific probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus gasseri, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum, which can help promote weight loss.
One capsule per day is all it takes to restore your gut’s natural and healthy flora, reverse dysbiosis, and help regulate body weight.
We love the live probiotic bacteria in OmNutra Topical Probiotic Spray that support the skin's microbiome while reducing inflammation and improving hydration.
Primary Benefits: Rebuilds the skin’s flora and acid mantle to stop pathogens; alleviates skin condition that causes itching, inflammation, and breakouts; hydrates dry skin
Features:
- 13 high-potency live probiotics strains
- Organic ingredients
- Naturally safe alternatives for pharmaceutical prescriptions
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
By incorporating OmNutra Topical Probiotic Spray into your existing routine, you can work toward achieving healthier, more radiant skin.
While its benefits are promising, please note that this spray is intended to be used as part of a comprehensive skincare routine that includes regular cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
As with any skincare product, it’s important to consult a health-care provider or skincare professional before use to determine if it’s appropriate for your individual needs.
Clear Acne-Support Supplement is a 3-in-1 solution that tackles acne by supporting hormone balance, gut microbiome, and skin-essential nutrition.
Primary Benefits: Reduces breakouts, oiliness, and acne; helps balance hormones; promotes gut health
Features:
- Contains 18 billion CFU of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium probiotic strains
- Contains zinc and other nutrients and vitamins
- Contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
This supplement helps combat acne by working from the inside out to ensure your skin looks and feels great.
This probiotic vitamin utilizes a formula created to combat acne by supporting the three important factors that influence the skin: hormone imbalance, essential skin nutrition, and a healthy gut.
Along with probiotics, these supplements also contain zinc, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and essential vitamins and nutrients that support the health of acne-prone skin by boosting hydration, collagen production, and sebum control.
It’s a perfect supplement to promote skin health, reduce oiliness, prevent breakouts, and reduce the size of pores.
This probiotic and prebiotic supplement is formulated to support gut health and provide skin care.
Primary Benefits: Addresses non-cystic acne; promotes balanced gut; supports a clear, even complexion
Features:
- Formulated with nine potent strains of clear skin probiotics
- Contains konjac root for gut health
- Clinically studied formula
- Clean Label Project certified
These supplements are an excellent and clinically studied pre+probiotic formula for acne-prone skin.
This probiotic supplement supports skin and gut health in one convenient capsule. It contains a potent blend of probiotics perfect for non-cystic acne and prebiotic konjac root for stronger, balanced gut health.
This unique prebiotic and probiotic formula helps to balance the gut microbiome, decrease breakouts, and promote even and healthy skin tone.
This supplement is a science-based, acne-fighting system that works from the inside out to promote gut health for healthier, clear skin.
Primary Benefits: Reduces skin oiliness; kills off acne-causing bacteria; supports the immune system
Features:
- Made with vitamins A, E, and C
- Contains spinach leaf extract to nurture good gut bacteria
- A unique probiotic + prebiotic mix
This dietary supplement is a great combination of probiotics, zinc, and vitamins to help you balance your gut and combat acne.
This supplement is a great choice if you want a probiotic that helps make your skin look beautiful and healthy and provides all the benefits of gut support.
It contains a special probiotic and prebiotic blend with vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and spinach leaf extract to restore gut flora, help promote gut health, keep skin healthy, and support the digestive system.
These probiotics come in packs of five and other health-boosting skin-saving supplements for a total daily gut and skincare supplement pack.
Primary Benefits: Promotes clear skin; promotes cell renewal; supports hormone imbalance and gut health
Features:
- Each pack contains probiotics, turmeric, fish oil, diindolylmethane, and zinc
- Each probiotic pill contains 23 different probiotics
- Research-based formula
These prepacked vitamins give you everything you need to support your skin health and gut balance.
If you want the total skincare package, DrFormulas Skin Support Packs are an easy way to get your daily support supplements in one easy go.
Each pack contains one pill with 23 different probiotics, turmeric, fish oil, diindolylmethane, and zinc.
Each is designed to provide health and skincare benefits, including promoting clear skin, antioxidant benefits, immune system support, and hormone balance support.
It’s an easy way to grab and go, and your vitamins are all conveniently combined in one package.
Yummy chewable vitamins that combine probiotics and prebiotics to support natural flora and digestion balance
Primary Benefits: Supports a healthy digestive system; promotes immune system health; works on skincare from the inside
Features:
- Contains 500 million CFU of Bacillus coagulans and prebiotics
- Gluten-free and no artificial flavors
- Juicy peach flavor
If you love gummies and need your probiotic fix, this is a great choice for both!
Who doesn’t love gummy vitamins? If you’d prefer gummies for your probiotics, Olly provides an option that contains a good combination of live probiotics and prebiotic fiber to help keep your gut balanced and support skin health.
Each gummy contains 500 million CFU of Bacillus coagulans, which nourish your good bacteria and promote a healthy digestive tract and immune system.
The best part? They taste delicious with a juicy peach flavor that will make you look forward to taking your probiotic vitamins daily.
This #1 selling supplement is backed by research and formulated specifically to support women’s health.
Primary Benefits: Supports digestive and urinary health; promotes better health for better skin; boosts immune health
Features:
- Backed by science
- 25 billion CFU per capsule with a blend of 12 different strains
- 100% live cultures through expiration
This probiotic daily vitamin is crafted by experts for women’s health from the inside out.
Renew Life Women’s Care Probiotic was formulated by neuroscientists, microbiologists, chemists, and researchers with strains backed by 25 years of women’s clinical research.
Just one capsule a day provides 4-in-1 benefits, including supporting digestive health, immune health, overall health, and skin wellness, and even vaginal probiotics to maintain healthy vaginal pH and yeast levels.
It’s gluten, dairy, and soy-free — an excellent option for daily women’s health support.
This easy-to-use topical probiotic spray is perfect for getting the probiotics directly onto the skin.
Primary Benefits: Balances the skin’s microbiome; boosts hydration; reduces inflammation; combats acne
Features:
- Easy liquid spray-on formulation
- Contains a proprietary probiotic blend designed for the skin
- USDA and organic
This topical spray is a game changer for promoting skin health and keeping acne at bay.
Mary Ruth’s Topical Probiotic Liquid is one of the top probiotic skincare for acne solutions available if you want something that you can apply directly to your skin.
This water-based spray is packed with a potent and proprietary blend of probiotics and organic ingredients designed to combat breakouts.
It’s a gentle skincare product that helps boost hydration and reduce inflammation while promoting a balanced skin microbiome.
It’s dermatologist-approved, very convenient, and easy to use.
Codeage is an all-in-one premium probiotic supplement that supports clear, healthier-looking skin.
Primary Benefits: Supports gut health; reduces inflammation and oil production; combats acne
Features:
- Contains 19 probiotic strains and 50 CFUs per serving
- With phytoceramides and botanical herbs rooted in Ayurveda
- Vegan, gluten and soy-free, non-GMO
These supplements provide an effective and all-natural way to support gut health and promote healthier, clearer skin.
Codeage Skin Probiotics + Prebiotics is an excellent supplement that combines probiotics and prebiotics to support clear and healthy skin.
When taken regularly, these supplements can help balance your skin’s microbiome to reduce inflammation and oil production, leading to fewer breakouts.
It also contains botanicals, including acai powder, ginger, fenugreek, and rose hip extracts. It’s vegan, gluten-free, GMO, and soy-free.
Gramright Acne Pills is a probiotic acne solution that’s good for both teens and adults.
Primary Benefits: Flushes acne-causing toxins from the body; reduces inflammation; improves skin tone
Features:
- Science-based formulation
- Contains probiotics, niacinamide, biotin, Vitex, and other vitamins and minerals
- Created by dermatologists
This probiotic-based acne pill is designed to target acne by balancing your gut microbiome and improving skin health.
Acne is a frustrating problem that begins in adolescence and continues into adulthood. This probiotic pill is designed to help combat acne for both teens and adults.
It contains probiotics to help detox the skin and niacinamide to target blemishes and improve overall skin texture from the inside out.
It doesn’t dry out the skin and is suitable for all skin types.
This natural dietary supplement aims to improve skin health by supporting the health of the gut and immune system.
Primary Benefits: Supports gut health; promotes immune system; targets acne, redness, and inflammation
Features:
- Made with clinically proven probiotics and prebiotics
- Contains six targeted probiotic strains that target the gut-skin axis
- Soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO
This probiotic supplement is designed specifically for women to promote clearer skin and boost overall health.
Kuma’s Glow Biome Clear Skin Probiotics + Prebiotics dietary supplements are designed to improve skin health by boosting gut balance and immune system function.
It’s targeted specifically toward combatting breakouts and reducing the occurrence of acne from happening in the future so you can enjoy clearer skin and balance your gut flora and overall well-being.
Plus, it’s free from GMOs, soy, dairy, egg, gluten, other allergens, artificial colors, or preservatives.
How Can Gut Health Affect Your Skin and Why?
The relationship between gut health and skin is an emerging area of research, and there is growing evidence to suggest that the health of your gut can impact the condition of your skin.
Here are some ways in which gut health may affect the skin:
Inflammation
The gut and the skin are both part of the body’s immune system. Imbalances in the gut microbiota (the community of microorganisms in the digestive tract) can lead to increased systemic inflammation.
This inflammation may contribute to various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Leaky Gut Syndrome
When the intestinal barrier becomes more permeable than usual, allowing substances to leak into the bloodstream that would normally be kept in the gut, it’s referred to as leaky gut syndrome.
Some researchers believe that this increased permeability could trigger inflammatory responses, potentially impacting the skin and contributing to skin disorders.
Microbiota Balance
The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively known as the gut microbiota. The balance of these microorganisms is crucial for overall health.
An imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can influence the immune system, triggering an immune response and the release of cytokines — the body’s inflammatory messengers, which make you prone to acne.
Nutrient Absorption
The gut plays a key role in absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. Nutrient deficiencies can impact the health of the skin.
For example, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc, are associated with skin conditions.
Mood and Stress
The gut-brain-skin axis is a concept that suggests communication between the gut, the brain, and the skin. Stress and mood disorders can affect gut health and may contribute to skin problems.
Conversely, skin conditions themselves can lead to stress and impact mental well-being, creating a bidirectional relationship.
Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
The fermentation of dietary fibers in the gut produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may contribute to skin health.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Consuming probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria) may positively influence the gut microbiota.
Some studies suggest that supplementation with probiotics or the consumption of probiotic-rich foods may improve certain skin conditions.
How Can Probiotics Help With Acne?
Probiotics are known for their beneficial effects on your gut health, ensuring optimal gut health and, subsequently, reducing inflammation in the skin.
This is why taking probiotics is one of the top acne treatments. They heal the skin and the body from the inside out!
In recent years, they have become a game changer for those who are struggling with skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and even eczema.
Here are some of the benefits of probiotics for acne-prone skin:
Calms Internal and External Inflammation
Acne is often caused by inflammation in the skin. Probiotics can help reduce inflammation by balancing the bacteria in the gut and on the skin, which can lead to fewer breakouts.
Suppresses the Growth of Cutibacterium Acnes
Applying topical probiotics can promote bacterial balance in your skin, similar to how oral probiotics increase the diversity of your gut microbiome.
This improves acne as it reduces inflammatory acne lesions and other chronic skin conditions.
Strengthens the Skin’s Natural Moisture Barrier
Probiotics increase the production of ceramides, which are natural moisturizers and are vital to reducing redness, inflammation, and irritation in the skin.
Boosts the Immune System
Taking probiotics can boost the immune system, which can in turn help the body fight off acne-causing bacteria and other harmful pathogens.
Regulates Sebum Production
Probiotics restore natural hormone levels, which is the key to regulating oil production, leading to clearer skin.
Enhances the Effectiveness of Other Acne Treatments
Probiotics can enhance the effectiveness of topical creams and anti-acne skincare products. They reduce acne-causing bacteria in the skin and induce the production of ceramides that boost skin health.
Note
Please bear in mind, however, that probiotics are not a miracle cure for acne, and results may vary from one person to another.
As always, it’s best to speak with your health-care provider before starting any new supplement or skincare routine to ensure it’s safe and effective for you.
Which Probiotic Strains Help Alleviate Acne?
While there are hundreds of probiotic strains, not all will work for acne. This is because probiotics are strain-specific, which means not all of them will deliver the same result.
Thus, you want to choose strains that are proven to influence acne or the pathways that drive it. Currently, there are only a few clinical trials that assess and evaluate the effects of specific probiotic strains on patients with acne.
These are the strains that are clinically researched to address some of the triggers for breakouts and fight acne:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown to improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation, making it the top probiotic strain for acne.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum can help restore balance to the skin microbiome. It also boosts the immune system and reduce the severity of acne breakouts and eczema.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and improving the skin’s natural barrier function.
L. rhamnosus can also help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays, as well as improve hydration and overall skin health.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Probiotics
While there is a growing body of research supporting the use of probiotics for skin health, more studies are needed to fully understand their potential benefits and risks.
That being said, taking probiotics may also pose certain risks and side effects:
- Digestive symptoms. Some of the most common potential risks associated with oral probiotics include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.
These issues occur especially if you are taking high doses of probiotics or if your gut microbiome is already imbalanced. The introduction of new bacteria to the gut may cause an overgrowth of one type of bacteria.
- Allergic reactions. Some people may experience allergic reactions to certain strains of probiotics.
These reactions may manifest as itching, swelling, or hives and can be particularly dangerous in individuals with severe allergies.
- Infections. People with weakened immune systems may also be at greater risk for infection as the introduction of new bacteria may disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and increase the risk of infection.
- Interference with medical treatments. Probiotics may interfere with certain medical treatments, such as antibiotics, immunosuppressants, or antifungal medications, reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
- Possible effects on pregnancy. Pregnant and lactating women should also speak to their health-care provider before taking probiotics as the effects of these supplements on fetal development and breast milk are not yet fully understood.
Thus, if you’re considering taking probiotics as an oral supplement, it’s important to speak to your physician. This way, you’ll be guided on the right strain and appropriate dosage for your unique needs.
Final Thoughts on Probiotics as Acne Treatment
The relationship between probiotics and acne is an exciting area of research that holds promise for those looking to improve their skin health.
Several studies have suggested that certain strains of probiotics may help to reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, and improve overall skin health, potentially leading to fewer breakouts and clearer skin.
However, more research is needed to fully understand which formulations work and to identify the top probiotic strain for acne and other skin- and gut-related problems.
If you’re considering using probiotics to improve severe and persistent acne, it’s crucial to consult with a professional.
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