A balanced body gives you a natural, healthy glow that cannot be replicated by skincare creams. According to the latest scientific findings, the best way to care for your skin is, in fact, from within.
Your skin and what it does:
The skin is the largest organ in your body and has a large contact surface with the outside environment. It is also home to billions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that make up the skin microbiota.
Our skin has a variety of functions, including protecting us from outside agents and regulating our body temperature. Similarly, to those in our gut, skin bacteria play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system and protecting the skin from pathogens.
The skin has three layers:
- the epidermis is the outermost layer of skin. It acts as a waterproof barrier and gives us our skin tone.
- the dermis is the middle layer. It contains connective tissues, hair follicles and sweat glands.
- the hypodermis, or deeper subcutaneous tissue, is made up of fat and connective tissue.
Skincare from within
Most of us think that caring for our skin comes from the outside. However, taking good care of your skin from the inside may have a greater effect on how your skin looks and feels than you might think.
Some skin care tips for healthy glowing skin:
- Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and reducing your intake of caffeine and alcohol, both of which dehydrate you.
- A diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure your skin receives all the vitamins and antioxidants it needs.
- It might not be obvious when you're getting enough sleep, but looking at your skin after a night of tossing and turning will reveal the importance of good sleep.
- Moving your body and getting your blood pumping will immediately show in your skin.
- You can really see the effects of a healthy gut on your skin and taking a daily probiotic is one way to help your skin from the inside out.
What is gut-skin axis?
You may have heard of the gut-brain axis, but did you know there is also a gut-skin axis? That’s right, there is a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and the skin involving the immune system, hormonal signaling, and the microbiome. There are several pathways connecting the gut and skin, including the bloodstream, lymphatic system, and nervous system.
It has been shown that gut microbiome imbalances can contribute to acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Similarly, skin conditions can also influence the gut microbiome, leading to dysbiosis and inflammation.
In other words, checking in with your skin can also be a good indicator of your gut health. And when your skin isn’t looking its best, it could be an indication that something is off in your gut.
Make probiotics a part of your daily skincare routine
Skincare is a long game - you have to keep at it to reap the rewards down the line. Making probiotics part of your daily routine is an excellent way to support a balanced gut and enjoy a healthy, glowing complexion.
Although there is a lot more research to be done regarding probiotics and skin care, some of the findings so far indicate that probiotics can aid in:
- Improved skin elasticity
- Increased skin hydration
- Normalized & healthy immune response
- Improved skin health in people with common skin conditions
- Healthier skin in kids & teens
You can find more information about the gut-skin axis in other materials in our Learning Lab.
