In this final installment of the 3 Vitals for Beautiful Skin, we’re going to explore a topic that I’m asked about often. We’ve already covered the vitals of Antioxidants and Collagen, why they are necessary for great skin health, and where to find those vitals. In the last article of what’s important for your skin health, we’ll look at probiotics, where to find them, and why they are a key player in the quest for glowing, functional skin.
First, let’s understand what it means to want “glowing, functional skin”
We’d like our skin to look supple, not too oily or too dry. Even skin tone and texture is always a plus. We’d definitely like to not have acne or breakouts. Is all of this feasibly attainable, 24/7/365 days of the year? Likely not. We may have two or three of those desirable conditions nailed down, but in my experience with skin care, something is always bothering my clients about their skin condition.
Now, what are probiotics, exactly?
Probiotics have been much discussed in recent years, highly touted for their ability to place good bacteria in the gut, which then helps to heal the gut and thereby aiding the body to address a number of conditions that start in the gut. Conditions like acne, joint inflammation, heartburn, food allergies, can and often do start in the gastrointestinal tract. With that said, imagine if we could begin to heal some of our most pressing skin issues, simply by taking good care of our guts? It’s entirely possible!
Those experiencing adult acne or hormonal acne will especially want to take note of probiotics, as it could help to clear up your skin.
Acne is not usually caused by external factors (minus climate and pollution, to an extent), but instead, internal factors. Also remember: acne is an inflammatory disease, so if you can reduce inflammation in your gut, you can reduce the inflammation on your face. This will also aid people with flushed or sensitive skin.
Aside from trying to heal acne/breakouts, having great internal health through your gut can lend a certain radiance to your complexion. Ever heard how eating dark, leafy greens or darker berries (acai, blueberry) can make your skin look amazing? It’s not necessarily the fruit or veggie itself, it’s how your body digests the nutrients and antioxidants and how easily it can be delivered to your skin via a healthy digestive tract.
Lastly: where can you find probiotics?
There are a number of places to look, both natural and effective. Probiotics come in capsulated form, and you can take them in the morning with a full glass of water. If you’re looking to incorporate them in different ways, look for probiotic-rich foods. Fermented soy products like tempeh or tofu, as well as kimchi, kombucha, apple cider vinegar, certain yogurts (kefir and lassi come to mind)….making these a regular staple in your diet is a great move. Also, for those wondering–probiotics can reduce bloating as well.
Our excellent Naturopathic Doctors could easily help you find a great probiotic for you, as well as discussing other aspects of eating, digestive health and more! We have many patients who utilize both Naturopathic medicine and natural skincare regimens to great complementary effect!
We’ve now effectively covered all the ways to naturally take care of your skin, internally! Certain fruits and veggies (Vitals #1: Antioxidants). Bone broth and supplements (Vitals #2: Collagen). Kimchi and apple cider vinegar (Vitals #3: Probiotics). Whether or not you decide to incorporate one or all of these into your routine, it’s important to point out that 80% of a client’s skin condition is accounted for at home. The treatment room, and an esthetician’s expertise, only accounts for 20% of your skin. A BIG 20%, as we give you the necessary tips and tools to succeed, but a lot of the process ends with you.
Happy to help, and here to continue lending a helping hand. Schedule a facial today to chat about your options and a regimen that fits your lifestyle. And check out the Fall Special for esthetics – designed for teens looking to feel their best moving into the school year.