Acne is widespread, and those affected often suffer greatly from it. Furthermore, acne isn't just a problem for teenagers; even in later life, poor skin can make life difficult. Probiotics for acne might be worth a try, as it has been shown that many people have an imbalanced gut flora.

What is acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and is particularly prevalent among teenagers during puberty. This is due to hormonal changes, which can be quite erratic during this time. Pimples and pustules can also appear more frequently during pregnancy or menopause.

These spots predominantly appear on the face, especially on the forehead and chin. However, the skin on the décolletage and back can also be affected; in some cases, spots even develop on the scalp, buttocks, chest, or thighs.

Different forms of acne

Acne is not a single condition; there are several degrees of severity. Consequently, the level of distress experienced by those affected varies. Treatment for acne also depends on the specific form of the condition.

Acne vulgaris

Common acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is the most frequent type. It is always caused by hormonal changes, and young people are usually more affected. Acne vulgaris is further divided into three subtypes. Acne comedonica is mild, manifests as blackheads and whiteheads, and almost exclusively affects the face.

Papulopustular acne

In this moderate form of acne, inflamed pimples appear in addition to blackheads. This type of acne is typically found on the face and back.

Acne conglobata

The most severe form of acne is acne conglobata, characterized by distinct nodules under the skin. Inflammation develops rapidly, and when the lesions heal, a visible scar often remains. Sometimes, cystic skin lesions also form in this variant.

Other forms of acne

Sometimes acne has nothing to do with hormones or other internal factors. It can also develop when certain ingredients in cosmetics, food, or medications are not tolerated. In this case, it's called contact acne, drug acne, cosmetic acne, doping acne, or chlorine acne. Essentially, these are allergic reactions, so the only thing that needs to be identified is the triggering substance.

Other special forms of acne include Mallorca acne, acne inversa, neonatal acne, or fungal acne, which is caused by fungi.

What are the causes of acne?

The primary cause of acne is hormonal, with male sex hormones being the main suspect. Since these are also produced to a small extent by the female body, women can also be affected by acne. Women are particularly prone to acne during pregnancy, menopause, and after discontinuing birth control pills.

Testosterone strongly stimulates sebum production, and at the same time, more keratin is formed. As a result, the pores clog very easily, preventing the sebum from escaping the skin. Initially, blackheads appear, but if bacteria multiply, an inflammatory reaction occurs, leading to the formation of pimples.

Other risk factors for the development of acne

Hormones aren't always to blame for this unsightly skin condition. There is indeed a genetic predisposition for developing acne. However, it has also been shown that stress and psychological strain can affect the skin. Furthermore, oily cosmetic products can also contribute to acne.

Finally, there are also medications whose ingredients can trigger acne. These include, for example, psychotropic drugs, cortisone, anabolic steroids, sleeping pills, antibiotics, tranquilizers, neuroleptics, the birth control pill, cancer medications, and vitamins B2, B6, and B12. Diet can also have a significant impact on the skin's appearance.

What are probiotics?

The term probiotics is composed of the words "pro" (for) and "bios" (life), and indeed, gut health is of enormous importance for life. Probiotics are live microorganisms that colonize the intestinal lining and influence various bodily processes.

These are mostly bacteria, sometimes also yeasts. Generally, certain conditions must be met for microorganisms to be recognized as probiotics:

• They must produce lactic acid and similar substances with a bactericidal effect.
• They must be able to multiply in the intestines.
• They must have a proven positive effect on health.
• They must be genetically stable to prevent pathogenic mutations.

Do probiotics help with acne?

Taking probiotics can be indirectly helpful for acne. Studies have shown that many acne patients also have an imbalanced gut flora. They often suffer from constipation, bloating, and heartburn, which one wouldn't initially associate with acne.

Constipation often arises from a deficiency of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in the body. Frequently, constipation also leads to a more permeable intestinal barrier, causing the immune system to overreact and resulting in skin inflammation. Taking probiotics could restore balance in the gut, potentially improving the skin's condition.

Probiotics and acne therapy

It's no wonder that the gut flora of acne patients is often disrupted. After all, many have to take antibiotics for extended periods when dealing with severe cases. Doxycycline, in particular, which is frequently used, is known for such side effects. Taking probiotics in addition to antibiotics could significantly speed up the resolution of skin symptoms.

Probiotics and prebiotics can inhibit pro-inflammatory substances and reduce oxidative stress, which could also have a positive effect on acne. A strengthened immune system also has a significant effect on the appearance of acne.

Which probiotics are suitable for acne?

In trials, the following bacterial strains in particular showed a positive effect on the skin appearance in acne:

• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus casei
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactococcus lactis
• Bifidobacterium bifiddum
• Bifidobacterium lactis

These bacteria are able to inhibit inflammation in the body, strengthen the immune system, and promote the production of antioxidants, which in turn soothe the skin. In this way, acne can heal much faster. Furthermore, not only is the intestinal barrier repaired, but the skin barrier is also strengthened simultaneously.

How do probiotics work for acne?

It's certainly interesting to learn how probiotics can actually affect the appearance of acne. Firstly, they promote the production of antibacterial proteins and inhibitors, which in turn inhibit the growth of other bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes.

Furthermore, probiotics also reduce hyperkeratosis. This means that they prevent the thickening of the skin's stratum corneum. In addition, they significantly inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators.

Initial worsening of symptoms due to probiotics

It's perfectly normal to experience an initial worsening of symptoms when taking probiotics. This is actually a good sign that your body is responding positively to the supplement. So don't be surprised if your skin initially looks and feels much better.

You may also experience temporary digestive discomfort, as waste products and gases are produced in the intestines. These symptoms usually only last a short time and should disappear quickly.

Conclusion

Probiotics can indeed successfully support acne therapy. This is partly because the gut flora of acne patients is often out of balance. And partly because many patients have to take antibiotics, which in turn leads to the destruction of beneficial gut bacteria.