Are Probiotics The Secret To Radiant Skin?
The helpful bacteria known as probiotics are commonly associated with digestive health, but did you know they can also be good for your skin?
A recent study published in the Journal of Dairy Science has shown that a specific probiotic (known as Lactococcus lactis strain H61) may improve skin health in young women with already healthy skin.
This probiotic is commonly found in fermented dairy products in Japan.
The results of this study are both surprising and encouraging…
You see, past studies exploring the effect of probiotics on skin health have often focused on treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis.
According to the results of the study, led by Hiromi Kimoto-Nira, PhD, of the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science (NILGS) in Japan, probiotic treatment may have greater implications for preventative skin care, offering potential benefits for individuals with normal skin.
A double-blind study of 23 women between the ages of 19 and 21 showed increased sebum levels in the cheeks of participants who received the probiotic over a four-week course of treatment.
This measurement has been interpreted as an indicator of better skin protection.
In a person with healthy skin, sebum helps to keep the skin hydrated, and protects the skin from fungal and bacterial infections.
This study shows the natural skin-protectant factor offered by naturally-occurring sebum may actually be increased with daily probiotic treatment.
This is great news!
We’re already seeing probiotics included in skin care formulas and beauty products.
And although Lactococcus lactis strain H61 is not commonly found in most foods containing active live cultures, studies like this greatly improve the chances of finding H61 yogurt and probiotic capsules at a grocery store or pharmacy near you in the near future!
