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Skin supplement · Microbiome

Probiotics

Also searched as: Lactobacillus · Bifidobacterium · gut bacteria supplement

Live bacteria taken by mouth. Whether they affect skin depends on the strain and the condition, and specific trial results are not listed here.

Vanu Health Research Team · Updated

What is Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, typically Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium strains, taken in capsules, powders or fermented foods.

What it does for skin

The idea that gut bacteria influence skin is called the gut-skin axis. Research on it has focused on conditions such as atopic dermatitis and acne.

What the research shows

Results differ from strain to strain, so a result for one strain does not transfer to another.

Forms, amounts and limits

Choose products that list the strain and colony-forming units. There is no standard dose across strains.

Safety

People who are immunocompromised or seriously ill should use probiotics only with medical advice.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medicines.

Questions

Which probiotic is best for skin?

There is no universal best. Evidence is strain-specific, so check the studies for the exact strain.

Sources

    General information, not medical advice. Vanu Health does not sell this supplement. Read our terms.