Written by: Jen Cox - AdvDip NAT + WHM. @keeperandkin

When it comes to looks, it’s what’s inside that counts. We mean this quite literally… the health of your skin can fluctuate widely based on internal situations. Being the functional bad ass it is - protecting your insides from pollution, bacteria and viruses daily - you can bet that dermal based mood ring of yours will show the world what’s up. Unaddressed stress, dietary imbalance or immune issues will all show in the skin. As probiotics help with all of these things, let's look at some specific ways your microbiome will impact that fabulous face of yours.

Probiotics balance immunity

If overactive immune conditions like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis are regular features on your bod (or on the bod of one of your loved ones) immune balance should be a priority. Probiotics are great at this. Research suggests they can modulate immunity by changing how the immune cells themselves behave. Consider probiotics the calming friend to a hot headed immune system - ready to dish out perspective exactly when needed.

Pro Tip: Atopic dermatitis is far more common in children than adults, so we recommend dosing your little love with the Broad Spectrum Baby Probiotic. This can both help avoid the development, or ease the symptoms of this skin condition.

Probitoics reduce inflammation

This skill is applicable to just about any skin condition from cystic acne to rosacea. If it’s red and angry, you can bet those chill little bacterial negotiators will help. One thing to note: when it comes to supplementation, change can take time. Your microbiome is stable but not static, as example of a timeframe to work with to see results, research specific to the strain Bifidobacterium infantis suggests an 8 week stint may be required. Don't give up if you’re not feeling better after one dose. Take some before photos, drink plenty of water and stick to your guns. 

PSA: both our Coconut Plus and Baby probiotic blends contain Bifidobacterium infantis so are go-to choices for inflammation.

Probiotics impact hormones

If you’ve ever copped a hormonal zit, or like me - RUDELY assumed you would grow out of acne well before the wrinkles kicked in - it’s time to get serious about your hormones and the microbiome.  The good bacteria in our bodies tinker with metabolism and use of hormones, so keeping things balanced can remove the unnecessary overload that may be causing your skin issues. They’re also rad at preventing insulin resistance, can impact both estrogen and stress hormone levels AND will dampen premenstrual anxiety symptoms by being such clever little psychobiotics. Ladies, please officially meet your new monthly best friend.

Pro tip: add in some Nourishing Reds to your protocol for best results. This contains loads of antioxidants, globe artichoke and dandelion - all of which assist the liver in removing excess hormones.

Probiotics help us to manage stress.

A stressful lifestyle is bound to show in your face. As well as impacting food and hydration choices, stress churns through many of your skins favourite nutrients like zinc and vitamin C, so expect whatever your dermal weakness is to worsen when under the pump. The gut is officially your ‘second brain’ according to the Harvard Heath minds, so a good place to start protecting against stress. Psychobiotics in particular have your back here. These impact neurotransmitters, meaning you’ll cope better with difficult situations, anxious feelings AND have more energy for the good dietary choices that will nourish your skin, rather than ravage it.

Pro tip: Go for the Gorgeous Greens blend to alkalise the body and reduce the acidic environment that stress induced inflammation loves.  This will also increase those much needed green veggies your body is craving.