Probiotics - the healthy bacteria linked to a healthy digestive tract - is being increasingly prescribed by dermatologists for pimple prevention, according to new research.
Oral probiotics, also known as "good bacteria," fight pimples before they pop up on your face by affecting the gut-brain-skin axis.
"By introducing healthy bacteria into the gut, it can actually re-seal the gut lining and prevent system wide inflammation that's thought to lead to acne and rosacea flares," Dr. Whitney Bowe, who works with the American Academy of Dermatology, told ABC 2.
The American Academy of Dermatology named probiotics one of 2014's best beauty breakthroughs.
Probiotics from food supplements have previously been proved to treat acne in several small studies from Italy, Russia and Korea, reported Live Science. Some of the most effective probiotic strains in these studies include Lactobacillus, L. acidophilus and B. bifudum.
The use of probiotics to keep away pimples reportedly changed the life of 24-year-old Danielle Schwarz.
"At its worst, I didn't really want to leave the house," she told ABC 2.
Her dermatologist finally put her on a plan using traditional acne therapy combined with a daily dose of probiotics.
"I would say now that I rarely have breakouts," Schwarz told ABC 2.
Although probiotics seemingly have good results, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy Derick told ABC 2 more research is needed before probiotics are considered "standard practice."
"I would like to see more research that are randomized and placebo controlled in both oral and topical probiotics. I'd also like to see research on which exact probiotics are helpful and in what frequency and in what application," Derick told ABC 2.
