beauty
/ by Zena Gabriel, MD
The Skinny on Probiotics Spoiler alert: they aren’t just for gastrointestinal health
One of the biggest medical trends right now is the use of probiotics for the skin. Probiotics have been studied extensively in gastrointestinal (GI) medical literature, but not extensively in dermatology literature. Overall however, the bacterial milieu of the GI tract is intrinsically important in inflammatory conditions all over the body. The bacteria in our GI tract play a crucial role in our digestive health but are also integrally related to our immune system as they help restore the level of healthy bacteria in your gut. When these microorganisms get unbalanced, the immune system is affected; inflammatory disorders get worse, so diseases like acne can flare up. Probiotics help maintain a robust microorganism culture in the GI tract and this can reduce inflammation and improve acne and the skin overall. This benefit may be greater in those whose immune system is sensitive to GI issues. Some of us are sensitive to what’s going on in our gut, and some of us are less sensitive. Topical probiotics hit the market quite recently and the preliminary studies show that anti-inflammatory effects can improve acne and reduce breakouts, all while helping your system on the inside. Topical probiotics also regulate the follicular bacteria (skin bacteria), so there is a direct effect on oil production and inflammation, which are largely due to the bacterial overgrowth in the follicle. You could even say that the studies have shown that they help you stay beautiful, inside and out. Topical antibiotics (like benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin) have been the standard of care for years to eliminate the bacterial overgrowth involved in acne. Most over-thecounter acne treatments tend to have a good amount of them. Now, topical probiotics can be used as another way to regulate this bacterial component to acne. However, once again, it is important to realize that acne treatment is not a one-stop-shop – it is a complicated disorder related to genetic and environmental factors. There is no overnight or miracle treatment. Totally effective acne treatment requires multiple ingredients to target the four main factors: follicular plugging, oil production, bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. It is a process that sometimes involves a long period of trial and error. Not one drug or cream does all of this.
54
ScottsdaleHealth
02/18
Dr. Zena H. Gabriel has been featured as a dermatology expert in syndicated commercials and seminars alongside major brands like Neutrogena, L’Oreal Paris, Johnson & Johnson and Allergan. She has also been invited as a medical expert to appear on national television to showcase her unique niche and sharp industry perspective. She is actively sought out for honorary industry panel appearances and is the practitioner of choice for a wide variety of discerning celebrity clientele.