As the term might suggest, hormonal acne is acne that is triggered by hormonal changes in the body. To get rid of the acne completely, working with a doctor to find the root cause of hormonal troubles is recommended. However, topical interventions can still help. Here’s why you should consider probiotics for hormonal acne:
What is hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne causes cysts to show up on the chin and around the forehead. Male hormones called androgens are the culprits, testosterone included. These hormones encourage glands in the skin to produce more oil. As a result, pores become clogged, making the perfect breeding ground for a bacterial imbalance.
Both men and women can experience hormonal acne and the condition is most common during the teen years. Adult acne, however, is becoming far more common. A 2008 study conducted by the University of Alabama found that 50 percent of women between the ages of 20 and 29 had adult acne. 26 percent of women between the ages of 40 and 49 were affected.
Do probiotics work for hormonal acne?
In the clinic, antibiotics are often used in defence against severe acne. However, there may be reason to opt for a probiotic instead. The skin is coated by a microscopic ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes. These tiny free-riders work symbiotically with human cells, contributing to a healthy immune system.
Unfortunately, imbalances in the skin microbiome can also contribute to acne, even if the underlying cause is hormonal. In hormonal acne, bacterial imbalance can still contribute to inflammation and cysts.
One of the theories behind the effectiveness of topical probiotics is that beneficial bacteria can crowd out or out compete pro-inflammatory bacteria. Bacteria belonging to the species Propionibacterium acnes are thought to be the primary instigators of acne pimples and cysts.
Applying a probiotic to the skin offers a dose of helpful bacteria in hopes of reducing the problematic community. Microbes like Bacillus subtilis, an active ingredient in Probiotic Action, are naturally found in the soil and on vegetation. They are also a natural part of a healthy skin and gut microbiome.
When placed on the skin, these live bacteria compete for food and resources with other strains. Bacillus subtilis is known to compete with other bacterial species by excreting compounds that are toxic to certain microbes.
This helps the beneficial Bacillus subtilis take up residence on the skin while more harmful types of bacteria are crowded out and possibly killed off. Unlike P. acnes bacteria, is rare for Bacillus subtilis to colonize on the body. This means that it is safe to spray on the skin without aggravating the acne.
Where to find probiotics for acne
Probiotic Action offers two probiotic sprays that can be used topically for acne. The Probiotic Action Sprayer contains two ingredients: purified water and Fermented Bacillus subtilis. To use, simply dilute the probiotic fluid with some filtered water and apply to the affected area.
For best results, it is recommended to wash your face with a gentle but deep cleanser like Probiotic Action’s Bentonite Clay Cleanser. If using your own cleanser, an organic product is recommended.
