Probiotics are live microorganisms that help support a balanced gut microbiome. While they are most commonly associated with digestive health, researchers are increasingly exploring how the microbiome may also influence the skin.

This connection between the gut and the skin — known as the gut–skin axis — has led scientists to investigate whether probiotics may help support inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Understanding how probiotics interact with the microbiome may offer new insights into how supporting gut health could influence skin wellbeing from within.

Founder Insight

Hanna Sillitoe first became interested in the connection between gut health and skin while recovering from severe psoriasis. During this time she began exploring emerging research on the gut microbiome and its role in inflammation and skin conditions.

This experience sparked a long-standing interest in how supporting the microbiome may influence skin health and inspired the development of Hanna Sillitoe’s gut-focused approach to wellbeing.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually beneficial bacteria, that can help support the balance of microbes living in the gut. They are naturally found in certain foods and can also be consumed as supplements.

The human digestive system contains trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microbes play important roles in digestion, immune regulation and inflammatory signalling throughout the body.

When the microbiome is balanced and diverse, it helps support many essential processes that contribute to overall health. However, factors such as diet, stress, illness or antibiotics can sometimes disrupt this balance.

Probiotics are often used to help support the microbiome by introducing beneficial bacteria that may help maintain microbial diversity and balance.

The Gut Connection

The Gut–Skin Axis

The gut–skin axis describes the biological communication network linking the gut microbiome, the immune system and the skin.

The gut microbiome plays a central role in regulating immune responses and inflammatory pathways throughout the body. Because many skin conditions involve immune dysregulation and inflammation, scientists have become increasingly interested in how the microbiome may influence skin health.

Gut bacteria and immune signalling

Beneficial gut bacteria interact with immune cells located in the digestive tract. These interactions help regulate immune responses and maintain balance within the immune system.

When the microbiome becomes imbalanced — a state known as dysbiosis — immune signalling may become disrupted, potentially contributing to inflammatory responses that affect the skin.

The intestinal barrier

The gut lining acts as a protective barrier between the digestive system and the bloodstream. When this barrier is weakened, substances from the gut may pass into circulation and trigger immune reactions.

Some researchers believe this process may contribute to systemic inflammation that can influence skin health.

Systemic inflammation

Although skin conditions appear on the surface of the body, they are often influenced by internal inflammatory processes. Because the microbiome plays a role in regulating inflammation, supporting gut health may influence inflammatory responses throughout the body.

What Research Shows

Research on Probiotics and Skin Health

Interest in probiotics and skin health has grown significantly in recent years, with researchers exploring whether probiotics may influence inflammatory skin conditions through the gut–skin axis.

While research is still evolving, several studies have suggested potential links between probiotics, immune regulation and skin health.

Key findings include:

• Immune system regulation – Certain probiotic strains may influence immune signalling pathways that help regulate inflammatory responses in the body.

• Support for skin barrier function – Some research suggests probiotics may influence mechanisms involved in maintaining the skin barrier.

• Microbiome balance – Probiotics may help support microbial diversity within the gut microbiome, which is associated with better immune regulation.

• Links to inflammatory skin conditions – Some studies have explored the potential role of probiotics in conditions such as eczema, acne and rosacea, though more research is needed to fully understand these effects.

Although results vary between studies, these findings highlight growing interest in how microbiome support may influence skin health.

Sources

• Salem I et al. The gut microbiome as a major regulator of the gut–skin axis. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2018.

• Knackstedt R et al. The role of topical and oral probiotics in skin conditions. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020.

• Huang R et al. Probiotics for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 2017.

• Navarro-López V et al. Probiotics in the treatment of acne and skin inflammation. Beneficial Microbes, 2018.

Supporting the Microbiome

While probiotics are one approach to supporting the microbiome, a healthy gut environment is influenced by many everyday habits.

Eat a diverse range of plant foods

A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole grains provides fibre that helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

Increase fibre intake

Fibre acts as fuel for gut microbes. When bacteria ferment fibre, they produce compounds known as short-chain fatty acids, which help support gut barrier integrity and immune balance.

Include fermented foods

Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and yoghurt naturally contain beneficial microorganisms that may help support microbiome diversity.

Support healthy lifestyle habits

Sleep, stress levels and physical activity can all influence the microbiome. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits may help support overall gut health.

Consider probiotic support

Some people choose to support their microbiome with probiotics — live microorganisms designed to help maintain microbial balance within the digestive system.

Common Questions About Probiotics and Skin Health

Do probiotics help skin health?

Research suggests probiotics may influence immune regulation and inflammation, which are important factors in many skin conditions. Scientists continue to explore how the microbiome may influence skin health.

Can probiotics help eczema or acne?

Some studies have investigated whether probiotics may support inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Results vary between studies, and more research is needed to fully understand these effects.

How long do probiotics take to work?

The microbiome is complex and changes gradually over time. Some people choose to take probiotics consistently for several weeks or months to support microbiome balance.

Conclusion

Growing research into the gut–skin axis highlights the important role the microbiome may play in regulating immune responses and inflammation throughout the body.

While probiotics are not a cure for skin conditions, they are one approach researchers are exploring to help support microbiome balance and overall gut health.

By combining probiotics with other microbiome-supporting habits — including a diverse diet, fibre intake and healthy lifestyle practices — many people aim to create an internal environment that supports both gut and skin wellbeing.

Some people choose to support their microbiome with probiotics — live cultures designed to help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Learn more about our Multi-Strain Biotic and how it supports gut health.