The History of Probiotic Use in Skin Care
Just as your body needs nourishment from the nutrients absorbed by your gastrointestinal tract, so does your skin. One of the best ways to improve you body’s internal balance is through the supplemental use of probiotics.
The use of probiotics to control skin disorders dates back several decades. In 1964, Dr. R.H. Siver outlined his work on the subject in a paper entitled, "Lactobacillus for the Control of Acne," which was published in the Journal of the Medical Society of New Jersey. Dr. Siver states, "Lactobacilli are a safe, simple, 80% effective treatment for acne, especially in boys and girls under the age of 18." Dr. Siver documented an improvement in patients suffering from acne who were taking lactobacteria for a gastrointestinal condition. The eight-day course of treatment included two or three tablets of L. acidophilus and L. bulgaricus daily, taken with milk, followed by two weeks without supplementation. When necessary, the course of treatment was repeated again. In most cases, improvement was seen within the first two weeks. Probiotics may also be used topically. Russian and Bulgarian doctors have successfully used topical acidophilus or bulgaricus pastes to treat acne for decades.

Beautiful Skin is an Outside and Inside Job
Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and under ideal circumstances, is naturally replenishing. Which means that if you had no stress, never got sick, were never exposed to sun or pollutants, and didn’t age, you’d have a perfect complexion! But since you live in the real world, you and your skin can probably use a little help in your quest for perfection. While good skin care is essential, how you take care of your internal health also plays a big role in the appearance of your skin.
Your skin is constantly being assaulted by pollutants, free radicals and "bad" bacteria, both from the outside and the inside. In young or teenage skin, this onslaught often results in acne and blemishes, while older skin may experience eczema, rashes, dryness and premature aging.
Aging is another factor working against us in the battle for beautiful skin. As your skin ages, the collagen and elastin support layers in it become rigid, and much more vulnerable to free radical attack. While this aging process is unavoidable, it is not untreatable. For those of us who have no plans to grow old gracefully, state-of-the-art ingredients like beneficial bacteria can help turn back the hands of time.

A Complete Regimen for Beautiful Skin
There are two major components of an effective skin care regimen. The first is a three-step skin care system that includes a pre-biotic cleanser, a probiotic moisturizer and probiotic mask system. The second component is also a three-part system which incorporates the "big three" trinity of super strain probiotics into your daily diet. Supplementing your diet with super strain probiotics is essential because beneficial bacteria can help clean out your digestive tract, which promotes a clear complexion. Systems like this are available in either capsules or powders, but let the buyer beware: not all probiotics are created equal.

Getting What You Pay For
When shopping for probiotics always look for formulas which contain only super strains of bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus, NAS adhesion or DDS-1 super strains; Bifidobacterium bifidum, Malyoth super strain; and Lactobacillus bulgaricus LB-51 super strain. Research shows that these super strains are the most potent and beneficial and they produce natural antimicrobials, antioxidants and biologically potent nutrients.
If you are shopping for probiotics for oral use, some products conveniently contain the big three "trinity" of super strains in one capsule. Be sure to select one that has been formulated with an oil-matrix carrier. This is important because the oil keeps the bacteria separate and noncompetitive and protects it from the stomach’s gastric juices. Other things to look for on the label include a clear statement as to which bacteria strains are present; the inclusion of a supernatent; and a guarantee of potency through a printed expiration date. All of these qualities will ensure you get the optimal health benefits from your probiotic.
Most people agree that good health begins on the inside. It should come as no surprise that the health of our body’s largest organ is also dependent on the state of our internal eco-system. Young or old, male or female, everyone wants clean, clear, smooth skin. Glowing skin is an excellent sign of good health, both inside and out.

What to Look for In a Three-Step Probiotic Skin Care System
A complete system should contain three basic steps: a gentle, "pre-biotic" cleanser, a probiotic-rich moisturizer and a probiotic mask system. The first essential component of your probiotic skin care system is a good cleanser. Look for a "Pre-Biotic" cleanser for all skin types with gentle exfoliating properties that will prepare your skin for steps two and three. When shopping for a face cream, look for one that softens, nourishes and balances the skin. The product you choose should be enriched with the natural, skin-smoothing properties of organic milk and DNA fragments of beneficial bacterial cells, which speed up the skin’s natural renewal process. A quality face cream should contain natural enzymes that exfoliate, smooth and replenish the skin, along with aloe vera and anti-microbial ingredients that eliminate harmful bacteria to keep your skin clean, clear and beautiful. This type of cream is the best support system for skin that may be plagued by acne, eczema, topical fungal overgrowth or minor irritations. Dehydrated, aging and sun-damaged skin will also benefit from the nourishing components of such a gentle, fine-quality face cream. While such creams are formulated from the finest ingredients for use on the face, they also make an excellent moisturizer for the entire body. The elderly, those with sensitive skin and delicate baby’s skin will also benefit from probiotic cream.
The third and final ingredient in your recipe for beautiful skin is a probiotic skincare mask system. This relaxing mask may be used weekly to hydrate and refresh your complexion. Look for a unique bio-active skin care program which utilizes the nourishing elements of the beneficial bacteria super strain LB-51, and a natural moisturizing plant extract to create an anti-aging program for facial skin. Ideally, the mask will contain enzyme-activated aloe vera gel and be formulated to carry oxygen deep into the skin where new cells form. Used twice a week, the mask can improve skin tone, help soften wrinkles, refine your skin’s texture, sooth irritation and gently hydrate the skin. For dramatic results, use the mask system daily for two weeks and watch your complexion glow!
All of these products are ideal for women and men of all ages. Men with special skin care concerns should also look for a probiotic aftershave lotion that can soothe razor burn, provide essential nutrients and balance a man’s facial skin. A probiotic lotion may also be used instead of shaving cream for men with sensitive skin.

8 Simple Steps to a Salon-Quality Probiotic Facial
Finally, something that feels great that's also good for you. A soothing probiotic facial will improve the appearance of your skin and relax you at the same time.

1. Tie back your hair to keep it off your face.

2. Place a warm, wet towel on your face for a few minutes to open your pores.

3. Remove the towel and wash your face using a pre-biotic facial cleanser to exfoliate your skin and prepare it for the mask.

4. Fill a quart size container with water. Add herbs suitable to your skin type or a few drops of essential oil.
For example, chamomile, fennel seeds and roses are good for dry skin, while rosemary, lavender and peppermint may help oily skin.

5. Place the container on stove and bring the water to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat. Place a towel over your head and lean your face over the container, about 12 inches away, to absorb the steam. Steam for 5 or 10 minutes.

6. Apply a probiotic face mask system to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Lie down and relax for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mask dries completely. Cucumber slices over the eyes are cooling and help reduce puffiness.

7. Rinse your face with plenty of tepid water to remove all traces of the mask, then gently pat your face dry.

8. Apply a probiotic face cream to your face and neck using light upward strokes. Your facial is complete and your skin will be radiant!
(Note: Refrigeration will enhance the shelf life of the face cream. Or store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.)

Tips to Keep Your Skin Looking Young
You can't stop the birthdays, but you can fight the wrinkles and age spots that accompany them. Follow these steps to keep your skin looking as young as you feel.
• Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from wrinkles and age spots, paying particular attention to your face and hands. Use a foundation that blocks UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of at least 15.
• Limit your sun exposure, and wear a long-sleeved shirt and wide-brimmed hat when you know you'll be in the sun.
• Pay attention to the ingredients in your skin care products and avoid any irritating ingredients. Replace harsh alpha hydroxy products with gentle lotions and cleansers containing super strain probiotics.
• Moisturize dry skin in cold weather and in dry heat using a probiotic skin cream. Dry skin does not cause additional wrinkles, but wrinkles look worse when compounded by dry skin.
• Talk to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon about wrinkles and age spots if you want to investigate other options for looking younger.
The holiday season is almost here—is your skin ready? It’s not too late to revive your complexion with the fresh youthful glow that comes from a good skin care system—inside and out. One of the most revolutionary and comprehensive ways is to incorporate a skin care system containing super strain probiotics into your daily skin care
regimen.
Skin care trends come and go, from alpha hydroxy acids to vitamin-packed skin care cocktails. But when something really works, it is destined to become more than a mere trend. All indications of the newest beauty buzzwords —"probiotic skincare system"— show that formulas containing beneficial bacteria are destined to become 21st century beauty essentials.

References:

Trenev, N. "Probiotics: Nature’s Internal Healers." Garden City Park, New York, 1998. Avery Publishing Group.

Wold, A. (1998) "The hygiene hypothesis revised: is the rising frequency of allergy due to changes in the intestinal flora?" Allergy, 53 (46): 20-25.

Siver, R. (1964). "Lactobacillus for the control of acne." The Journal of the Medical Society of New Jersey, 58 (2): 52-53.

McCann, M., Trenev, N. "Pancreatin and probiotic therapy for multiple food allergies." Allergy Clin Immunol 1999; 103: Abst #S217.