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See also Acne
Your skin does a great deal more than just hold your bones,
muscles, and organs in place. It also acts as a barrier against
environmental pollutants, contaminants, and harmful bacteria.
More than just a protective covering, your skin—actually
the largest organ of your body—is able to rid itself
of toxins that are not excreted through urine or fecal matter.
Bacterial toxins that exit through your skin can cause allergies,
rashes, and serious skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis,
and acne. This is why many dermatologists routinely prescribe
powerful oral or topical antibiotics—tetracycline is
a favorite—to help minimize the infections caused by
bacterial overgrowth. Unfortunately, antibiotics kill the
friendly bacteria as well the harmful ones. And you need the
help of your friendly bacteria to handle the infectious bacteria
that comes from both the inside-out and the outside-in.
Your skin consists of two layers: the outer epidermis and
the underlying dermis. The epidermis is a thin, relatively
transparent layer that is divided into three layers. Outer
dead skin cells are regularly sloughed off as the result of
washing, as well as everyday pressure and friction. The sloughed-off
cells are replaced by newer skin cells that have been manufactured
in the blood-rich base layers of the epidermis. New skin cells
naturally rise to the outer surface of your skin over the
course of about thirty days. In the natural order of things,
these cells gradually die as they become increasingly thinner
and flatter.
Under ideal circumstances, your skin is a naturally replenishing
organ. The trouble, of course, is that "ideal" circumstances
seldom exist. You are constantly being bombarded by "bad"
bacteria, both from the outside and the inside. Young facial
skin is prone to acne and blemishes, but the problems change
as we get older. As the body ages, the natural replenishing
process becomes less efficient and the skin becomes drier,
less elastic. Just as young skin is fertile ground for pimples,
older and drier skin is prone to creases and wrinkles. After
menopause, especially, the outer layer of skin cells take
much longer to renew. The cumulative effects of exposure to
the sun can cause the skin to become thick and leathery. And
smoking ages skin faster than almost any other factor.
Over the last few years, alpha-hydroxy acids have been touted
as super facial skin-exfoliators—they speed up the natural
sloughing off process. Therein, however, lies the problem.
Often, the dead cells are removed too quickly, uncovering
new cells that are too young to be exposed to the air. The
result is reddened, irritated skin.
Through the legendary beauties of ancient civilizations,
we have learned that cultured milk was used both as food and
beauty treatment. It is written that Cleopatra bathed in the
fermented milk of asses. We also know that women from areas
where cultured dairy products are a staple are noted for the
exceptional clarity and beauty of their skin. A Probiotic
skin cream is now available that can eliminate harmful bacteria
that may harm the skin.
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.
RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC REGIMEN
Take 1 capsule each of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum (or 1/2 teaspoon each powder), along with 1/2 teaspoon L. bulgaricus powder mixed in 6 to 8 ounces unchilled filtered water, three times daily.)
Instead of the above regimen, take 1 combination capsule
that contains all three super strains in an oil-matrix carrier,
once daily.
Apply Probiotic skin cream to your face and neck each morning
and evening for healthy skin.
For skin with acne or an occasional outbreak of pimples,
stronger topical action may be desired. See Acne entry
for directions on how to make a Probiotic paste for the skin.
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