Probiotics: The New Beauty Superfood

Probiotics are great for your gut, but might they also be the next beauty and skincare miracle?

Possibly.

In fact, just this year, the American Academy of Dermatology called probiotics the new beauty breakthrough for 2014, whether used topically or internally.

What sorts of conditions can probiotics help with?

Studies have shown positive results with eczema, acne and rosacea, as well as for general skin health, including anti-aging benefits, decreased sensitivity to UV rays, and decreased skin inflammation (which is the root of all evil when it comes to your skin).

How do these topical products work? Certainly you can't just crush up a probiotic supplement and apply it to your skin in a mask... or can you?

The process is a bit more complicated than that. Skincare products that contain probiotics have gone through a process in which the live bacteria has been centrifuged (basically stirred up and released all their good benefits) and then mixed with other elements that are good for your skin, like peptides. Then, this whole concoction is manifested as a cream, serum, moisturizer, cleanser, etc. Essentially, these products have all the benefits of probiotics, without applying live bacteria to the face or other skin areas.

Now, that's not to say that you can't use live bacteria to try to achieve the same result. Yogurt is always a great element for a homemade facial.

If you only take probiotic supplements internally, can you achieve the same results as using these topical products?

Studies have shown that yes, they both can have the same benefits, but also that they have a significant compound effect when utilizing both methods.

What are some other "beauty foods"?

• Coconut oil
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Dark chocolate
• Almond milk
• Berries (blueberries in particular)

The cleaner you're eating -- incorporating foods with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties -- the better and more youthful your skin will appear.

Factors like sleep, stress and exercise can also impact how your skin looks, so make sure you're getting enough of sleep and exercise, and finding a way to manage your stress.

Listen in as Dr. Roshini Raj discusses how probiotics -- both externally and internally -- can benefit your skin, as well as other top beauty foods you can use to help improve your appearance.