Why Prebiotics Matter as Much as Probiotics for Acne Healing
When it comes to gut health and acne, probiotics often steal the spotlight. Most of us have heard that probiotics can help balance our gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and ultimately support clear skin. And YES, they are super important but most people really underemphasize the importance of prebiotics.
Prebiotics are the essentially the fuel that probiotics need to thrive and function effectively. Without prebiotics, those beneficial bacteria you’re consuming might not stick around long enough to make a meaningful impact.
It’s not a mystery that there is a big connection between your gut and your skin due to the downstream effect on systemic inflammation, hormones, nutrient absorption, and more. Probiotics are often used to replenish beneficial gut bacteria, but if we stop there, we’re only addressing part of the equation.
What Are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that our bodies can’t digest, but they’re a favorite food source for the good bacteria in our gut. Essentially, prebiotics help probiotics flourish, ensuring a healthy and diverse microbiome. Think of probiotics as seeds and prebiotics as the nutrient-rich soil they need to grow. Without prebiotics, those probiotics may not survive or thrive long enough to impact gut and skin health.
Common sources of prebiotics include:
Chicory root
Garlic
Onions
Bananas (especially green bananas)
Jerusalem artichokes
Asparagus
Oats
How Prebiotics Support Clear Skin
Prebiotics help beneficial bacteria in your gut multiply, creating a balanced microbiome that reduces systemic inflammation.
If you’re already taking probiotics, prebiotics ensure that these bacteria can survive, colonize, and function optimally.
A healthy gut microbiome can help regulate your skin’s barrier.
Prebiotics stimulate the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which are known to reduce inflammation in the gut and, by extension, the skin.
And that’s just scratching the surface!
Tips for Incorporating Prebiotics Into Your Diet
If you’re new to prebiotic-rich foods, introduce them gradually to avoid digestive discomfort.
Combine prebiotics with fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut for a synergistic effect.
Aim to include a variety of prebiotic foods in your diet to support a diverse microbiome.
If you’re dealing with acne or gut issues, I’d highly recommend working 1:1 with a practitioner like myself who can take an in-depth look at your microbiome and personalize things to your case.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
