How Effective Is Acidophilus for Acne?

Although people of all ages can have acne, the skin disorder affects teenagers and young adults more than any other age group. Acne and zits often pop up during the years when young adults are just beginning to figure out who they are and where they fit in social settings, so many teenagers are eager to find a cure or a way to prevent acne outbreaks. Although young adults might not choose acidophilus for acne, this “good” bacteria can be quite effective when used to combat and prevent outbreaks. Acidophilus fights off the bad bacteria that build up in the gastrointestinal tract and cause acne.

The acidophilus bacterium, known scientifically as Lactobacillus acidophilus, has been studied and proved to have many beneficial effects for overall health, and it is extremely successful when combating acne. Known as a probiotic, it helps prevent the buildup of detrimental bacteria and is mostly found in the vagina and within the gastrointestinal tract. Acidophilus helps the body to keep acid at healthy levels within the vagina, intestines and stomach in an attempt to prevent harmful bacteria from causing infections. An acidophilus dose is labeled according to how many living organisms are within each capsule; a typical dose is between 1 billion to 10 billion organisms, divided among three or four doses each day.

When harmful bacteria build up in the body, acne can occur as a byproduct of the process because there is less acidophilus available to fight off the bacteria. As long as healthy levels of acidophilus are maintained within the body, this type of bacteria can significantly reduce the acne outbreak. Some factors — including prescription drugs, antibiotics and chlorinated water — might deplete an individual’s levels of acidophilus, making supplementation of acidophilus for acne necessary. People who are taking acidophilus supplements find them at health food and grocery stores. If pills are not appealing, the individual might also consume more yogurt, although the levels of acidophilus in the food will vary depending on the brand.

Side effects from a treatment of acidophilus for acne are rare, but some individuals report experiencing allergic reactions, with symptoms including hives or swelling of the throat, lips, tongue and face and an increased difficulty when breathing. If antibiotics have been prescribed for a different health condition, acidophilus supplements should be taken a few hours before or after the antibiotics because these drugs can weaken and kills both bad bacteria and good, such as acidophilus. People of all ages, not just teenagers and young adults, can successfully use acidophilus for acne treatments.