You’re likely familiar with oral probiotics, found in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt with live cultures and sold in supplement form as well. When consumed, probiotics like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium can help repopulate your digestive system with “good” bacteria and keep the gut microbiome in balance. Probiotics may also help keep your digestive tract functioning optimally, restore normal flora after antibiotic use, and support immune system function.
Just as your gut has its own microbiome—the collective name for the microbes (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that live in and on us—so does your skin. In fact, more than a thousand species of bacteria reside on our skin, where they help keep it hydrated, fight infection, and protect against environmental damage. Different types of bacteria live in different areas of your skin. For example, certain species populate moist places like the insides of your knees and elbows. Others reside on the arms, feet, and scalp.
