The Surprising Factor That Might Be Messing Up Your Skin


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Check your gut.

Swapping out processed foods and sugar for a fiber-rich diet with lots of fermented fare (like kimchi and kombucha tea) will go a long way toward getting your gut and skin in a happier place. Furthermore, “I have most of my patients take a probiotic, a supplement that supports the growth of healthy bacteria in our bodies. My basic rule of thumb is: the more strains of bacteria, the better,” says Zirwas, who recommends Now Probiotic-10 100 Billion ($21 for 30 capsules, amazon.com).

Add these 7 foods to your diet for beautiful skin:

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Bug out.

Avoid products that totally annihilate bacteria—Zirwas says sensitive types with dandruff should opt for Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo ($6, target.com), which sloughs away flakes on the scalp using salicylic acid instead of zinc pyrithione. In fact, spread some bacteria on your face: Probiotics, in addition to being taken internally, have major benefits topically. In recent years, skin-care companies have started adding bacteria to products, as in Tula Hydrating Day Night Cream with Probiotic Technology ($52, bloomingdales.com)—a development many derms, including New York City dermatologist Dendy Engelman, M.D., endorse. “Studies show they have a calming effect, which can be helpful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions like acne and rosacea,” she says. Research indicates that besides reducing swelling and pimples, topical probiotics can help treat sensitive skin by increasing ceramide levels (these strengthen the skin barrier).

This article originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of Women’s Health. For more great advice, pick up a copy of the issue on newsstands now!