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Dr. Max Gomez: For Acne Sufferers Probiotics May Be A Skin Sensation

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Many people are familiar with probiotics, the healthy bacteria that have been linked to a healthy digestive tract.

Some of those germs are not only good for your stomach, but may be good for your skin too.

As CBS 2's Dr. Max Gomez explained, probiotics are becoming a skin sensation.

For Danielle Schwarz, 24, looking in the mirror wasn't always easy.

"At its worst, I didn't really want to leave the house," she said.

Schwarz faced the problem with the help of her dermatologist who recommended traditional acne therapy along with a daily dose of probiotics.

"I would say now, that I rarely have breakouts," Schwarz said.

It's a prescription for healthy skin that a growing number of dermatologists are recommending. The American Academy of Dermatology has named probiotics one of the year's beauty breakthroughs.

"By introducing healthy bacteria into the gut it can actually re-seal the gut lining and prevent system wide inflammation that's thought to lead to acne and rosacea flares," Dr. Whitney Bowe, explained.

Early research has shown that some topical probiotics, which are now found in a slew of skincare products, can also protect and soothe the skin. Some can even kill germs.

"They're like little missiles that can punch holes in the walls of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi," Dr. Bowe said.

For Schwarz, the proof was in her reflection.

"Emotionally, it's life changing. I feel much more confident," she said.

The field is still new and there are millions of strains of probiotics that many brands and doctors are still sorting out.

As CBS 2's Dr. Gomez explained, you should work with your dermatologist to make sure you are doing the best thing for your skin.

Probiotics are available as capsules and can also be found in some yogurts which has led some people to use yogurt for facials.

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