Blemishes beware - probiotics are battling problem skin on the inside as well as out. These "good" bacteria in your gut are powerful weapons in treating acne naturally by reducing inflammation all over the body as well as in the skin. According to Dr. Frank Lipman - one of the best-known holistic doctors and consultant to stars like Gwyneth Paltrow - clear skin starts with healthy gut flora (The Cut). 

And what better way to heal our digestive environment (and get glowing skin as a bonus) than by drinking our probiotics? Kefir, a traditional 2000 year old beverage from Eastern Europe comes packed with at least ten strains of bacterial cultures (Well+Good). This increasingly popular fermented drink is showing up on dairy shelves at the supermarket but personally, we prefer to make our own. 

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for making kefir - an excellent source of probiotics for skin breakouts: 

WHAT YOU NEED:
2 T live kefir grains* 
2 cups of organic milk

*These are milk culture particles - dried versions can be purchased online from stores like Cultures For Health or buy live kefir grains from others making the drink. Kefir grains cannot be manufactured.

THE STEPS:
Put kefir grains into a glass container and pour in milk. Cover container lightly with cheesecloth or paper towel so mixture has sufficient exposure to air. Leave container at room temperature for approximately 24 hours until the mixture is slightly thickened. Strain out kefir which is now ready for consumption and can be refrigerated. Put aside strained kefir grains to produce the next batch of kefir.

Consuming bacteria-rich kefir is an excellent complement to our Clear Skin Probiotic products which works topically to reduce the look of acne. Along with our Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser, Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer, Clear Skin Probiotic Masque and Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster-Serum, good bacterial cultures found in kefir can work in tandem with skin care to calm and soothe problem skin. 

Note: Although making kefir is generally safe, avoid making batches during hot days when milk may spoil more quickly than the bacteria can culture it. Also, always ask for advice from a qualified medical doctor before making major changes to your diet.