You probably think of probiotics as that mysterious stuff in yogurt that keeps Jamie Lee Curtis regular. However, yogurt doesn’t just help you poop – it can also improve your skin.

According to Yahoo! Beauty, the live cultures found in yogurt just might be the next big thing in skincare. Gastroenterologist Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa explained that probiotics are yeast or bacteria that benefit the body by restoring the balance of bacteria. They create an army of good bacteria that make it hard for bad bacteria to do as much damage to the body. When ingested, “probiotics can reduce gut inflammation, restore the lining of your intestine, and aid with autoimmune diseases and I.B.S.”

Now the dermatology world is starting to realize that the bacteria that are good for your insides are also good for your outsides. “The American Academy of Dermatology has called probiotics one of the new beauty breakthroughs as they’ve been shown to help with clearer skin, decreased skin sensitivity, redness, and inflammation.”

You can simply apply yogurt to your skin, or you can look for the growing number of skincare products that contain probiotics. You could even try popping open a probiotic capsule and mixing it with your face cream.

Rajapaksa recommends using Activia yogurt or GoodBelly, which is a dairy-free option. It’s important to use the plain unsweetened varieties. If you can’t find either brand, just look for plain unsweetened yogurt that says that it contains active cultures.

Yogurt is also good for your skin because it contains lactic acid, a natural exfoliant that will leave your skin nice and smooth. The sour dairy product might also improve acne and skin discoloration.

You can mix yogurt with various other kitchen ingredients to address specific skin needs. Try blending it with honey or coconut oil if you suffer from dry skin. For brighter skin, mix in a little lemon juice. For tighter skin and less noticeable pores, whisk two egg whites together with two tablespoons of yogurt. Just experiment with ingredients until you find the combo that works for you.

Originally published on Beauty Style Living