Complete by Dr SCS
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Complete by Dr SCS
Complete by Dr SCS

Probiotic Skincare and the Gut-Skin Axis

Probiotic skincare and the gut-skin axis

Probiotic skincare means using probiotics, the live cultures often called friendly bacteria, to support your skin through the gut-skin axis: the two-way conversation between your gut and your skin.

The Clarify System does this from both sides. A 10% azelaic acid serum works on the surface, while capsules with 6 strains and 20 billion CFU of live cultures, chosen for their research in skin, work from within.

Shop the Clarify System, £72.90
Clarify Serum and Clarify probiotic capsules with limes and matcha
Clarify Serum and capsules on a wooden stand

What is the gut-skin axis?

Your gut and your skin are in constant contact through the immune system. When the balance of bacteria in your gut shifts, it can show up on your skin, and this link is one of the most active areas of skin research today.

That is why so many people with acne-prone or blemish-prone skin now look at what is happening inside, as well as what they put on their face. The science is still developing, and we share it as emerging evidence rather than a promise.

Capsule resting in an open palm

Not just any probiotic

Most probiotic supplements are built for digestion alone. Ours were selected for the skin.

Dr SCS chose six strains with published research behind them in skin, at 20 billion CFU, and paired them with prebiotic inulin so the cultures arrive with something to feed on. Alongside them sit zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium, milk thistle, green tea and maca, each at a dose that does real work.

Probiotics

Live cultures, taken by mouth. Their benefits build with steady daily use over 8 to 12 weeks.

Prebiotics

Fibres such as inulin that feed friendly bacteria. Clarify Capsules include both.

Ferments

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate and Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate in the Clarify Serum, applied directly to your skin.

Clarify Serum dispensed onto the back of a hand
On the skin

Clarify Serum, £37

  • 10% azelaic acid and 2% salicylic acid to refine the look of pores and smooth skin texture
  • Niacinamide and zinc PCA for a calmer, more balanced-looking complexion
  • Ferments, chamomile and green tea to keep skin comfortable

See the serum

Clarify Complex probiotic capsules
From within

Clarify Capsules, £44

  • 6 skin-selected strains, 20 billion CFU live cultures, with prebiotic inulin
  • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin (25mg)
  • Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress (500mg)
  • Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system
  • Selenium, milk thistle, green tea and maca

See the capsules

Woman smiling in a mirror holding the Clarify System

Clearer skin, calmer gut

83%said their skin had cleared significantly by week 12
83%said bloating had significantly reduced or resolved
87%would recommend Clarify to someone with blemish-prone skin

Digestive comfort moved alongside the skin results: 80% said their bowel movements were more regular and comfortable, and 77% said new breakouts had become rare. No adverse reactions were reported.

Independent 12-week consumer trial of the Clarify System, n=30, serum and capsules used together as one system. Consumer-reported results.

Dr Sonal Chavda-Sitaram, founder of Complete by Dr SCS
"We've really disregarded the largest organ within our body and the most complex, and are only treating surface level. We need to treat it much more holistically."

Dr Sonal Chavda-Sitaram, founder of Complete by Dr SCS

Registered pharmacist (MRPharmS) with a PhD in topical and transdermal drug delivery from King's College London and UCL, and more than 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry as a Medical Director and Senior Commercial Director.

Complete holds 13 industry awards, including Universal Beauty Awards Gold for Best Skin Supplement, and has featured in the Guardian, Forbes, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and the Evening Standard.

Read Dr SCS's story

Your questions, answered

What is probiotic skincare?

It is an approach that uses probiotics, the live cultures sometimes called friendly bacteria, to support your skin. Most people take them as a daily capsule, and some skincare also includes ferments made from the same kinds of bacteria.

The strains matter. Ours are not a general digestive blend picked off a shelf: Dr SCS selected six strains with published research behind them in skin, dosed at 20 billion CFU and paired with prebiotic fibre, then matched them to a serum working on the same concern.

What is the gut-skin axis?

It is the two-way link between your gut and your skin. The bacteria in your gut help shape how your immune system behaves, and your immune system plays a big part in how your skin looks and feels.

Researchers are still learning how it all fits together, which is why we describe it as emerging science.

Are probiotics, live cultures and friendly bacteria the same thing?

Yes. They are three names for the same thing: beneficial bacteria. You will see all three on labels. Clarify Capsules contain 6 different strains, adding up to 20 billion CFU (colony forming units) per daily dose.

Will it help with bloating as well as my skin?

In our 12-week trial, 83% said bloating had significantly reduced or resolved and 80% said their bowel movements were more regular and comfortable, alongside the skin results. These are consumer-reported results from 30 people using the serum and capsules together.

Is Clarify suitable for acne-prone skin?

Yes. Clarify was designed for acne-prone, blemish-prone skin and skin that is prone to breakouts. It is a cosmetic serum and food supplement system, so if you have a diagnosed skin condition or take prescribed treatment, it is always worth checking with your GP or pharmacist first.

How long will it take to see a difference?

Give it 8 to 12 weeks of daily use. Skin renews itself roughly every month, and the gut needs time to adjust too. Many people notice changes sooner, and results in our trial continued to build between week 4 and week 12.

I have sensitive skin. Can I still use it?

Yes. Start with the serum once a day, every other day if your skin is very reactive, and build up as your skin gets used to it. The formula includes chamomile and green tea to help keep skin comfortable. The capsules can be taken daily from the start.

What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?

Probiotics are the friendly bacteria themselves. Prebiotics are the fibres those bacteria feed on. Clarify Capsules include both, so the live cultures arrive with something to help them thrive.

How do I take the capsules?

Take them once a day with water, at whatever time suits your routine. Avoid swallowing them with a hot drink, as heat is not kind to live cultures.

Is Clarify vegan?

Yes. The serum and capsules are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

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Complete by Dr SCS Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 15859836. Registered office: 9-13 Holbrook Lane, Coventry, CV6 4AD, United Kingdom. VAT registration number GB 475411294. Correspondence address: Oak House, Watford, WD24 4QN.