Probiotics

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Live microorganisms, anti-aging, anti-pigmentation
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Creams, serums

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS ?

Probiotics have been reported to have anti-aging and anti-pigmentation effects. A split-face study of 20 patients with rosacea showed improvement in skin erythema, tightness, dryness and hydration with a probiotic-containing compound. Another split-face study of 50 patients showed increased moisture and elasticity with decreased wrinkle depth with the use of a cream containing probiotics compared to a placebo group.

WHAT IS PROBIOTICS?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that release metabolites with beneficial functions. In the skin, this can manifest as increased production of short-chain fatty acids, vitamins or other useful substrates. Probiotics developed from bacteria are also used to develop extracellular vesicles to deliver skin products. They have been studied in acne, atopic dermatitis and rosacea treatment, though these are limited studies. Bacterial molecules have even been found to obstruct ultraviolet penetration into the skin.

Probiotics in microscope view

IS PROBIOTICS SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Probiotics are likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available evidence.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Although there are likely no major contraindications for the topical application of probiotics, they should be used with caution in patients with an allergy to them or their derivatives.

Sources:

Balasubramaniam A, Adi P, Tra My DT, et al. Repurposing INCI-registered compounds as skin prebiotics for probiotic Staphylococcus epidermidis against UV-B. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):21585.

Berardesca E, Bonfigli A, Cartigliani C, Kerob D, Tan J. A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial of a Dermocosmetic Containing Vichy Volcanic Mineralizing Water and Probiotic Fractions in Subjects with Rosacea Associated with Erythema and Sensitive Skin and Wearing Protective Masks. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:71-77.

Catic T, Pehlivanovic B, Pljakic N, Balicevac A. The Moisturizing Efficacy of a Proprietary Dermo-Cosmetic Product( CLS02021) Versus Placebo in a 4-week Application Period. Med Arch. 2022;76(2):108-114.

Chilicka K, Dzieńdziora-Urbińska I, Szyguła R, Asanova B, Nowicka D. Microbiome and Probiotics in Acne Vulgaris-A Narrative Review. Life (Basel). 2022;12(3):422.

Gueniche A, Liboutet M, Cheilian S, Fagot D, Juchaux F, Breton L. Vitreoscilla filiformis Extract for Topical Skin Care: A Review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021;11:747663.

Hong YK, An S, Lee YH, et al. Potential anti-ageing effects of probiotic-derived conditioned media on human skin cells. Acta Pharm. 2022;72(3):359-374.

Kim W, Lee EJ, Bae IH, et al. Lactobacillus plantarum-derived extracellular vesicles induce anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization in vitroJ Extracell Vesicles. 2020;9(1):1793514.

Lee GR, Maarouf M, Hendricks AJ, Lee DE, Shi VY. Topical probiotics: the unknowns behind their rising popularity. Dermatol Online J. 2019;25(5):13030/qt2v83r5wk.

Puebla-Barragan S, Reid G. Probiotics in Cosmetic and Personal Care Products: Trends and Challenges. Molecules. 2021;26(5):1249.

Souak D, Barreau M, Courtois A, et al. Challenging Cosmetic Innovation: The Skin Microbiota and Probiotics Protect the Skin from UV-Induced Damage. Microorganisms. 2021;9(5):936.

Tsai WH, Chou CH, Chiang YJ, Lin CG, Lee CH. Regulatory effects of Lactobacillus plantarum-GMNL6 on human skin health by improving skin microbiome. Int J Med Sci. 2021;18(5):1114-1120.

Nishad Sathe, MD

Author

Nishad Sathe is a PGY-3 Internal Medicine/Dermatology resident at the University of Minnesota