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