Unlocking skin health: the promising role of probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been gaining interest due to their potential to promote skin health. The skin microbiome is composed of different species of microorganisms. An imbalance in these microorganisms leads to skin disorders such as psoriasis, acne, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea.

Dr. Atula Gupta, MBBS, MD – Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, says, “Alteration in the composition of the skin microbiome is known as dysbiosis. Environmental stress and other factors can cause a shift from beneficial microbes to pathogenic microbes that cause itching and inflammation. Topical and oral probiotics are thought to improve skin health in different ways. Probiotics may change the skin microbiome by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and promoting the growth of beneficial ones.”

Several studies have established the association between inflammatory skin diseases and alteration of the intestinal microbiome. Therefore, there is a potential for using oral probiotics as a therapeutic option in several skin diseases. However, there are limited clinical studies that have demonstrated the efficacy of topical probiotic products.

Therapeutic applications of probiotics

Probiotics may have several therapeutic applications for skin health, given the promising results of research studies. Dr. Gupta explains the applications:

1. AcneAcne breakouts occur due to changes in the skin microbiome under the influence of hormones, stress, and lifestyle changes. Oral and topical probiotics have also recently been incorporated into acne treatment. A study in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology showed that a topical cream containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus reduced acne lesions.
2. Atopic dermatitisProbiotics in a topical formulation containing beneficial bacterial species have been investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. According to a study in Lancet, oral Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG significantly reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis in children.
3. PsoriasisThe skin microbiome in psoriasis shows a reduced amount of beneficial microorganisms. Therefore, restoring the gut microbiome is emerging as an effective adjuvant treatment strategy for psoriasis. Oral administration of Lactobacillus pentosus significantly reduced skin redness, scaling, and thickening associated with psoriasis in animal trials. Bifidobacterium longum BB536 may improve psoriasis symptoms, although further trials are required to confirm these findings. However, topical use of probiotics has not yet been explored for the treatment of psoriasis.
4. RosaceaRosacea has been found to be associated with alterations in the skin microbiome. Microbial examination of rosacea-affected skin reveals colonization of Demodex species and an excessive presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis. This affects the integrity of the skin barrier and leads to further inflammation. The use of topical probiotics in the treatment of this condition needs proper clinical trials.
5. Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitisOvergrowth of Malassezia species on the skin produces inflammatory responses that cause seborrheic dermatitis.
6. Wound healingProbiotics may prevent infections and improve wound healing. Lactobacillus plantarum accelerated the healing of excisional wounds in mice according to a study published in the International Wound Journal.
7. Aesthetic skin concernsProbiotics have been shown to reduce inflammation, improve skin hydration, and promote overall skin rejuvenation. They are now being incorporated into skin care products with the goal of improving overall skin health.
   

   The role of topical probiotics in the skin microbiome

   Recent research suggests that probiotics have a positive impact on skin health by modulating the microbiome, regulating the immune system, and improving skin barrier function. While current findings are promising, robust evidence is needed to formulate targeted probiotic therapies for specific skin conditions. Topical probiotics may be a safe treatment option compared to conventional therapies for treating skin diseases.

   Dr. Gupta comments, “In recent years, progress has been made in understanding how an altered microbiome affects skin health. Several dermatological formulations containing probiotics are being used to treat skin conditions. Several clinical trials are underway to study the beneficial role, as well as adverse effects, of topical probiotic formulations to treat conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, wound healing, and other skin diseases.”