Why do we care about bacteria?

In recent decades, research on the microbiome has grown to reveal that we host trillions of microorganisms in different parts of our bodies, including our skin. These microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, outnumber human genes. Rather than fighting them off, research has shown that eating fermented vegetables and prebiotic fibre is beneficial in engaging with the microorganisms. Probiotics are live microorganisms found in fermented foods such as sour milk and yoghurt and can also be ingested in concentrated form through supplements, which usually contain lactobacillus.

Can probiotics be useful for our skin?

Probiotics as anti-aging?

The belief that probiotics offer some magical formula for eternal health and beauty must be taken with a pinch of salt. However, there are studies that have shown a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin, plus an improved barrier function and more moisturised skin as a result of taking probiotics. In another study, which looked at Japanese female students, participants drank probiotic-containing film milk with Bifidobacterium breve bacteria for four weeks. The results showed more moisture in the skin, improved absorption of nutrients, an increase in the volume of stool excreted and a reduction in facial wrinkles. At the same time, the secretion of sebum in the skin increased. Researchers from South Korea have also shown in a study that Lactobacillus plantarum can improve skin hydration, give skin more glow, reduce wrinkles and firmer skin. Although we're only talking about a small number of studies here, these are interesting observations. Further, consumption of the probiotic lactic acid bacteria L. paracasei has been shown to reduce skin sensitivity.

Lactobacillus reuteri - the anti-inflammatory guardian

Lactobacillus reuteri is a probiotic bacterium derived from breast milk and has unique anti-inflammatory properties. The first study with L reuteri related to skin health was done 20 years ago and since then several studies have been published with positive results. Together with the world-leading probiotics company Biogaia, we have studied the effects of L reuteri on skin health and published the results in the prestigious Journal of Experimental Dermatology 2019. The results showed that by applying a product with L Reuteri for 3 weeks to the skin, participants experienced a more varied and balanced skin microbiome, while skin texture improved, skin became softer and pore size decreased. But what also surprised us was that the participants' skin had significantly fewer fine lines and wrinkles. 

After five years of research, we have now launched our first product with L reuteri as part of our product portfolio, a probiotic concentrate. L.reuteri is the most well-studied probiotic bacterium globally with over 224 clinical studies and over 200 worldwide patents. Each bottle contains over 100 billion bacteria, which is more than 25 times more bacteria compared to other probiotic skin care products on the market. We are proud to be the first to market with a skin care product formulated with L.reuteri and look forward to continuing to improve skin health through our research.

3 reasons to choose Probiotic Concentrate with Lactobacillus reuteri

• Balance your skin flora: the probiotic reuteri helps to balance the skin flora, leading to healthier and more vital skin.
• Get a smoother skin texture: in just 3 weeks you can experience a smoother skin texture, fewer pores and a smoother skin thanks to probiotic L. reuteri.
• Enhance the effect of your skincare: probiotic L. reuteri enhances the effect of Skinome's skincare, so you get the most out of your skincare routine.

References

Bouilly-Gauthier C, Maubert JY, Duteil L, Queille-Roussel C, Piccardi N, Montastier C, Manissier P, Pie´rard G, Ortonne JP (2010) Clinical evidence of benefits of a dietary supplement containing probiotic and carotenoids on ultraviolet-induced skin damage. Br J Dermatol 163:536-543

Cebra JJ. Influences of microbiota on intestinal immune system development. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69: 1046S-51.

Di Marzio, L., Cinque, B., Cupelli, F., De Simone, C., Cifone, M. G., & Giuliani, M. (2008) Increase of skin-ceramide levels in aged subjects following a short-term topical application of bacterial sphingomyelinase from Streptococcus thermophilus. International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology, 21(1), 137-143. https://doi.org/10.1177/039463200802100115

Éile Butler 1 2, Christoffer Lundqvist 1, J. A. 1. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 as a Novel Topical Cosmetic Ingredient: A Proof of Concept Clinical Study in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis. Microorganisms (2020).

Fabbrocini G, Bertona M, Picazo O, Pareja-Galeano H, Emanuele E (2016) Supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 normalises skin expression of genes implicated in insulin signalling and improves adult acne. Benef Microbes 7:625-630

Gillbro Johanna. The Scandinavian Skincare Bible. 2020. Scribe Publications. ISBN: 9781912854943

Guarner F, Schaafsma GJ. Probiotics. Int J Food Microbiol 1998;39:237-8.

Guéniche A., Benyacoub J., Blum S., Breton L., Castiel I. (2013) Probiotics and Skin Health. In: Watson R., Zibadi S. (eds) Bioactive Dietary Factors and Plant Extracts in Dermatology. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi-org.focus.lib.kth.se/10.1007/978-1-62703-167-7_5

Isolauri E. Probiotics in the prevention and treatment of allergic disease. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2001;12:56S-9.

Isolauri E, Sutas Y, Kankaanpaa P, Arvilommi H, Salminen S. Probiotics: effects on immunity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;73:444S-50.

Lisbeth Jeppesen, Niels Henrik Valerius, A. P. Effect of probiotic Lactobacillus strains in children with atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol (2003).

Khmaladze, I., Butler, É., Fabre, S. & Gillbro, J. M. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938-A comparative study on the effect of probiotics and lysates on human skin. Exp. Dermatol. (2019) doi:10.1111/exd.13950.

Krutmann J. (2009) Pre- and probiotics for human skin. Journal of dermatological science, 54(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2009.01.002

Macfarlane GT, Gibson GR. The human colonic microbiota. In: Gibson GR, editor. Colonic microbiota, nutrition and health. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic; 1999. p. 1-25.

Maguire, M., & Maguire, G. (2017). The role of microbiota, and probiotics and prebiotics in skin health. Archives of dermatological research, 309(6), 411-421. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-017-1750-3

Ouwehand, Arthur & Tiihonen, Kirsti & Lahtinen, Sampo (2017). The Potential of Probiotics and Prebiotics for Skin Health. DOI 10.1007/978-3-662-47398-6_77