Unlocking Skin Health: The Promising Role Of Probiotics

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

Dr. Atula Gupta, MBBS, MD – Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, says, “The disturbance in the composition of skin microbiome is known as dysbiosis. Environmental stress and other factors can cause a shift of beneficial microbes to pathogenic microbes causing itching and inflammation. Topical and oral probiotics are thought to improve skin health in different ways. Probiotics can 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 disturbed gut microbiome. There is therefore a potential of using oral probiotics as a therapeutic option in several skin diseases. However, there are limited clinical studies that have proven the efficacy of topical probiotic products.

Therapeutic applications of probiotics

Probiotics may have several therapeutic applications in skin health considering their promising evidence in research studies. Dr Gupta explains the applications:

1. AcneAcne breakouts occur because of changes in the skin microbiome under the influence of hormones, stress, and lifestyle changes. Oral and topical probiotics have also been a recent addition to acne management. A study conducted in the Journal of microbiology and biotechnology demonstrated that a topical cream containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus reduced acne lesions.
2. Atopic DermatitisProbiotics in a topical formulation containing beneficial bacterial species has been under investigation in some clinical trials for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. According to a study conducted in Lancet, oral lactobacillus rhamnosus GG significantly reduced the intensity of atopic dermatitis in children.
3. PsoriasisThe skin microbiome in psoriasis shows reduced numbers of beneficial microorganisms. Hence, restoring the gut microbiome is emerging as an effective adjuvant treatment strategy for psoriasis. Oral administration of Lactobacillus pentosus significantly reduced the redness, scaling, and skin thickening associated with psoriasis in animal trials. Bifidobacterium longum BB536 may improve symptoms of psoriasis although further trials are required to confirm these findings. However, topical use of probiotics is not yet explored for management of psoriasis.
4. RosaceaRosacea has been found to be associated with alterations in skin microbiome. Microbial examination of the rosacea-affected skin reveals colonization of the demodex species, excess presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis. This affects the integrity of the skin barrier resulting in more inflammation. The use of topicalprobiotics in the treatment of this condition needs proper clinical trials.
5. Dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitisThe overgrowth of Malassezia species on the skin results in inflammatory responses causing seborrheic dermatitis
6. Wound HealingProbiotics may prevent infections and enhance wound healing. Lactobacillus plantarum accelerated healing of excisional wounds in mice according to a study published in 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 introduced into skin care products with the aim of improving overall skin health.
   

   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 the skin barrier function. While the 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 when compared to conventional therapies for treating skin diseases.

   Dr Gupta shares, “In recent years, advances have been made to understand how a disturbed microbiome impacts skin health. Various dermatological formulations containing probiotics are being used to treat skin conditions. Several clinical trials are being carried out to study the beneficial role as well as adverse effects of topical probiotic formulations for managing conditions like atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, wound healing and other skin diseases.”