The Effect of Probiotics on Skin Health: Benefits for Acne and Eczema

Skin health is an important health issue that directly affects individuals' quality of life. Skin diseases such as acne and eczema can affect individuals both physically and psychologically. In recent years, research on the positive effects of probiotics on skin health has increased. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of probiotics for skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Acne and Probiotics

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition, particularly during adolescence. Acne is associated with the overgrowth of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Traditional treatment methods are losing their effectiveness due to antibiotic resistance. Probiotics may offer benefits in acne treatment by fighting pathogens and balancing the skin microbiome [1] [2].

The effects of probiotics on acne are related to their ability to reduce inflammation in the skin and inhibit the growth of P. acnes. For example, probiotics such as Lactococcus sp. can reduce redness and swelling in the skin by decreasing the inflammatory mediators produced by P. acnes [1]. Additionally, oral administration of probiotics can improve skin health by modulating the gut microbiome [3] [2].

Eczema and Probiotics

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by itching, redness, and inflammation. During eczema flare-ups, the levels of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria increase. Probiotics may be beneficial in eczema treatment by competing with these pathogenic bacteria and positively influencing inflammatory processes [4] [5].

Probiotics such as Vitreoscilla filiformis and Lactobacillus species have shown promising results in eczema treatment. These probiotics may alleviate eczema symptoms by reducing skin inflammation and improving skin barrier function [4] [6].

Application Methods of Probiotics

Probiotics can be administered both orally and topically. Oral probiotics indirectly affect skin health by modulating the gut microbiome, while topical probiotics are applied directly to the skin surface to provide local effects [5] [7]. Topical probiotics have been shown to improve skin health by competing with pathogenic bacteria on the skin and balancing the skin microbiome [6] [8].

Conclusion

Probiotics offer a promising alternative for the treatment of skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Both oral and topical applications can improve skin health by balancing the skin microbiome and reducing inflammation. However, more clinical research is needed to better understand the efficacy and safety of probiotics. Advances in this field may contribute to the development of new treatment strategies for skin health.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or health regimen.

References

1. Goodarzi, A., Mozafarpoor, S., Bodaghabadi, M., & Mohamadi, M. The potential of probiotics for treating acne vulgaris: A review of literature on acne and microbiota. Dermatologic Therapy. 2020; 33. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.13279

2. Eguren, C., Navarro-Blasco, A., Corral-Forteza, M., Reolid-Pérez, A., Setó-Torrent, N., García-Navarro, A., Prieto-Merino, D., Núñez-Delegido, E., Sánchez-Pellicer, P., & Navarro-López, V. A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of an Oral Probiotic in Acne Vulgaris. Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2024; 104. https://doi.org/10.2340/actadv.v104.33206

3. Rybak, I., Haas, K., Dhaliwal, S., Burney, W., Pourang, A., Sandhu, S., Maloh, J., Newman, J., Crawford, R., & Sivamani, R. Prospective Placebo-Controlled Assessment of Spore-Based Probiotic Supplementation on Sebum Production, Skin Barrier Function, and Acne. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023; 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12030895

4. Mottin, V., & Suyenaga, E. An approach on the potential use of probiotics in the treatment of skin conditions: acne and atopic dermatitis. International Journal of Dermatology. 2018; 57. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.13972

5. França, K. Topical Probiotics in Dermatological Therapy and Skincare: A Concise Review. Dermatology and Therapy. 2020; 11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-020-00476-7

6. Knackstedt, R., Knackstedt, T., & Gatherwright, J. The role of topical probiotics in skin conditions: A systematic review of animal and human studies and implications for future therapies. Experimental Dermatology. 2020; 29. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.14032

7. Kianmehr, S., Jahani, M., Moazzen, N., Ahanchian, H., & Khameneh, B. The potential of probiotics for treating skin disorders: A concise review.. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology. 2022 https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201023666220411090301

8. De Almeida, C., Antiga, E., & Lulli, M. Oral and Topical Probiotics and Postbiotics in Skincare and Dermatological Therapy: A Concise Review. Microorganisms. 2023; 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11061420