The negative impact of acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions on quality of life is well documented and can cause long-lasting changes in personality. It has been reported that 8.8% of patients with acne experience depression. In addition to psychological stress, patients with acne often suffer from gastrointestinal disturbances at a higher rate than the general population.
The gastrointestinal tract is home to the largest population of commensal bacteria. Commensal gut bacteria can trigger immune responses that ultimately reach the T cells in the skin. Probiotics interact with the immune system of the gastrointestinal mucosa, altering the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the blood.
The concept of acne as a result of inflammation is based on the understanding that the immune system is designed to protect the human body from real threats. However, in patients with acne, we observe a chronic, low-grade inflammation. Ideally, probiotics would eliminate this chronic inflammatory state and, in turn, halt the development of acne.
The inflammatory process associated with acne has received considerable attention in dermatological research and the literature in recent years. While it was previously believed that events such as follicular keratinization and bacterial colonization preceded inflammation, it is now known that inflammation is actually the body’s first response. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics may be beneficial in the treatment of acne. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, it has been demonstrated that lactobacilli modulate Th1/Th2 activity. It has been found that combined probiotic therapy actually alters both the Th1 and Th2 responses. As mentioned earlier, dysregulation of the T-cell response has been demonstrated in the skin of patients with acne, and it can be concluded that normalizing this response may be an important step toward reducing the underlying inflammatory state.
The abnormal antioxidant response observed in patients with acne highlights yet another role for probiotics. Probiotics have been shown to support antioxidant activity. A study conducted on the probiotic Bacillus coagulans RK-02 found that the bacteria produce a potent extracellular polysaccharide with significant antioxidant activity. Probiotics provide a mechanism to counteract free radical damage and increase antioxidant activity, resulting in an environment that is less attractive for colonization by the acne-causing bacterium P. acnes.
THE USE OF PROBIOTICS FOR SKIN PROBLEMS WAS ALREADY RECOMMENDED AS EARLY AS THE 1930s.
At the beginning of the last century, Lactobacillus acidophilus (a common probiotic found in foods such as yogurt) was a popular dietary supplement for treating acne among the general public. With a growing body of evidence regarding the role of systemic probiotics in the treatment of acne, the efficacy of topical probiotics is also attracting interest. Similar to oral probiotics, the use of probiotics for topical application dates back to the early 1900s. The first clinical trial evaluated topical probiotics and their effects on ceramide production in the skin. Ceramides are waxy lipid molecules that make up 50% of the lipid matrix in the intercellular spaces of the stratum corneum. Together with cholesterol and long-chain fatty acids, they are essential for maintaining the water permeability of the skin barrier. It has been found that ceramide levels are low in patients with aging skin, xerosis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and even acne; therefore, increasing their production can significantly improve these conditions.
AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH USING LOCAL PROBIOTICS WITH PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS
Topical probiotics may improve stress-induced acne. It is known that acne can worsen due to stress, primarily from the release of a chemical called substance P. Sebocytes stimulated by substance P exhibit higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Clinical studies have shown that probiotic strains can improve inflammatory skin conditions by inhibiting substance P. As a supplement to current acne therapy, these two bacteria in topical formulations may provide relief to people suffering from inflammatory and/or stress-induced acne who do not respond to conventional treatments.
Snowborn Skin bacterial therapy contains enzymes from lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which support the good bacteria in the skin microbiome, thereby strengthening them so they can prevent the growth of the pathogen P. acnes, which is responsible for acne and inflammation.
Rosacea is a skin condition that is also associated with disruptions in the microbiome. Clinical studies show that a large percentage of patients with rosacea have an imbalance in their gut microbiome and, most commonly, are infected with Helicobacter pylori. Furthermore, when the skin microbiome develops in an unfavorable environment, pathogenic bacteria thrive and cause redness and a burning sensation on the skin.
Probio Sensitive Mist and Probio Redness Recovery Cream help rebuild the damaged protective barrier and strengthen the walls of the capillaries. These are 100% natural products that contain no parabens, sulfates, alcohol, allergens, or fragrance.
ORAL PROBIOTICS FOR RESTORING IMPAIRED INTESTINAL BACTERIAL BALANCE IN ACNE AND ROSACEA
Dietary changes may play a role in the treatment of rosacea. Certain foods and beverages can act as “triggers” that worsen rosacea. These can be categorized as heat-related, alcohol-related, capsaicin-related, and others. Epidemiological studies show that patients with rosacea have a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders. Although further research is needed in this area, patients should be advised to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, including consuming a high-fiber (prebiotic) diet.
A diet high in sugar and fat and low in fiber has been shown to be linked to an increased risk of acne due to reduced levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These are beneficial bacteria that create an environment with normal acidity, suppress the growth of pathogens, and play a role in the body’s immune response.
L. salivarius LS03 exhibits significant inhibitory activity against P. acnes. This antagonistic activity is primarily attributed to the LS03 strain’s ability to secrete bacteriocins against P. acnes. Regarding the IL-8 assay, three different strains of L. salivarius are capable of inhibiting the release of this chemokine by 10% to 25%.
It is precisely on this basis that the new Derma Probiotic was developed, containing 2 billion live bacteria of this strain in each capsule, which combat pathogens to promote clear skin and a balanced microbiome. Its ingredients include:
Lactobacillus salivarius LS03 (has been shown to be an alternative to antibiotic and antimicrobial therapy for acne vulgaris)
Lactobacillus casei LC03 (good bacteria known for reducing inflammation and inhibiting P. acnes)
Bifidobacterium breve BR03 (protects the skin from photoaging, UV radiation, and transepidermal water loss)
COMBINED PROBIOTIC THERAPY IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Better results and effects are achieved by combining Derma Probiotic tablets with Snowborn Skin topical probiotic therapy.
The recommended dose is 1 capsule per day, taken in the morning before a meal for at least 2 months, along with the application of the skin probiotic treatment in the morning and evening.
A consumer test of the Comprehensive Facial Therapy and the use of Derma Probiotic showed very good results and proved that Snowborn is a promising treatment for acne and problem skin!
Bibliography:
- A New Approach to Acne Therapy: A Specific Bacteriocin Activity and a Targeted Anti-IL-8
ity in Just One Probiotic Strain, L. salivarius LS03
, Francesca Deidda, MS, Angela Amoruso, PhD, Stefania Nicola, PhD, Teresa Graziano, MS, Marco Pane, MS, and Luca Mogna, PhD - A Case of Scalp Rosacea Treated with Low-Dose Doxycycline and Probiotic Therapy and a Literature Review
s on Therapeutic Options. M. C. Fortuna*, V. Garelli*, G. Pranteda*, F. Romaniello*, M. Cardone*, M. Carlesimo† & A. Rossi**Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Dermatology Clinic, “Sapienza” University of Rome I, Rome, Italy, and Dermatology, “Sapienza” University of Rome II, Rome, Italy - Siver R. Lactobacillus for the control of acne. The Journal of the Medical Society of New Jersey. 1961;59:52-53.
- Marchetti F, Capizzi R, Tulli A. Efficacy of agents that regulate the intestinal bacterial flora in the treatment of acne vulgaris. La Clinica Terapeutica. 1987;122(5):339-343.
- Volkova LA, Khalif IL, Kabanova IN. Impact of impaired intestinal microflora on the course of acne vulgaris. Klinicheskaia Meditsina (Mosk). 2001;79(6):39-41.
Dr. Temelkova, M.D.
Practicing physician at the Clinic of
Dermatology and Venereology
MI Ministry of Interior Hospital – Sofia
