The skin is an ecosystem naturally inhabited by microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa), known as the microbiota. The collective genetic material of all microorganisms in the microbiota forms the skin microbiome. The complexity and stability of the microbiota/microbiome benefit the body by protecting it from pathogenic microorganisms, providing nutrients, energy, vitamins, and short-chain fatty acids, and boosting skin immunity. The microbiota/microbiomeproduces antimicrobial peptides and enzymes, participates in the process of hydration and UV protection, modifies the lipids of the skin barrier, and contributes to its protection.
The microorganisms in the microbiota/microbiome can be “beneficial,” “good,” or “harmful”(pathogenic). Maintaining a diverse and physiologically balanced microbiota is essential for human health. Some skin conditions arise when there is an imbalance in the quantity or quality of microorganisms. A microbiome imbalance has been identified in a number of dermatoses, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, and rosacea. DNA analysis of the skin microbiome in patients with acne reveals thatPropionibacterium acnes(anaerobic) is the dominant species on the skin. When its population proliferates, it interferes with the functioning of normal aerobic bacteria on the skin, such asStaphylococcus epidermidis, which significantly alters the environment and balance of the microbiota.
EVIDENCE OF THE INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN THE GUT AND SKIN MICROBIOME
In addition, there is evidence of a link between the gut and skin microbiome. For example, the intake of probiotic strains (live microorganisms, "beneficial", "good") characteristic of the gastrointestinal tract prevents or influences the development of some of the chronic skin diseases mentioned above.
Probiotics are "beneficial" bacteria that have a beneficial effect on many functions of the body because they restore the bacterial balance of the microbiome, participate in immune defense, improve the natural functions of the skin as an anti-pathogen defense, increase collagen production and UV protection, etc.
In medium-severe forms of acne, prolonged tetracycline antibiotics are used, which often results in resistance ofP. acnes and increasingly lower efficacy.
More and more studies prove that probiotics successfully replace antibiotics by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria P. acnes and S. aureus, which are at the root of most skin problems, incl. acne.
The benefits of probiotics are for both gastrointestinal and skin health, as well as for mental health.
A diet high in sugar and fat, and low in fiber, has a proven link to the risk of acne, due to depressed levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They are "beneficial bacteria that create an environment with normal acidity, inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and participate in the body's immune response.
NEW THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES AIMED AT RESTORING THE MICROBIOTA FOR HEALTHY SKIN
The latest therapeutic strategies are aimed at normalizing the microbiota. Medications, topical treatments, and cosmetic products are being developed that are capable of influencing it.
Next-generation cosmetics are increasingly incorporating probiotics or postbiotics (the metabolic products of living microorganisms) into their formulas to stimulate the production of “good” bacteria and limit that of “bad” ones. The probiotics in skincare products are inactivated, posing no risk of bacterial contamination, yet they retain the ability to enhance the skin’s natural defenses, reduce irritation, and strengthen its hydrolipid film.
Snowborn Skin+Derma Probioticis a holistic probiotic therapy. It restores the bacterial balance of the skin and intestines. It offers a comprehensive approach to treating acne, atopic dermatitis, Demodex folliculitis, and rosacea. It contains a natural, sulfate-free cleansing gel and micellar water, as well as a light probiotic fluid, a moisturizing cream, a lipid cream, and the innovative oral probiotic—Dermaprobiotic.The latter inhibits the growth ofPropionibacterium acnes. Additionally, the line includes natural anti-pathogenic ingredients that control the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on the skin, restore normalpH, and rebuild the lipid barrier.
DERMA PROBIOTIC FOR RESTORING IMPAIRED INTESTINAL BACTERIAL BALANCE IN ACNE
Snowborn SkinDerma Probioticwas developed by the Italian biotechnology company Probiotical and contains 2 billion live bacteria in each capsule from the following strains:
• Lactobacillus salivarius LS03 (1 billion CFU), whichsuccessfully replaces antimicrobial therapy for acne;
•Lactobacillus caseiLC03 (0.5 billion CFU), whichreduces inflammation and inhibitsP.acnes;
•Bifidobacterium breve BR03 (0.5 billion CFU), whichprotects the skin from photoaging, UV radiation, and transepidermal water loss.
The recommended dose is 1 capsule per day, taken in the morning before a meal, for a minimum of 2 months in combination with Snow Born probiotic topical skincare therapy.
A consumer test conducted with the comprehensive acne therapy—which included theSnow Born Skinbioticstopical line and oral administration ofSnowborn SkinDerma Probiotic—showed very good results, with a significant reduction and clearance of acne lesions. Snowborn Skin andSnowborn Derma Probiotic representa promising therapy in the fight against microorganisms, promoting clear skin and a balanced microbiome for acne-prone and problem skin.
COMBINED PROBIOTIC THERAPY IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT
WHAT NEW DEVELOPMENTS CAN WE EXPECT FROM MICROBIOME-BASED COSMETICS IN THE FUTURE?
Along with probiotics, prebiotics (food for probiotics, dietary fiber) and postbiotics (metabolic products of “beneficial” bacteria) are coming to the forefront.
Significant research is also being conducted on the relationships between the microbiota and aging, as well as between the microbiota and photoprotection.
Prof. Dr. Marina, M.D.
Department of Dermatology and Venereology
Ministry of the Interior Hospital – Sofia
