Effect of Probiotic Skincare on Skin Microbiome and Biophysical Parameters

Fanny Skalberg, Supervisor: Johanna M Gillbro, PhD & Joakim Näsvall, Examiner: Lionel Guy, Master of Science in Pharmacy, 30 credits, Uppsala University.

Randomized clinical trial | Double-blind | Split-face | Uppsala University

The skin's microbiome consists of billions of bacterial cells in symbiosis with human cells. L. reuteri is a probiotic bacterial strain with anti-inflammatory activity in atopic skin – which raised the question of whether it can also positively influence the microbiome of healthy skin.

To investigate whether topical application of L. reuteri improves skin microbiome diversity, skin aging parameters, and
reduces skin irritation in healthy, dry, and/or sensitive skin.

Double-blind, randomized clinical study with a split-face design. L. reuteri in probiotic concentrate was applied topically twice daily to one side of the face, and vehicle to the other. 17 participants, three weeks. The skin microbiome was analyzed with 16S rRNA sequencing and skin properties with Antera 3D scan.

PC significantly increased the number of unique species on the skin (p<0.05). L. reuteri bacteria increased significantly (p<0.05). Significant
improvements in skin texture (p<0.05), volume (p<0.05), fine lines (p<0.05), and wrinkles (p<0.05).

Topical application of L. reuteri had a positive effect on the diversity of the skin microbiome and on skin aging parameters. L. reuteri was identified on the skin at least 12 hours after application.

Figure 1 shows a reduction in skin irregularities in the eye area after 1 month's use of Probiotic Concentrate.

Figure 2 shows a reduction in pore size and number of pores on the forehead after 1 month of using Probiotic Concentrate.

Figure 3 shows an improvement in forehead texture, i.e. smoother skin, after 1 month of using Probiotic Concentrate.

Figure 4 shows a reduction in the number of fine lines in the eye area after 1 month of using Probiotic Concentrate.