What are probiotics and prebiotics? How important are they for our skin health?

Probiotics and prebiotics, which we've been hearing about frequently lately, are a hot topic of research. So, what are these probiotics and prebiotics, which have been shown to be beneficial in many areas? What are their benefits? What are their benefits specifically for skin, and how can they be used in skincare?

Probiotics, as defined by the World Health Organization, are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host. While they are primarily known for their intestinal regulating effects, their effects are also observed in many other areas. For example, applying probiotics to the skin is an increasingly popular option.

Some studies have suggested that probiotics may help balance skin pH, reduce the effects of sun damage caused by UV light, and improve the skin's moisture barrier. They also suggest that probiotic therapy may help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Probiotic bacterial therapy has also been suggested to have significant potential for preventing and treating various skin conditions, and research has established a link between a disrupted gut microbiome and inflammatory skin diseases.

Almost any skin product such as deodorants, creams, balms, serums, cleansers, gels, masks, foundations, and bar soaps can contain probiotics.

Some common probiotic species people may find in skin products include Lactococcus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus thermophilus, Saccharomyces, Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc.

Among these species, lactosporin, produced by Bifidobacterium Coagulans MTCC 5856, is an extracellular metabolite. It has previously been reported to have antimicrobial activity and has also been identified and registered as safe for use as a cosmetic ingredient. This metabolite possesses anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-hyaluronidase, and UV-protective properties, all of which are crucial for skin health.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are selectively fermented ingredients that allow for specific changes in both composition and activity in the gastrointestinal microflora, resulting in benefits for the host's well-being and health. Simply put, they nourish probiotic bacteria.Topically applied (on the skin) prebiotics have different effects on the skin than those consumed orally as supplements or food. Honey and oats are examples of prebiotics. Applying prebiotics to the skin encourages the probiotics to proliferate, allowing them to maintain the skin's first line of defense, the surface, a healthy, balanced, and more youthful appearance. They balance the causes of redness, address dryness and surface weakness, prevent skin aging, and also create a balanced microbiota (good bacteria).

Therefore, you might consider applying the probiotics and prebiotics you consume daily for gut health to your face for skincare. Of course, every skin type is different, and some side effects may occur. Therefore, I recommend researching them thoroughly and applying them accordingly.

The number of products on the current market is increasing, and probiotic products from popular brands are now appearing on the market. You can learn more about these products by consulting your doctor and pharmacist to determine which products are ideal for you! For your health, consult your doctor and pharmacist!

You can also find the references I used here:

Jung, Y. O., Jeong, H., Cho, Y., Lee, E. O., Jang, H. W., Kim, J., ... & Lim, K. M. (2019). Lysates of a probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, can improve skin barrier function in a reconstructed human epidermis model. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(17), 4289.

Majeed, M., Majeed, S., Nagabhushanam, K., Lawrence, L., Arumugam, S., & Mundkur, L. (2020). Skin protective activity of lactosporin-the extracellular metabolite from bacillus coagulans mtcc 5856. Cosmetics, 7(4), 76.

Liu, C., Tseng, Y. P., Chan, L. P., & Liang, C. H. (2022). The potential of Streptococcus thermophiles (TCI633) in the anti‐aging. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(6), 2635-2647.] https://www.healthline.com/health/probiotics-skin-care

   https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-probiotic-skin-care-work-products-uses-and-more#:~:text=Probiotic%20skin%20care%20involves%20using,the%20symptoms%20of%20skin%20conditions