Writing in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, the researchers report that 12 weeks supplementation with the probiotic also boosted skin hydration levels.
“[H]ealthy skin is regarded as an indicator of overall health, and the skin condition is influenced by diet and oral medications,” wrote the researchers. “Thus, it is appropriate to consider the potential anti-aging effects of natural dietary supplements.
“The present study has provided clinical evidence that oral consumption of HY7714 increases skin hydration, alleviates facial wrinkling, and improves elasticity and skin gloss. These results suggest that HY7714 would be a useful anti-aging nutricosmetic agent.”
Beauty from within
The potential skin health benefits of probiotics have been reported previously. Commenting on the potential skin health benefits of L. plantarum HY7714, the authors note that animal data has indicated that the probiotic may regulate the expression of genes related to skin hydration.
“HY7714 also suppressed UVB-induced signal transduction in fibroblasts, which suggests that oral HY7714 may contribute to the molecular control of signaling pathways and gene expression in the skin cells after being absorbed by the intestine,” they added. “The precise mechanisms of amelioration of skin aging by probiotics should be a topic of continued research in the future.”
Study details
Euromonitor International estimated the value of beauty supplements to be $2.9 billion in 2015, with the US market valued at $76 million. The category is reportedly growing at greater than 10% in the US, albeit from a small base.
The recent study included 110 women aged between 41 and 59 with dry skin and wrinkles and randomly assigned them to receive either placebo or 10 billion CFUs per day of L. plantarum HY7714 for 12 weeks.
Results showed that skin hydration measures in the face and hands were significantly higher in the probiotic group, compared to placebo, after 12 weeks. In addition, transepidermal water loss in the face and forearm was suppressed more in the probiotic group at 12 weeks, compared to placebo.
Twelve weeks of probiotic supplementation was also associated with a significant reduction in wrinkle depth, compared to placebo.
Skin gloss and elasticity also improved in the probiotic group by 17% and 22%, respectively, versus placebo after 12 weeks, said the researchers.
“Taken together, these results suggest that HY7714 reduces skin aging through a variety of pathways,” wrote the researchers.
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
Volume 25, Number 12, Pages 2160-2168, doi: 10.4014/jmb.1509.09021
“Clinical Evidence of Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 on Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study”
Authors: Dong Eun Lee et al.