Topical Probiotic-Fermented Complex Protects the Skin

Many think of probiotics and beneficial microorganisms only as related to gut health.

But bacteria on our skin are important contributors to dermatological health and appearance.^1-3

Aging, overuse of facial cleansers, and anti-bacterial soaps, disrupt the delicate balance between good and bad bacteria on the skin.^4,5

This contributes to premature skin aging.

Fermentation products of Aspergillus and the probiotic Lactobacillus produce substrates that have been shown to rebalance skin flora and promote DNA repair. The result is more youthful, vibrant skin.

The Skin Microbiota

The skin’s surface is home to diverse and complex microbial communities collectively known as the skin microbiota.^6,7

Most of these bacteria work on our behalf.

Researchers are discovering their unique ability to provide an optimized inflammatory response that eradicates pathogens, mitigates harmful effects of sun exposure, and maintains a well-hydrated and intact barrier function.^8-12

Aging, stress, and excessive washing create an imbalanced skin microbiome characterized by the depletion of good bacteria and multiplication of bad bacteria.^13,14

Lactobacillus Ferment Rebalances Skin Flora

Scientists turned to one of the most well-recognized and proven probiotic bacterial groups, Lactobacillus, to rebalance an ailing skin microbiome.

Lactobacillus ferment promotes the growth of beneficial lactic acid bacteria. It also suppresses the colonization by pathogenic bacteria, through the synthesis of anti-microbial peptides called bacteriocins.^15-18 In the laboratory, Lactobacillus ferment significantly reduced the reproduction of multiple bacterial species, including S. aureus associated with chronic inflammatory skin diseases.^19-22

By limiting the growth of bad bacteria, while still allowing friendly bacteria to flourish, Lactobacillus ferment restores the skin flora to a healthy, balanced state. This, in turn, normalizes immune function and controls inflammation to help the skin regain youthful function and appearance.

Lactobacilli also synthesize free fatty acids during the fermentation process, which promotes a slightly acidic environment in the skin, conducive to anti-microbial defense, barrier function regeneration, and moisture retention.²³

A recent clinical study showcased the hydrating properties of Lactobacillus ferment. When topically applied for four weeks, it was shown to increase participants’ skin moisture by 10% compared to baseline.²² This finding is noteworthy, as boosting moisture in the skin increases volume and fullness that diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Let’s now look at how Aspergillus ferment protects against UV-induced damage to skin cells and supports DNA repair.

Aspergillus Ferment Promotes DNA Protection and Repair

Sun exposure generates a storm of destructive free radicals in the skin that cause cumulative DNA damage and contribute to the breakdown of structural proteins collagen and elastin, which ultimately leads to photoaging.^24-27

Proanthocyanidins are polyphenols that combat UV-induced oxidative damage by blocking multiple inflammatory pathways and exerting potent antioxidant effects.^28,29

Scientists discovered that Aspergillus ferment is rich in proanthocyanidins and can deliver greater concentrations of these beneficial compounds to the skin, and for a longer time period.³⁰

As a result, Aspergillus ferment was shown to strengthen skin’s antioxidant protection, exhibiting greater suppression of free radicals than the well-known endogenous antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD).³⁰

This effect completely protected skin cells from DNA damage under UV-radiated and non-radiated conditions. Aspergillus ferment also repaired existing sun damage by producing greater activation in DNA reparative processes compared to a control.³⁰ These DNA-protective and DNA-repair effects lower skin cancer risk and increase the survival of healthy cells, to slow or even reverse cutaneous deterioration.

Summary

It’s becoming increasingly clear that an unbalanced cutaneous microbiota compromises optimal skin health and appearance.

Aspergillus and Lactobacillus ferment have been shown to bring the skin back into a healthy equilibrium, while inhibiting UV-induced damage and boosting advanced DNA repair.

This combination has now been formulated into one topical serum to create fresher, healthier, younger-looking skin.

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Gary Goldfaden, MD, is a clinical dermatologist and lifetime member of the American Academy of Dermatology. He is the founder of Academy Dermatology in Hollywood, FL, and Cosmesis Skin Care. Dr. Goldfaden is a member of the Life Extension^® Medical Advisory Board. All Cosmesis products are available online.

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If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension^® Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

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