Probiotic May Help Improve Signs of Skin Aging

Skin aging results from repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation, oxidative stress, and cigarette smoking. A recent study has found that supplementation with a probiotic isolated from human breast milk called Streptococcus thermophilus (TCI633) may help improve several signs of skin aging.

30 adults between the ages of 35 and 55 participated in the study. They were given 5 billion CFUs of TC1633 or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. Skin collagen content, moisture, brightness, elasticity, crow’s feet depth, wrinkles, and skin texture were evaluated at baseline, week 4, and week 8, Blood samples were used to measure levels of hyaluronic acid, superoxide dismutase, and catalase.

Participants in the TC1633 group saw increases of 12.8%, 3.4%, and 11.4% in levels of skin moisture, brightness, and elasticity, respectively. Crow’s feet depth was 32.8% lower in the TC1633 group compared to baseline levels. In addition, skin texture levels decreased by 14.2% and wrinkles decreased by 21.6% compared to baseline levels.

Participants in the TC1633 group also saw a 17% increase in hyaluronic acid levels, a 3.1% increase in superoxide dismutase levels, and a 135.2% increase in catalase levels.

The study was conducted by researchers from National Cheng Kung University. It was published online ahead of print on September 26, 2021 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.