Save

Impact of prebiotics and probiotics on skin health

In: Beneficial Microbes
Authors:
F.H. Al-Ghazzewi Glycologic Limited, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by F.H. Al-Ghazzewi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
and
R.F. Tester Glycologic Limited, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by R.F. Tester in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Download Citation Get Permissions

Access options

Get access to the full article by using one of the access options below.

Institutional Login

Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials

Login via Institution

Purchase

Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):

$40.00

This review discusses the role of pre- and probiotics with respect to improving skin health by modulating the cutaneous microbiota. The skin ecosystem is a complex environment covered with a diverse microbiota community. These are classified as either transient or resident, where some are considered as beneficial, some essentially neutral and others pathogenic or at least have the capacity to be pathogenic. Colonisation varies between different parts of the body due to different environmental factors. Pre- and probiotic beneficial effects can be delivered topically or systemically (by ingestion). The pre- and probiotics have the capacity to optimise, maintain and restore the microbiota of the skin in different ways. Topical applications of probiotic bacteria have a direct effect at the site of application by enhancing the skin natural defence barriers. Probiotics as well as resident bacteria can produce antimicrobial peptides that benefit cutaneous immune responses and eliminate pathogens. In cosmetic formulations, prebiotics can be applied to the skin microbiota directly and increase selectively the activity and growth of beneficial ‘normal’ skin microbiota. Little is known about the efficacy of topically applied prebiotics. Nutritional products containing prebiotics and/or probiotics have a positive effect on skin by modulating the immune system and by providing therapeutic benefits for atopic diseases. This review underlines the potential use of pre- and probiotics for skin health.

Content Metrics

All Time Past 365 days Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 3697 3618 359
Full Text Views 66 58 9
PDF Views & Downloads 121 102 16