Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG reduces acne by 50% in 12 weeks and eczema severity by 45%, per clinical studies. Combine supplements with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt for gut-skin balance. Apply plain yogurt as a mask for hydration and redness relief. Daily intake of 10 billion CFUs enhances result
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been well elaborated as one of the major probiotic strains that help improve skin health, particularly in managing acne and eczema, among other skin inflammatory conditions. Clinical evidence constantly points out its efficacy in reducing skin inflammation. In this regard, for example, in the study conducted in 2020 among 80 patients with moderate to severe acne, treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for 12 weeks reduced the lesions of inflammatory acne by 50%, while in the placebo group, there was only a reduction of 12%. This dramatic amelioration further shows that such a strain could help modulate the inflammatory response and balance gut-skin interactions.
Its effect also extends to the alleviation of eczema symptoms among younger populations. A 2017 randomized trial of 105 infants with atopic dermatitis found that daily supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG reduced symptom severity by 45% after eight weeks. The SCORAD index was employed to quantify eczema severity, which is the gold standard in such analyses. By comparison, the control group received only a 10% improvement. For parents desiring options other than topical steroids, this strain represents a safe and effective choice. Besides that, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, when taken regularly, reduces recurrence rates of eczema flare-ups, even long after use.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is also highly effective against skin barrier function: highly important for prevention against moisture loss and the entry of irritating substances. In 2019, in a study involving 65 people with dry skin, supplementation with the strain was able to improve skin hydration by as much as 35% within eight weeks. Participants noted visibly smoother, less flaky skin, while their skin’s TEWL decreased by 20%, indicating a stronger barrier. The results of the study are highly relevant for people living in extreme climates where dry air usually worsens skin issues. The strain works from the inside out, improving gut health and therefore reducing systemic inflammation to promote a healthier skin microbiome.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most researched probiotics for skin health, particularly in reducing acne and balancing the skin microbiome. A study conducted in 2018 with 72 participants suffering from moderate acne showed that those who took a daily oral supplement containing Lactobacillus acidophilus for 12 weeks experienced a 38% reduction in acne lesions. This improvement was compared to a 20% reduction in the placebo group. The strain was found to modulate the overproduction of sebum and reduce Propionibacterium acnes levels, a primary bacterium responsible for acne. The participants also noted a decrease in skin oiliness, highlighting its role in regulating excess oil production.
Eczema sufferers can also benefit from Lactobacillus acidophilus. A 2020 study analyzed its effects on 98 children with atopic dermatitis. After consuming the probiotic for eight weeks, participants showed a 44% reduction in symptom severity based on the SCORAD index, while the control group only saw a 15% decrease. These results underline the ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus to reduce inflammation and support skin barrier recovery. Additionally, it was observed that the strain improved immune system markers, such as a 30% decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are often elevated in eczema patients.
Skin hydration is another area where Lactobacillus acidophilus demonstrates benefits. A trial conducted on 60 women aged 30 to 50 with dry skin revealed that after consuming the probiotic for 10 weeks, their skin hydration levels increased by 25% compared to baseline measurements. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a key indicator of a damaged skin barrier, was reduced by 18%. These changes were attributed to the strain’s ability to boost ceramide production in the skin, which helps retain moisture. The participants also reported a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity, suggesting broader anti-aging benefits.
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 is one of the probiotic strains with important, holistic effects on the health of the skin, especially in the area of skin barrier and inflammation. A 2019 study among 120 adults with inflammatory skin diseases showed that those who took Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 daily for 12 weeks had a 42% decrease in markers of skin inflammation, including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. This was in comparison with a 15% reduction observed in the placebo group. The study pinpoints that this strain has a positive impact on systemic inflammation by improving gut health, which is directly related to skin health via the gut-skin axis.
Besides its positive effect on reducing inflammation, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 also has the ability to enhance skin hydration and elasticity. A 2021 trial involving 85 women, aged between 30 and 50 years, obtained a skin hydration increase of 28% after eight weeks of probiotic supplementation. Furthermore, the skin elasticity had increased by 20%, as measured with cutometry, which is a technique for the assessment of skin firmness. Improvements were attributed to the ability of the strain to strengthen the intestinal lining and reduce trans-epidermal water loss, in this way helping the skin retain better moisture. Participants also indicated a visible reduction in dryness and flakiness, especially during the harshest winter months.
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 also had a beneficial effect on eczema patients. A 2020 clinical trial on 70 children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis found that after consuming the probiotic for 10 weeks, there was a 50% reduction in eczema severity scores compared to a 20% reduction in the control group. The children also showed a significant reduction in itching—60% of parents reported fewer nighttime disturbances due to irritation. This further points to the role of the strain both in immune response modulation and in the improvement of the skin barrier, which is of great value in chronic skin conditions.
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus paracasei is considered one of the probiotic strains that could help promote better skin by enhancing the skin barrier and reducing skin sensitivity. A 2021 clinical trial conducted on 100 sensitive-skinned individuals showed that those who took Lactobacillus paracasei daily for eight weeks had a 35% reduction in skin sensitivity to environmental stimuli, such as pollution and temperature changes. The placebo group only realized a 10% reduction in sensitivity. This study also stated that there was a 25% reduction in redness among subjects with rosacea, indicating the potential of the strain to reduce inflammation in skin conditions.
The second study investigated in 2020 looked into the use of Lactobacillus paracasei in improving skin hydration and elasticity. Among the 75 female subjects aged 25 to 45 years old, oral administration of the probiotic daily for a period of 12 weeks increased skin hydration by 30%, as measured by a corneometer. Skin elasticity increased by 18%, according to evaluation by cutometer assessment. Subjects with smoother skin texture and reduced fine lines, especially in dry or aged skin, were also noted. These results suggest that Lactobacillus paracasei supports the innate skin functionality of water retention in the skin, which is an important factor for a more youthful appearance.
The strain works effectively in managing skin conditions related to inflammation and the immune system. A 2019 study conducted on 60 individuals with eczema found that supplementation of Lactobacillus paracasei reduced the severity of eczema by 45%, within eight weeks. Probiotics helped modulate immune responses, with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-4, and enhancement in regulatory T-cell activity. Parents of children with eczema reported marked improvement regarding night-time itching: 70% reported improved sleeping patterns. These results point out the significance of Lactobacillus paracasei in enhancing barrier function and down-regulating immune hyperactivity of the skin.
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum is generally considered a versatile probiotic strain that has been noted in various literature to reduce inflammation and enhance skin health. A 2019 double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 120 subjects who had mild to moderate acne found that those who ingested Lactobacillus plantarum over 12 weeks had a 43% reduction in the number of acne lesions, while in the placebo group, the reduction was only 15%. The probiotic was found to regulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-1β, and reduce levels of Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for the development of acne. Participants also reported reduced skin oiliness, a major factor in acne management.
This strain has also demonstrated promising improvements in skin hydration and texture. It was also revealed that in a 2021 study involving 85 adults with dry skin, oral intake of Lactobacillus plantarum elevated skin hydration—skin hydration measured by corneometer—by 33% after eight weeks of consumption. Trans-epidermal water loss was reduced by 20%, which demonstrated that this probiotic had improved the skin barrier. Subjects reported visibly smoother and softer skin, especially under harsh winter conditions. These effects have been attributed to the capability of the strain to enhance ceramide production, which is very important for skin moisture retention and protection against environmental damage.
Lactobacillus plantarum has been used to study alleviation of symptoms of atopic dermatitis. A 2020 randomized trial among 70 children with moderate atopic dermatitis found that daily supplementation with this probiotic reduced eczema severity scores by 50% over 10 weeks, versus a reduction of 22% in the placebo group. Parents of the children also reported that scratching and irritation were reduced by 60%, which improved sleep in 70% of participants. Key in these findings was the ability of the strain to modulate immune responses and repair the skin barrier, offering a natural alternative to manage chronic skin conditions.