Beneficial Effect of Heat-Killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L-137 on Skin Functions in Healthy Participants: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

Abstract

To determine whether consuming heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L-137 (HK L-137) influences skin functions, we performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in healthy participants who were conscious of dry skin. A total of 80 healthy participants (20 men, 60 women; mean age, 47.3 years) were assigned to receive a tablet containing HK L-137 or a placebo tablet daily for 12 weeks. Every 4 weeks, the skin water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured at the forearm and face, and participants completed two skin-related questionnaires, the Dermatology Life Quality Index and a self-evaluation. The HK L-137 group tended to show greater increases from baseline of water content at the forearm and larger decreases of TEWL at the face. The total scores of both questionnaires improved significantly more in the HK L-137 group. Water content and TEWL improved significantly in participants in the HK L-137 group who were above the median age of study participants or had relatively dry skin. These findings suggest that daily HK L-137 intake can improve dry skin, thereby contributing to skin satisfaction.

Mechanisms of Health Improvement by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Based on Animal and Human Trials: A Review

“…L. plantarum CJLP55 was found to effectively improve the count and grading of acne lesions, reduce the triglyceride (TG) of sebum, increase hydration, maintain the main neuramide-2 of epidermal lipid barrier, and reduce the prevalence of Proteus [44]. Interestingly, heat-inactivated L. plantarum L-137 markedly improved the dry skin and increased skin satisfaction, which can affect both skin water content and transcutaneous water loss [103]. Additionally, L. plantarum HY7714 significantly ameliorated inflammation by reducing matrix metallopeptidases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), zonulin, and calprotectin expression in the plasma, all of which are involved in regulation of skin and intestinal permeability [50].…”

Effects of an ergothioneine-rich Pleurotus sp. on skin moisturizing functions and facial conditions: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

“…The skin, the largest organ in the body, is important for preventing excess water loss from the body and protecting against external physical, chemical, and biologic threats ( 1 ). Defective skin barrier function causes a condition known as dry skin, in which the surface may be rough, scaly, and flaky; these surface features are often accompanied by itching, burning, stinging, and a sensation of tightness ( 2 ). Most skin impairments are caused by extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet (UV) rays and air pollution, as well as intrinsic factors including oxidative stress and a decline in defense mechanisms ( 3 ).…”