Effects of short chain fructo-oligosaccharides on selected skin bacteria

Abstract

The human skin microbiota plays a key role in the maintenance of healthy skin, ensuring protection and biological barrier by competing with pathogens and by closely communicating with the immune system. The development of approaches which preserve or restore the skin microbiota represents a novel target for skincare applications. Prebiotics could be applied to balance almost any microbial community to achieve advantageous effects. However, information about their effectiveness as skin microbiota modulators is limited. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of short chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) from sugar beet (DP 3–5), well-recognised prebiotics, on some representative bacterial strains of the skin microbiota. We measured the growth and competitive activity of these specific bacteria for the use of scFOS as energy source in minimal medium and in a reconstructed human epithelium (RHE) in vitro model. In minimal growth medium, scFOS promoted and sustained the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis up to 24 h, considered a beneficial skin commensal bacterium, while inhibiting both Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus growth, regarded as opportunistic pathogens. S. epidermidis showed the highest colonization potential and 1% scFOS was effective in shifting the competition in favour of S. epidermidis with respect to C. acnes in the RHE model. This latter effect was observed following 24 h of exposure, suggesting a long-term effect of scFOS in a highly skin dynamic environment. Therefore, scFOS could be effectively implemented in skincare formulations for recovering skin microbiota homeostasis.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of an Ecobiological Dermo-Cosmetic Product to Help Manage and Prevent Relapses of Eyelid Atopic Dermatitis

“… 39 The last ingredient, fructooligosaccharides, is a recognized prebiotic, which has been shown to restrict the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in favour of beneficial ones in vitro, therefore having a positive role in preserving or restoring a healthy skin microbiome. 40 …”

“…39 The last ingredient, fructooligosaccharides, is a recognized prebiotic, which has been shown to restrict the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in favour of beneficial ones in vitro, therefore having a positive role in preserving or restoring a healthy skin microbiome. 40 In summary, the product was developed with an ecobiological approach. Natural skin mechanisms inspire its composition to reinforce them, help protect the cutaneous ecosystem by reducing inflammation and pruritus, as well as stimulating the synthesis of lipids and proteins essential for the barrier function.…”