Dermatology Times - Prebiotics, Cosmeceuticals May Improve Skin Condition
Dermatology Times December 2019 Issue (PDF Version) can be downloaded here.
“When it comes to skincare. prebiotics might be more important.”
The following are some excerpts from the article:
Thermal waters contain unique minerals based on where they originate. Some of the best evidence relates to the use of an emollient containing a particular proprietary thermal spring water from a specific town in France, which has high levels of a variety of minerals including calcium, magnesium and selenium. “They’ve done over 12 studies looking at how products containing this thermal spring water containing these prebiotics and minerals that feed the good bacteria, and have proven that this thermal spring water helps to restore a healthy microbiome in the skin,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “Probably the best study to show compared it to a regular moisturizer available in Europe.” These findings suggest “prebiotics may play a role in feeding the good bacteria and restoring a healthy microbiome and protecting us from skin diseases.”
However, there is emerging data for psoriasis, and patients with other skin diseases like rosacea may also benefit from prebiotics. “Atopic dermatitis is most common and more severe in children of color, particularly African American children, so although this concept of improving the microbiome would be helpful in all people with atopic dermatitis, African American children are a patient group that is particularly vulnerable,” she adds. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd suggests a number of well-known and less well-known cosmeceuticals that can be beneficial for skin of color including hyaluronic acid, which binds with water and is a useful plumping agent; vitamin E with its antioxidant properties, vitamins C and silymarin, which both have antioxidant and skin brightening properties; niacinamide, which is used widely in dermatology for fading dark spots and for its anti-aging properties.