Artificial occlusion (wrapping) of the forearm leads to a significant change in the
pH of the skin, composition and density of the bacterial strains. The damp skin
enhances bacterial growth and colonization. In the folds of the skin, where the pH is
slightly higher, there is an increased density of bacteria [7].
In recent years, the concept of support and recovery of the epidermal barrier
through prebiotics and probiotics has become increasingly popular.
The strategy of "destroying all microorganisms", which has recently been popular
in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, is now considered obsolete. The modern
approach to therapy consists in selective disinfection, with the simultaneous creation
of conditions for the maintenance and reproduction of normal microflora of the skin,
which will lead to skin healing. Many laboratories are engaged in research on the
influence of bacterial lysates in the composition of cosmetic products on the skin.
Experts from Maurane Laboratory (France) began working in this area. This direction
is actively being developed by the research center L'Oreal, as well as a group of
scientists - A.C. Ouwehand, A. Batsman and S. Salminen from Turku Universities
(Faculty of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, Finland).
A specialist in the American Academy of Dermatology, Professor of Clinical
Dermatology, Dr. Whitney Bowe (New York), investigating the effects of probiotics
on the occurrence of acne and rosacea, came to the conclusion of the improvement of
the skin condition with daily application of these drugs. Experiments in vitro and then
in vivo also showed a positive effect of probiotics on the skin [2].
In cosmetology today, are used non-living bacteria, but their fragments, DNA or
areas of membranes that have potential antibacterial activity.
In addition to direct effects on the growth of the microflora, probiotics also
contribute to the synthesis of some antibacterial peptides. These peptides have a
hydrophobic region that reacts with lipids, and a hydrophilic region that interacts with
water or negatively charged ions. The positively charged molecules of antimicrobial
peptides react with negatively charged membranes of pathogenic bacteria, which, like
a corkscrew, screw in and destroy the bacterial membrane. Some types of bacteria
change the basic properties of the hydrolipid mantle of the skin: for example, when the
amount of lactobacillus increases, the pH of the skin decreases, which inhibits the
development of pathogenic flora.
Thus, probiotics cosmetics are a new approach to acne therapy. Such aids prevent
the effects of negative environmental factors, they can be used for sensitive skin,
depleted exposure to the sun, as well as for mature skin. Regular use of cosmetics with
the addition of probiotics not only heals the skin, but also helps slow down the
processes of natural aging and preserve the protective properties of the epidermis [25].
The usege of probiotics in cosmetic care has some limitations: it is impossible
simultaneously with antibiotics to appoint means containing acids, retinol and its
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