V. filiformis probiotic on the skin improves seborrheic dermatitis

Probiotics – the good bacteria living in our guts – have a strong impact on the health of our skin. We have previously discussed two specific bacterial strains that have been scientifically shown to be efficient in treating seborrheic dermatitis (see the articles on lactobacillus paracasei and E. coli Nissle). In both cases the treatment consisted of orally ingesting the bacteria as a dietary supplement.

However, starting around 2005, scientists have been investigating the effects of applying probiotics directly to the skin (instead of ingesting). Their results show that such an approach can treat various skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, yeast and bacterial infections, psoriasis, and dermatitis^​1​.

Clinical study on vitreoscilla filiformis

One particular strain of bacteria whose local application to the skin shows beneficial effects on seborrheic dermatitis is vitreoscilla filiformis. These non-pathogenic bacteria live in sandy soil (a photomicrograph of these bacteria in sandy soil is shown at the top of the article) and thermal spring water, classically used for dermatological treatment. Vitreoscilla filiformis biomass has been shown to exert a stimulatory effect on the immune system. Moreover, clinical studies revealed that this biomass has skin moisturizing properties and reduces skin symptoms of dry atopic skin.^​2​

In order to test the efficacy of vitreoscilla filiformis for seborrheic dermatitis, scientists from L’Oreal cultured the bacteria in a medium prepared with La Roche Posay (LRP) spa water. The LRP water is rich in selenium and strontium, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, and has long been used as a “thermal cure” for dermatologic inflammatory disorders.^​3​ The study included 60 patients with moderate scalp seborrheic dermatitis. They were randomized into a placebo group (A) and a test group (B). Patients in group A were treated with a “vehicle” lotion without any active ingredients, while patients in group B received an LRP lotion containing 5% biomass of vitreoscilla filiformis.

The figure above shows the results of the study. The graph depicts the total clinical score as a function of time (days). The clinical score is a number between 0 and 4 that measures the severity of the seborrheic dermatitis symptoms (0 – no symptoms, 4 – severe symptoms). We can see in the figure that the total clinical score showed a high improvement (62.7% decrease) in group B (treated with the test lotion of 5% LRP-biomass once daily for 4 weeks) compared with group A (only 26.1% decrease). Moreover, the total clinical score remained almost unchanged in group B (the test lotion-treated group) one week after daily treatment was stopped.

Where to get vitreoscilla filiformis?

The study discussed above has shown that the vitreoscilla filiformis probiotic applied directly to the skin is extremely efficient against seborrheic dermatitis. Based on this evidence, L’Oreal has formulated a new cream which is sold as La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream. Here is what doctor Whitney Bowe, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, and the author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin, says about the cream.

Supercharging the formula is Aqua posae filiformis, a patented version of the waterborne bacteria Vitreoscilla filiformis, known for improving severely dry skin. The brand took this rare bacteria and strengthened its properties by growing it in their thermal spring water. The Aqua posae filiformis is a heat-killed strain, which makes it a postbiotic. It provides long-lasting hydration and reduces the occurrence of flare-ups in dry skin.

dr. Whitney Bowe, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center (source: https://www.allure.com/gallery/probiotics-skin-care-products)

If you want to try the cream, it can be ordered here. And please share below your experience after you try it!

Further reading

https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/uk/learning-lab/in-depth/general-health/could-bacteria-in-water-hold-key-to-perfect-skin

https://www.allure.com/gallery/probiotics-skin-care-products