Lactobacillus Reuteri Benefits for Skin Health

Q: How does L. reuteri affect the skin microbiome?

L. reuteri can help balance the skin's microbiome by promoting beneficial bacteria and inhibiting harmful pathogens, which may reduce skin inflammation and support overall skin health.

Q: Can L. reuteri be used in combination with topical treatments for skin conditions?

Yes, combining L. reuteri supplementation with topical treatments may enhance results, as probiotics help support the immune system and improve the skin barrier function, complementing external treatments.

Q: Can L. reuteri be used in skin care formulations?

While primarily taken orally, emerging research suggests L. reuteri could be incorporated into topical formulations to target skin inflammation and enhance the skin barrier, though more studies are needed to confirm its topical benefits.

Background Gut-Skin Axis Benefits L. Reuteri & L. Rhamnosus Sources Safety FAQs Resources

The use of probiotics for skin health is rapidly gaining attention in the scientific and dermatological communities. Research indicates that maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut may have far-reaching effects beyond digestion, influencing systemic inflammation, immune function, and even skin health.

Among probiotic species, Lactobacillus reuteri has emerged as a promising candidate for promoting skin health. This strain, naturally found in the human gut, has been associated with anti-inflammatory properties, enhanced skin barrier function, and potential antioxidant effects. Understanding its role in the gut-skin axis may offer insights into new strategies for improving skin conditions like acne, eczema, and premature aging.

What is L. Reuteri?

A Unique Probiotic Strain

L. reuteri is a naturally occurring bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Unlike some probiotic strains that primarily function in digestion, L. reuteri is recognized for its systemic benefits, including immune modulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and antimicrobial activity.

Role in Gut Health

Microbiome Balance: L. reuteri plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the intestinal microbiota. It produces antimicrobial substances such as reuterin that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby preventing dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut microbiota).
Digestive Health: L. reuteri has been shown to improve digestion by aiding in nutrient absorption and regulating gastrointestinal motility. It also helps prevent or alleviate gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Immune Modulation: One of the key benefits of L. reuteri is its ability to modulate the immune system. It boosts the production of regulatory T-cells, which help control inflammation throughout the body, including the skin.

Sources of L. reuteri

Fermented Foods: Certain fermented dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, and certain cheeses contain L. reuteri as part of their live bacterial cultures. Some fermented vegetables, like sauerkraut, may also provide this strain.
Dietary Supplements: Available as high-quality probiotic capsules or powders, often standardized for specific CFU counts.

The Gut-Skin Axis: How Gut Health Affects Skin

Science Behind the Connection

The gut-skin axis is an emerging concept linking gut microbiota balance to skin conditions. Disruptions in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, have been implicated in inflammatory skin disorders, including acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis.

When the gut barrier becomes compromised, toxins and inflammatory molecules can enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses that manifest as skin inflammation, redness, or irritation. To understand more about how microbial interactions influence health, visit Creative Biolabs' host-microbe interaction test page.

L. reuteri's Role in Skin Health

As a probiotic that supports gut health, L. reuteri can indirectly improve skin health through several mechanisms:

Immune System Modulation: By modulating immune function, L. reuteri helps reduce systemic inflammation, a major contributor to many chronic skin conditions. Check our in vitro tests of immune system modulation.
Restoring Gut Balance: By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, L. reuteri helps prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that may lead to skin flare-ups.
Skin Barrier Support: L. reuteri has been shown to enhance the integrity of the skin's natural barrier, helping it retain moisture and protect against harmful environmental factors such as pollutants and allergens.

L. reuteri Skin Benefits: What Does the Science Say?

Antioxidant Support

The skin is constantly exposed to oxidative stress from UV radiation, pollution, and environmental toxins. This oxidative stress accelerates the aging process by damaging skin cells. L. reuteri provides:

Antioxidant Properties: L. reuteri can neutralize free radicals that contribute to premature aging and skin damage.
Collagen Support: It supports collagen synthesis, a key protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Combating Acne and Eczema

Studies have demonstrated that L. reuteri can help alleviate common skin issues like acne and eczema:

Acne: L. reuteri has shown the ability to decrease the frequency and severity of acne lesions by balancing the immune system and reducing systemic inflammation.
Eczema: In clinical trials, L. reuteri supplementation has been found to alleviate symptoms of eczema by strengthening the skin barrier and regulating immune responses.

Strengthening the Skin Barrier

The skin barrier is crucial for maintaining hydration and protecting the skin from harmful pathogens and irritants. Disruptions in the skin barrier are linked to conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Research suggests that L. reuteri can:

Promote the production of ceramides, lipids that are essential for a healthy skin barrier.
Improve the function of tight junctions between skin cells, enhancing the skin's ability to retain moisture.
Reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping to keep the skin hydrated and protected from the environment.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is a central feature of many skin conditions. L. reuteri has shown potential in reducing inflammation in the skin, particularly in conditions like acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Scientific studies have indicated that L. reuteri may:

Reduce the levels of inflammatory markers in the blood.
Inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6).
Promote the production of anti-inflammatory molecules, such as IL-10, that help calm inflammation in the skin.

L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus in Skin Health

Similarities

Both L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus are probiotic strains that support gut health and reduce inflammation. They share similar mechanisms of action, including the production of antimicrobial compounds and modulation of the immune system

Differences

Feature	L. reuteri	L. rhamnosus
Primary Benefits	Skin barrier repair, collagen support	Allergy and vaginal health support
Key Mechanisms	Enhances moisture retention, reduces inflammation	Modulates immune response, supports gut balance
Applications	Acne, eczema, anti-aging	Allergy management, digestive health

Synergy

While both strains offer distinct benefits, combining L. reuteri with L. rhamnosus may provide a more comprehensive approach to skin health. This combination addresses both immune regulation and skin hydration, enhancing the overall benefits for individuals seeking optimal skin health.

Click to learn more about our skin sample collection methods and skin irritation and sensitization in vitro tests services.

How to Incorporate L. reuteri for Skin Health

Dietary Sources

Fermented Dairy Products: Yogurt, kefir, and certain cheeses contain L. reuteri.
Fermented Vegetables: Sauerkraut and kimchi may provide probiotic benefits.
Probiotic Drinks: Certain formulations include L. reuteri as a primary strain.

Supplements: Choosing the Right One

When selecting a L. reuteri supplement:

Opt for high-quality probiotics that contain specific strains of L. reuteri, such as L. reuteri 17938, which has been shown to have specific health benefits.
Look for products with high CFU counts (at least 1–10 billion CFUs) for maximum efficacy.
Ensure the probiotic is stored correctly to maintain its potency, especially if it's in capsule or powder form.

Creative Biolabs offer quality L. reuteri powder products for your next-generation probiotic research and development.

Fig. 1 The Role of L. reuteri in Modulating Skin Microbiota. (Creative Biolabs Authorized) Fig.1 Impact of L. reuteri on Skin Bacterial Microbiota.¹

Lifestyle Pairings for Better Results

To maximize the benefits of L. reuteri:

Consume a diet rich in prebiotics (e.g., fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) to support the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Stay hydrated to support skin hydration and function.
Reduce stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques, as stress can worsen both gut and skin health.

Safety and Considerations of L. reuteri in Skin Health

Although L. reuteri is generally considered safe for healthy individuals, some people may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, during initial supplementation. These effects typically subside as the gut microbiome adjusts. However, individuals with compromised immune systems or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should consult a healthcare provider before taking probiotics. Additionally, ensuring high-quality probiotic products with verified strain identity and viability is crucial for obtaining the intended health benefits. For biological safety testing related to live biotherapeutic products, check our biological safety test services.