The role of topical probiotics in skin conditions: A systematic review of animal and human studies and implications for future therapies

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that the intestinal microbiome plays an important role in modulating systemic inflammation and disease. Oral probiotics can modulate the intestinal microbiome and have demonstrated to be efficacious in treating topical skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, acne and rosacea. By proxy, exogenous application to the skin of probiotics should also promote a positive bacterial balance to mitigate or potentially eliminate pathologic conditions. The goal of this article was to provide a systematic review of studies that have investigated the role of topical probiotics in mitigating skin conditions. Additionally, skin conditions where dysbiosis has been identified but topical probiotics have not been investigated are discussed. We hope this review both analyses the evidence for the role that topical probiotics could play in topical skin conditions and highlights additional areas in need of research and exploration.