GutGuide launches probiotic oil shown to improve eczema symptoms

09 Oct 2019 --- GutGuide has launched a probiotic oil that revitalizes, moisturizes and calms atopic dermatitis (AD) as found in a study using the products. AD, also known as atopic eczema, affects between 1 to 10 percent of adults worldwide and is associated with a personal or family history of type 1 allergies, allergic rhinitis and asthma. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by a reduced microbiome diversity, meaning that the introduction of skinGuide, which contains two live Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains, could be a powerful tool in fighting this condition. It also further highlights the diversity of probiotic applications.

“The viability of the Lactobacillus strains used is essential as live bacteria in all applications are the key to having effective results,” Annika Mäyrä, CEO of GutGuide, tells NutritionInsight. She adds that the ability to use live bacteria was a key R&D challenge as bacteria tend to not survive well over the desired shelf life. To solve this, the company packs live bacteria in powder form into the vial cap, which is then released when the consumer uses the product. “With this system, the Lactobacillus strains are viable during the full span of using the vial.”

In addition to active probiotics, skinGuide Probiotic Oil contains sea buckthorn and blackcurrant seed oils. The omega 7 fatty acids, vitamin E compounds and carotenoids in sea buckthorn oil improve protection, nutrition and softness of the atopic skin, says the company. Meanwhile, blackcurrant oil contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to help moisturize the skin. While the product has just launched in Finland, it is also available online in various other countries. The company is now looking for a distributor for other regions. 

Active probiotics affect the wellness of the skin both externally and internally via the intestine. The lactic acid bacteria in the product are part of a balanced microflora needed to protect the skin, stop it from drying, and prevent and strengthen the immune system. It also prevents the activity of bacteria that causes unwanted infections and strengthens the diversity of intestinal microflora.

“There is a strong trend for products with live bacteria. The driver behind this theme has been the modern technologies that make it possible to detect bacteria species faster and more accurately. The research is already strong in gut microbiota but now it is also gradually covering oral and skin microbiota,” Mäyrä continues. 

A clinical study was conducted by skin research specialists Pharmascan.Scientific backing
The brand is also promoting a Natural Dietary Fiber product to boost skin health from the inside out. Intestinal microflora has been shown to be connected to skin conditions and problems through the body’s immune system. The intestinal microflora diversity of individuals suffering from atopic skin is also often reduced. Beneficial bacterial groups can be boosted by adding vegetable fibers such as xylooligosaccharides to the diet.

A clinical study was conducted by skin research specialists Pharmascan and published in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications. A sample size of 25 adults with AD and at least one inflammatory lesion applied the product to the lesion once or twice daily. A statistically significant decrease in the severity of eczema was observed after 28 days, with a visible improvement in skin aspect being observed in 67 percent of participants on the fourth week. The intensity of pruritus (itchiness) also decreased by an average of 57 percent, with an effect observed in 86 percent of subjects. 

The skin microbiome is an area seeing increased interest, with Givaudan Active Beauty unveiling the “world’s first” instant microbiome analysis and profiling system earlier this year. Dubbed i-MAPS, the new technology allows Givaudan’s customers to expand their product offerings to include skincare products that are tailored to the unique microbiome of their consumers. 

Meanwhile, a recent study found that whether a child is born by vaginal delivery or Caesarian section has a major influence on shaping their microbiome. The maturation of skin microbial communities is key to skin health in children, and for the development of the adult immune system. 

By Katherine Durrell