The effectiveness of a microbiome serum containing Lactobacillus plantarum as an antiaging intervention: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background Aging skin exhibits microbial shifts that can accelerate the aging process, and while Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) has shown antiaging benefits, its topical efficacy in humans remains underexplored. Objective To evaluate the effects of topical serum containing live LP ATCC8014 as an antiaging agent. Patients and methods This research was conducted as a double-blinded, randomized, pre- and post-treatment randomized controlled clinical trial. The efficacy of the LP-containing probiotic serum was evaluated over 12 weeks through several methods, including a pH meter for pH levels, a corneometer for skin hydration, mexamater for melanin index, chromameter for skin brightness, ELISA for ceramide levels, and a skin analyzer for pigment density, ultraviolet spots, and wrinkle index. Results The group receiving the LP serum demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in mean pH levels (–0.37±0.07 vs. 0.28±0.39; P =0.008), an increase in skin hydration (15.32 vs. 11.90; P =0.010), mean rise in ceramide levels (15.38±0.63 vs. −9.57±5.23; P =0.003), and median change of crow’s feet wrinkle (5.00 vs. 1.00; P =0.040) in comparison to the control group. Mean melanin index was reduced (–33.18±44.17 vs. −14.88±29.11; P =0.176), skin brightness was increased (5.19±4.67 vs. 1.73±7.05; P =0.171), pigmentary density exhibited a minor improvement (3.00 vs. 0.00; P =0.672), and ultraviolet spots showed a subtle improvement (1.50 vs. 1.50; P =0.076), although not significant if compared with the control group. Conclusion Topical LP may serve as a promising intervention for antiaging within a relatively short duration.