Kool-a-Sun Sunscreen

Are Skin Probiotics Misunderstood?

Kool-a-Sun has always believed in the philosophy of as natural as possible, as chemical-free sunscreens as possible, with skin health as paramount concern.

Understanding Probiotic Sunscreens

It seems that there is a misconception or non-understanding of deliberate skin probiotics added to certain sunscreen products to improve one's skin's peak health profile. We at Kool-a-Sun continuously strive to make the best product available and would like to bring to the public's attention that our products have an intentionally added skin probiotic profile and that this should not be viewed as any form of contamination.

The Science Behind Skin Probiotics

Modern skincare science recognizes the importance of beneficial microorganisms for maintaining healthy skin. These carefully selected probiotics work to:

  • Support Natural Skin Barrier Function: Beneficial bacteria help maintain the skin's protective qualities
  • Balance Skin Microbiome: Promote a healthy ecosystem of microorganisms on the skin
  • Enhance Skin Health: Support natural healing and protection processes
  • Improve UV Protection: Work synergistically with sunscreen ingredients for better skin protection

Research-Based Evidence

To support our belief in this skin science, we kindly ask that our clients read the following recent medical research papers for better understanding of this practice and its benefits to human skin:

Scientific Research Papers

Fermented Cosmetics and Metabolites of Skin Microbiota

Authors: Otsuka, A.; Moriguchi, C.; Shigematsu, Y.; Tanabe, K.; Haraguchi, N.; Iwashita, S.; Tokudome, Y.; Kitagaki, H.

Journal: Fermentation 2022, 8, 703. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8120703

Abstract

The skin covers our entire body and is said to be the "largest organ of the human body". It has many health-maintaining functions, such as protecting the body from ultraviolet rays and dryness and maintaining body temperature through energy metabolism. However, the number of patients suffering from skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, is increasing due to strong irritation of the skin caused by detergents that are spread by the development of the chemical industry. The skin is inhabited by about 100 to 10 million cells/cm² and 1000 species of commensal bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. In particular, metabolites such as fatty acids and glycerol released by indigenous skin bacteria have been reported to have functional properties for the health of the skin. Therefore, skin-domesticating bacteria and the metabolites derived from those bacteria are used in many skincare product ingredients and function as probiotic cosmetics. Japanese traditional fermented stuff, used as foods in Japan for over 1300 years, are now being applied as fermented cosmetics. Fermented cosmetics are expected to have multifaceted health functionality and continue to grow as products in the natural skincare product market. In this review, we consider approaches to skin health using fermented cosmetics and modulation of skin microflora metabolites.

Full PDF version: Fermented Cosmetics and Metabolites of Skin Microbiota A New Approach to Skin Health

The Effect of Probiotics on Immune Regulation, Acne, and Photoaging

Authors: Mary-Margaret Kober, Whitney P. Bowe

Journal: International Journal of Women's Dermatology, Volume 1, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 85-89, ISSN 2352-6475, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.02.001

Abstract

Probiotics are live micro-organisms that provide a health benefit to the host. The role of probiotics in the management of disease, as well as immune modification, has recently experienced a renewed interest in society, as probiotics can be found in products ranging from yogurt to facial creams. In this article, we discuss the role of probiotics in the development of the immune system, the treatment of acne and rosacea, and protection against aging and photodamage.

Full PDF version: The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging

Topical Probiotics: More Than a Skin Deep

Authors: Habeebuddin M, Karnati RK, Shiroorkar PN, Nagaraja S, Asdaq SMB, Khalid Anwer M, Fattepur S.

Journal: Pharmaceutics. 2022 Mar 3;14(3):557. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030557. PMID: 35335933; PMCID: PMC8955881.

Abstract

Skin, an exterior interface of the human body is home to commensal microbiota and also acts a physical barrier that protects from invasion of foreign pathogenic microorganisms. In recent years, interest has significantly expanded beyond the gut microbiome to include the skin microbiome and its influence in managing several skin disorders. Probiotics play a major role in maintaining human health and disease prevention. Topical probiotics have demonstrated beneficial effects for the treatment of certain inflammatory skin diseases such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis etc., and also found to have a promising role in wound healing. In this review, we discuss recent insights into applications of topical probiotics and their influence on health and diseases of the skin. Patents, commercially available topical probiotics, and novel probiotic impregnated fabrics have been emphasized. A thorough understanding of the relationship between probiotics and the skin microbiome is important for designing novel therapeutic approaches in using topical probiotics.

Full PDF version: Topical Probiotics: More Than a Skin Deep

The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health and Related Gut-Skin Axis

Authors: Gao T, Wang X, Li Y, Ren F.

Journal: Nutrients. 2023 Jul 13;15(14):3123. doi: 10.3390/nu15143123. PMID: 37513540; PMCID: PMC10385652.

Abstract

Aging skin, wrinkles, pigmentation, and dryness are problems that plague people, and researchers are working to solve them. Recent studies have shown that intestinal microbiota homeostasis can influence skin health, demonstrating the existence of a gut-skin axis. Recently, improving skin health through probiotic interventions has been proposed, and micro-ecological skin care is becoming a popular concept. By regulating skin health and gut-skin axis interactions, probiotics can be used as potential management tools to suppress and improve skin diseases in multiple ways, including decreasing oxidative stress, suppressing inflammatory responses, and keeping immune effects. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the application and mechanisms of probiotic-mediated gut microbiota homeostasis in skin care and to offer a theoretical basis for the application of probiotics in skin care.

Full PDF version: The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health and Related Gut-Skin Axis: A Review

Understanding the Difference

We hope this information allows one to understand the benefits of skin probiotics and hope that it leads to understanding that intentionally added fermentation extracts support healthy skin and are not to be confused with high total microbial count, which is often viewed as contamination.

Key Distinctions

  • Intentional Addition: Our probiotics are carefully selected and deliberately added for skin health benefits
  • Scientific Formulation: Based on peer-reviewed research and dermatological studies
  • Quality Control: Rigorous testing ensures beneficial microorganisms only
  • Skin Compatibility: Formulated to work harmoniously with natural skin functions

Technical Enquiries

For any further information about our probiotic sunscreen formulations, please feel free to contact our technical division:

Contact Technical Division