The beneficial effects of probiotics are now widely reported, although there are only a few
studies on their anti-aging effects. We have found that Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714
(HY7714) improves skin hydration and has anti-photoaging effects, and in the present study,
we have further evaluated the anti-aging effect of HY7714 via a randomized, double blind,
placebo-controlled clinical trial. The trial included 110 volunteers aged 41 and 59 years who
have dry skin and wrinkles. Participants took 1 × 1010 CFU/day of HY7714 (probiotic group)
or a placebo (placebo group) for 12 weeks. Skin hydration, wrinkles, skin gloss, and skin
elasticity were measured every 4 weeks during the study period. There were significant
increases in the skin water content in the face (p < 0.01) and hands (p < 0.05) at week 12 in the
probiotic group. Transepidermal water loss decreased significantly in both groups at weeks 4,
8, and 12 (p < 0.001 compared with baseline), and was suppressed to a greater extent in the
face and forearm in the probiotic group at week 12. Volunteers in the probiotic group had a
significant reduction in wrinkle depth at week 12, and skin gloss was also significantly
improved by week 12. Finally, skin elasticity in the probiotic group improved by 13.17%
(p < 0.05 vs. controls) after 4 weeks and by 21.73% (p < 0.01 vs. controls) after 12 weeks. These
findings are preliminary confirmation of the anti-aging benefit to the skin of L. plantarum
HY7714 as a nutricosmetic agent.

Keywords: Anti-wrinkle, Lactobacillus plantarum, Skin elasticity, Skin gloss, Skin hydration