- There are reports suggesting that taking in a specific lactic acid bacterium may increase skin hydration and increase a certain type of ceramide.
- The evidence score is 39, and reliability is limited.
- This research is relevant to those who are concerned about skin barrier function or acne.
Ceramide is a type of important lipid that makes up the skin's barrier function.
It is discussed in the context of skincare and intake as a component needed to maintain skin hydration.
It has been suggested that "ceramide 2," a component of ceramide, plays an important role in keeping skin in a hydrated state. This study reported that skin hydration increased in the group that took a specific lactic acid bacterium supplement.
Specifically, it has been shown that the component ceramide 2 plays an important role in maintaining the oil film on the skin's surface (a kind of barrier that protects against moisture loss from the skin). In other words, ceramide can be said to act as a foundation for protecting skin hydration.
This study was conducted with a small number of participants — 14 people with acne. Participants were divided into a group taking a supplement containing a specific lactic acid bacterium (Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP55) and a group taking a placebo (a fake substance with no medical effect, used in place of the real ingredient).
This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial (a reliable research method that randomly divides participants to compare effects). In addition, it used a double-blind design (a method in which neither the researchers nor the participants know who is receiving which substance, to eliminate bias), in which neither group knew which one was receiving the real ingredient. In other words, this was a comparison carried out under very strict rules to prevent the influence of preconceptions.
In this experiment, changes were observed in the state of acne and in sebum composition. Specifically, changes were reported in acne assessment scores and in the amount of triglycerides (a type of fat) contained in sebum. In other words, changes appeared in data related to the balance of oil on the skin's surface and to the state of acne.
While the results of this study are very valuable, there are a few things worth keeping in mind. This is a small-scale study conducted with a very small number of participants — 14 people. Because the number of participants is limited, these results may not apply to everyone. In addition, the evidence score (a numerical measure of a study's reliability) is also relatively low at 39, meaning reliability is limited.
Furthermore, this report reflects only what was observed under specific conditions, and not everyone will show the same tendency. It may not suit some people, and some people may see no effect. In other words, at this point the information is not certain enough to state definitively that "this is what happens."
| Study | Design | Number of Participants | Duration | Main Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrients (2021, PMID:33921829) | Randomized controlled trial (RCT) | 14 | Not reported | A positive effect was reported |
This study was conducted with 14 patients who had acne vulgaris.
Because participants with a specific skin condition were selected, this can serve as a reference point for comparing your own condition.
These findings are based on only one study.
The study design is a randomized controlled trial (RCT), but reliability is reported to be limited.
Because the number of participants is limited to 14, further verification is needed before these results can be generalized.
Is there research on ceramide's effect on skin?
A study has been reported showing that ceramide has a positive effect on skin hydration. A comparison using a placebo was conducted.
What kind of change in ceramide was observed in the study?
It has been suggested that ceramide 2 increased. This is a component with properties that help maintain the skin's lipid barrier.
What kind of people were studied for ceramide?
Patients with acne vulgaris were the subjects. The study investigated this population.
This study reports that taking a specific lactic acid bacterium may increase skin hydration and a certain ceramide component. However, keep in mind that the study was conducted with a small number of participants and that its reliability is limited. It may also be worthwhile to do a self-check on your own skin condition.