The human skin contains over a trillion diverse bacteria. These skin flora help maintain the skin barrier function by adjusting the moisturising components, pH, and immunity of the skin surface.
The skin flora contains coagulase–negative staphylococci (CNS) along with Staphylococcus epidermidis which produce acidic substances and glycerin. They are called "beneficial bacteria". However, the number of beneficial bacteria is decreased with age.
Fairy Flora K-1, from Ichimaru Pharcos, is a product made from a special lactic acid bacterium “Lactobacillus K-1” found in Japanese rice.
Fairy Flora K-1 uses a heat-treated lactobacillus material, so it can be stored at room temperature. This product is more stable in quality and heat resistant than raw bacteria, and there is no concern about contamination of the production line by bacteria.
Ichimaru Pharcos's clinical studies have shown that Fairy Flora K-1 has nurtured skin beneficial bacteria.
Japanese subjects in their 20s to 60s were divided into 2 groups, with one group using a gel containing 0.1% Fairy Flora K-1 and another group using the control gel. The CNS, which are beneficial skin bacteria, were increased in most subjects in the Fairy Flora K-1 group after 4 weeks.
The water content in stratum corneums (conductance) was measured. The conductance value was significantly increased in the Fairy Flora K-1 group as compared to the control. Fairy Flora K-1 improves sensitive and troublesome skin.
This product can be recommended as a cosmetic ingredient with the benefits of probiotics in mind.
