Evaluation of the effect of an extract of Sphingomonas xenophaga present in a Thermal Spring Water in the management of sensitive skin associated with cutaneous vascular disorder.

Abstract

Objective: La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water (LRP TSW), which contains specific minerals and possesses a unique microbial composition, has proven anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, pre- and post-biotic properties and an ability to improve skin barrier function. Our objective was to confirm the effectiveness of a biomass isolated from LRP TSW on inflammatory and vascular parameters in sensitive skin.

Methods: A fully characterized strain of Sphingomonas xenophaga was isolated from LRP TSW. An industrial fermentation process was developed to obtain a reproducible biomass (the 'ferment extract') in order to evaluate its effect on skin parameters in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of pre-kallikrein activity, which converts pro-bradykinin into inflammatory vasoactive bradykinin, by the ferment extract was determined in vitro. In vivo, the effect of a 4-week, twice-daily application of a 2% ferment extract cream formulation on vascular disorders was investigated in a randomized study including 86 Caucasian female subjects presenting permanent redness and vascular disorder on the face in comparison to the cream vehicle.

Results: The ferment extract inhibited in a dose-dependent manner pre-kallikrein activity in vitro, inducing 46% and 97% inhibition at concentrations of 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively. In vivo after 28 days of twice-daily applications of the ferment extract and vehicle, both treatments induced a significant decrease in vascular disorder as evaluated by clinical scoring (Dermascore® device with cross-polarized light). The mean decrease in vascular disorder score from baseline was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the ferment extract group (-0.36) when compared to vehicle (-0.18). In addition, 60% of subjects in the group treated with the formulated ferment extract had a decreased score compared to 33% for the group treated with the vehicle.

Conclusion: Inhibition of the production of inflammatory vasoactive bradykinin by the ferment extract observed in vitro is in line with the anti-inflammatory effects of the formulated extract as shown in subjects with facial vascular disorder. The results in this study suggest that this ferment extract is a potentially new active ingredient that could be used either alone or in combination with other soothing agents to target skin inflammatory pathways and to improve skin vascular disorder.