[Sarasota, FL, March 11, 2023] – In light of recent alarming discoveries about the presence of the carcinogenic compound benzene in acne treatments, U.S. laboratory, Valisure has filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, calling on the regulator to recall the products. This developing story has professionals at all levels seeking safer alternatives to limit liability while still providing lasting results for their clients. “Benzene has no safe exposure level. Its presence in skincare raises absorption concerns, risking harm to organs. Safer alternatives in professional skincare are crucial for consumer health,” explained Emily Stutzman, L.E. and In-House Esthetician at LaFlore® Live Probiotic Skincare. Why Topical LIVE Probiotics Are a Safe Alternative: Acne is, fundamentally, a sign of an imbalanced skin microbiome, the skin's microflora, a delicate assembly of bacteria. The health of the skin microbiome plays a pivotal role in dictating the onset or absence of acne. Topical LIVE probiotics like those found in LaFlore’s award-winning Live Probiotic Concentrated Serum are living organisms that have nutritional, metabolic, and immunity benefits. These beneficial bacteria offer a promising solution for acne treatment without all the side effects of OTC acne products due to their ability to restore balance to the skin microbiome. By reintroducing beneficial bacterial strains that have been diminished in the presence of acne, these probiotics counteract strains like P. acnes responsible for breakouts. These beneficial bacteria not only hinder the overgrowth of P. acnes but also generate antibacterial proteins, effectively controlling P. acnes without compromising beneficial microflora. In a recent clinical study, board-certified dermatologists saw a statistically significant increase in hydration and a decrease in inflammatory diseases including acne, as well as a reduction in overall inflammation when subjects applied topical LIVE probiotics daily. In less than 14 days, the study results showed an average of 50% reduction in acne symptoms and 25% less inflammation [7]. "Topically applied probiotics as part of a skin care regimen have shown to be a safe and beneficial treatment for sensitized and breakout prone skin. Probiotics effectively restore the skin's microbiome boosting the skin barrier to resist further imbalances created by pathogens," said Lora Lassley, Product Development Veteran. Clinical trials have shown that the topical application of LIVE probiotics like those found in LaFlore’s Live Probiotic Concentrated Serum enhance the skin’s microbiome function by augmenting antimicrobial properties [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Additional Features & Benefits of Topical LIVE Probiotics Reinforces the skin barrier to provide immune support. Instantly balances pH leading to supple skin with no dry patches. Improves skin hydration by reducing trans-epidermal water loss. Creates beneficial metabolites such as AHAs, BHAs, vitamins, anti-inflammatory properties, and ceramides that skin requires. Slows the recolonization of pathogens that may cause skin issues. Fights off harmful bacteria, pathogens, and viruses on the skin. Decreases the appearance of redness. Reduces the frequency and intensity of breakouts. To learn more about topical LIVE probiotics visit – laflore.com. References: Effect of bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus sp. HY 449 on skin-inflammatory bacteria; DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2005.08.008 Inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes by Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances (BLIS) Produced by Streptococcus Salivarius; URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2739725/ Staphylococcus epidermidis in the human skin microbiome mediates fermentation to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes: implications of probiotics in acne vulgaris; DOI: 10.1007/s00253- 013-5394-8 Topical Probiotics in Dermatological Therapy and Skincare: A Concise Review; DOI: 10.1007/s13555- 020-00476-7 Characterization of Weissella viridescens UCO-SMC3 as a Potential Probiotic for the Skin: Its Beneficial Role in the Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris; DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071486 The role of topical probiotics in skin conditions: A systematic review of animal and human studies and implications for future therapies DOI: 10.1111/exd.14032 Worsley, O., Dashi A., Houdart P., Peca S., Romanova A., Davis A., Yusuf, L., Sequential Skin Inc. (2023, May). In Vivo Skin Microbiome Study Using 16S-Seuqencing to Characterize The Effects Of A Serum + 3 Products. (Report on file with Dakota Biotech). Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.