Effects Of A Probiotic Formulation On Stress and Skin Health in Younger Adult Females

The goal of this clinical trial is to test to efficacy of a probiotic blend on stress and skin appearance in young females. It is hypothesized that those taking the probiotic blend will have decreased levels of perceived stress and this will be reflected positively on their skin appearance.

The goal of this open-label clinical trial is to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of a probiotic formulation on mental wellbeing and skin appearance in healthy young adult females in line with the holistic approach context and beauty from within principle. The main questions it aims to answer are related to:

* Probiotics effects on stress.
* Probiotics effects on sleep quality.
* Probiotics effects on skin appearance (fine lines and skin tone) and parameters (hydration and firmness) Participants will be recruited and, if consenting and eligible, will be provided with the probiotic capsules and instructed to ingest one capsule daily, preferably in the evening for 56 consecutive days. In-person visits will take place at baseline, mid-intervention (Day 28), and end of intervention (Day 56) to carry out assessment activities at Cosderma site.

Researchers will compare the outcome assessment measures after the probiotic ingestion to baseline values to highlight any significant effects or trends.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

Each participant must fulfill all the inclusion criteria below:

1. Females between 30 to 45 years old, inclusive.
2. Caucasian type.
3. Normal to dry skin to the face (excluded very dry skin).
4. Have a regular menstrual cycle (participants not known to have hormonal imbalance, be in the pre-menopausal or menopausal state).
5. Have a skin phototype I, II or III.
6. Have a negative urine pregnancy test at screening and agree to use a medically approved method of birth control for the duration of the study. All hormonal birth control must have been in use for a minimum of three months, and participants must agree to sign a release form (Appendix 4).

   Other acceptable methods of birth control include:
   * Abstinence or agrees to use contraception if planning to become sexually active
   * Hormonal contraceptives
   * Double-barrier method
   * Intrauterine devices
   * Non-heterosexual lifestyle
   * Vasectomy of partner at least 6 months prior to screening
7. Able to give free, informed and express consent to participate,
8. Affiliated with social security in accordance with the recommendations of the French law (Loi Jardé: n° 2016-1537 - 16.11.16) concerning biomedical research.
9. Visible fine to moderate fine lines on at least one area of the face (e.g., forehead, or crow's feet area, etc.) as assessed by a score ≥ 2 and ≤ 6 on a 10-point clinical scale.
10. Corneometer® on the face as assessed by an index \> 20 and ≤ 60.
11. Corneometer® on the forearms as assessed by an index ≤ 50.
12. 50% of the participants fulfilling all inclusion criteria and, in addition, self-reported having a sensitive skin.
13. Does not plan to expose face to sunlight during the study.
14. Willingness to maintain eating habits for the duration of the study (quick check of diet: sugar/protein/fat/fruit intake and average drink consumption).
15. Willing to refrain from using any cream and/or makeup on the face, eyes, lips, or palms for study visits and photo capture.
16. Participants are otherwise healthy and in a good general health and mental health.
17. Willing to discontinue consumption of probiotic supplements, probiotic fortified products, and fiber supplements for the duration of the study.
18. Willingness to maintain the same skin care routine for the duration of the study.
19. Willingness to complete all study visits, assessment questionnaires, and diaries.

Exclusion Criteria:

Eligible participants must not meet any of the non-inclusion criteria below:

1. Currently pregnant, or breast feeding, or planning to be pregnant during the study.
2. Current smoker.
3. Suffering from a chronic or acute skin condition on the face and forearms (atopic dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rash, severe dryness, etc.), unless the condition is deemed stabilized and will not affect study outcomes or be negatively affected by the intervention in the opinion of the investigator.
4. Current use of antiaging products, unless the participant has been using the same product, with the same frequency and concentration for the past ≥ 3 months.
5. Introduction of a new antiaging product during the study, or a change in the frequency or concentration of a routinely used antiaging product.
6. Introduction of new skin care products during the study, unless medically prescribed.
7. Facial surgery 5 years before study start.
8. Chemical treatment (e.g., Botox injection) within 1 year before study start.
9. Frequent UV exposure or expect high exposure to the sun during the study.
10. Diagnosed with a general physical or mental health problem (e.g., diabetes, peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc.) or systemic disease that may pose a safety risk, interfere with the dietary intake of the investigational product, or impact the assessment of study outcomes.
11. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or are immune compromised due to medical condition or medications intake (e.g., acquired immunodeficiency (HIV), organ transplant, lymphoma, chemotherapy, chronic corticosteroids intake, etc.).
12. Currently taking oral or local anti-inflammatory treatment or have been taken daily anti-inflammatory therapy in the 2 weeks preceding the inclusion visit. Note: participants could be eligible to participate after a 2-week washout period.
13. Currently on corticosteroid treatment or antihistamines or other dermatological treatment or specialties based on vitamin A acid or its derivatives in the 2 weeks preceding the study. Note: participants could be eligible to participate after a 2-week washout period.
14. Treated with an oral retinoid within 6 months prior to the study.
15. Subjects who have applied make-up products to the face and forearms the day of the inclusion visit.
16. Subjects who have washed their face and forearms with any other means than clear water (no soap or cleanser) on the day of the inclusion visit.
17. Applied self-tanning products to the face and forearms within 2 weeks preceding the inclusion visit. Note: participants could be eligible to participate after a 2-week washout period.
18. Have eyelashes extensions.
19. Applied a moisturizing product (hygiene moisturizing product or care product) on the face and forearms within the last 48 hours.
20. Wearing tight clothing that do not let the forearms show.
21. Performed hair removal on the forearms within the last 48 hours.
22. Have cutaneous marks on the face and forearms which could interfere with the skin's clinical signs assessment (pigmentation issues, scar tissues, over-developed hairiness, too many ephelides and naevi, sunburns, tattoos, etc.).
23. Currently using a supplement that could affect study outcomes such as melatonin.
24. Use of probiotics other than the study supplement within 1 month of the inclusion visit. Note: participants could be eligible to participate after a 4-week washout period.
25. Use of any antibiotic drug within 1 month of the inclusion visit. Note: participants could be eligible to participate after a 4-week washout period.
26. Subjects working as staff at Cosderma.
27. Intending to be vaccinated during the study period.
28. Currently enrolled or intending to be enrolled in another trial during the study period, or not meeting their 2 weeks exclusion period since their last participation in a study.
29. Subjects who have been deprived of their liberty by administrative or legal decision or under judicial supervision.
30. Subjects who could not be contacted in an emergency by phone.
31. Milk or soy allergy or severe lactose intolerance.