The skin acts as our first line of defense, shielding us from environmental stressors like UV radiation, which can cause photodamage, inflammation, and even cancer. UVB exposure leads to excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering inflammatory cascades and compromising skin barrier integrity—marked by increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and lower hydration. Oats have been known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects. This study explores how fermentation enhances the bioactivity of oats, offering a dual solution for inflammation control and barrier repair.
Methods
Researchers enzymatically hydrolyzed oats and fermented them using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The resulting Fermented Oats (FO) were analyzed for composition and tested for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, barrier-repairing, and moisturizing effects. Experiments included TNF-α inhibition assays, NO release in RAW264.7 cells, neutrophil response in zebrafish, cytokine reduction, and protein expression in UVB-irradiated 3D skin models.
Key Findings
🧪 Compositional Enhancement
- FO showed increases in β-glucan (↑14.78%), protein (↑39.13%), and flavonoids (↑600%) vs. non-fermented oats.
- Fermentation enriched amino acids and small molecules for better skin absorption.
🌿 Antioxidant Activity
- DPPH radical scavenging improved by 16.88%.
- Total antioxidant capacity increased by 4.28%.
🔥 Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- FO inhibited TNF-α/TNFR1 binding by 79.87%.
- Reduced LPS-induced NO in macrophages dose-dependently.
- Inhibited neutrophil aggregation in zebrafish embryos by 37–47%.
- Suppressed TRPV1 by 87.45% in CAP-stimulated skin model.
- Reduced UVB-induced cytokines: IL-1α (↓84.99%), IL-6 (↓61.75%), COX2 (↓53.33%), and NF-κB (↓24.36%).
🛡️ Skin Barrier Repair
- Lowered TEWL by 5.91%.
- Upregulated key proteins: loricrin (↑128.57%), filaggrin (↑336.36%), TGM1 (↑70.97%), caspase-14 (↑217.65%).
- Reduced sunburn cells by 66.67% in UVB models.
💧 Moisturizing Effects
- Improved hydration by 129.80%.
- AQP3 expression rose by 73.81%, enhancing water transport and retention.
Fermented Oats (FO) created via Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation of enzymatically hydrolyzed oats offer a dual-action skincare benefit: soothing inflammation and restoring the skin barrier. With remarkable increases in flavonoids (600%) and barrier protein expression, FO emerges as a uniquely bioavailable and potent cosmetic ingredient. Its high antioxidant and moisturizing potential makes it especially suitable for sensitive and inflamed skin. Future research should focus on clarifying its molecular mechanism in skin barrier signaling pathways.
Link to the study: https://tinyurl.com/mwb3yvcy
