Probiotics for acne: Are they effective?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. While traditional treatments like topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and antibiotics can be effective, they don't work for everyone, and can come with potential side effects. This has sparked interest in alternative treatments, including probiotics. But can probiotics, known for their gut-health benefits, actually help improve acne? Here’s what the research says.
The Gut-Skin Connection
Hippocrates famously stated that "all disease begins in the gut," and more than 2,000 years later, scientists are still investigating this idea. Emerging evidence suggests a link between gut health and skin health. The gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of microorganisms, plays a role in regulating inflammation and immune function. An imbalance in this microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can contribute to systemic inflammation, potentially worsening skin conditions like acne. Studies indicate that restoring gut balance with probiotics may help reduce this inflammation, improving overall skin health[1].
Oral Probiotics and Acne
Probiotics might help strengthen the skin's defenses, reduce the bacteria that cause acne, lower the number of pimples, and soothe irritated skin in people with acne[2]. Several studies have explored the impact of oral probiotics on acne. One clinical trial found that participants who took a combination of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Arthrospira platensis for 12 weeks experienced significant reductions in acne lesions compared to those who took a placebo[3]. Promising results were also seen using a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum strains[4].
Another study published in Frontiers in Immunology in 2024 found that the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG improved acne-like lesions in rats through reducing inflammatory cytokines[5]. While these findings are promising, larger, more robust human clinical trials are needed to confirm the benefits.
Topical Probiotics: A New Frontier
Topical probiotics are also being studied for acne. Unlike oral probiotics, these are applied directly to the skin, aiming to rebalance the skin's microbiome. Researchers suggest that some probiotics, including phytosphingosine, Enterococcus faecalis SL-5, and Streptococcus salivarius, may suppress acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes while soothing inflammation. Topical probiotics may also act as a protective barrier by competing for binding sites on the skin, which helps block harmful pathogens from taking hold[6].
Should You Try Probiotics for Acne?
Although research on probiotics for acne is still in its early stages, the results are encouraging. Probiotics—both oral and topical—appear to be safe for most people and may provide additional benefits, such as improving gut health and skin barrier function.
However, it’s important to approach probiotics as a complementary therapy rather than a standalone solution. Consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before incorporating probiotics into your acne treatment plan. They can help you determine which type of probiotic, if any, is right for you.
The Bottom Line
Probiotics show potential as an adjunctive treatment for acne by reducing inflammation, supporting a balanced microbiome, and improving skin barrier function. While more research is needed to establish their effectiveness definitively, they represent an exciting area of exploration in dermatology.
If you're considering probiotics for acne, choose evidence-backed products and remember that consistency is key to seeing results.
References
Kober MM, Bowe WP. The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2015;1(2):85-89. Published 2015 Apr 6. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.02.001
Gao T, Wang X, Li Y, Ren F. The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health and Related Gut-Skin Axis: A Review. Nutrients. 2023;15(14):3123. Published 2023 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/nu15143123
Eguren C, Navarro-Blasco A, Corral-Forteza M, et al. A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of an Oral Probiotic in Acne Vulgaris. Acta Derm Venereol. 2024;104:adv33206. Published 2024 May 15. doi:10.2340/actadv.v104.33206
Alyoussef A. The Impact of Consuming Probiotics and Following a Vegetarian Diet on the Outcomes of Acne. Cureus. 2024;16(1):e51563. Published 2024 Jan 3. doi:10.7759/cureus.51563
Huang Y, Huang Y, Xia D, et al. Lactobacillus rhamnosus ameliorates acne vulgaris in SD rats via changes in gut microbiota and associated tryptophan metabolism. Front Immunol. 2024;14:1293048. Published 2024 Jan 5. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1293048
França K. Topical Probiotics in Dermatological Therapy and Skincare: A Concise Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(1):71-77. doi:10.1007/s13555-020-00476-7
