Investigating the impact of oral probiotic supplementation for acne management: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common skin disorder that affects up 10% of the worldwide population. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of factors, leading to the development of cutaneous lesions (papules, pustules, and comedones). This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a specific probiotic formulation composed by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072 in improving AV symptoms in adult subject from the APAC region. Materials and methods: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical study was carried out on 64 women supplemented for 56 days plus a follow-up period. Instrumental evaluations of different skin parameters and clinical assessments of lesions were performed at 28 and 56 days after supplementation (T28 and T56, respectively) and during follow-up (T70). Results: A significant increase in skin hydration was achieved by probiotic group compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). An improved trend in sebum content and pH resulted in a statistically significant difference with respect to placebo (p < 0.05 for the former parameter at T28 and T70; p < 0.05 for the latter at T70). A progressive decrement of lesions was demonstrated at each endpoint considered by probiotic supplementation, reaching significant values for non-inflammatory ones at T56 and T70 (p < 0.05 and p < s0.01, respectively). Conclusions: This specific probiotic formulation may help improving acne symptoms, offering a possible adjuvant therapy to the conventional one and thus overall ameliorating the patient’s quality of life.