Probiotics for Acne: Can They Really Help?

clinical-trial PMID: 38751177

Quick Summary: A recent study found that taking a daily probiotic capsule containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Arthrospira platensis helped reduce acne severity in young people. Participants taking the probiotic saw improvements in their acne compared to those who took a placebo (a "dummy" pill).

What The Research Found

This study looked at whether taking a specific probiotic could help with acne. The results showed:

Better Acne Scores: People taking the probiotic had a significant improvement in their overall acne scores.

Fewer Blemishes: The probiotic group saw a noticeable decrease in non-inflammatory acne lesions (like blackheads and whiteheads).

Improved Acne Grading: More people in the probiotic group showed improvement based on a different acne grading system.

Study Details

Who was studied: 74 people aged 12 to 30 with mild to moderate acne.

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks (about 3 months).

What they took: Participants took one capsule daily. One group received a probiotic containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Arthrospira platensis. The other group received a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients).

What This Means For You

If you're struggling with acne, this research suggests that taking a specific probiotic could potentially help. It's important to remember:

Talk to your doctor: Before starting any new supplement, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor or a dermatologist.

Look for the right strains: The study used Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Arthrospira platensis. If you're considering a probiotic, look for one that contains these strains.

It may not be a cure-all: Probiotics might help, but they may not completely clear up your acne. They could be a helpful addition to your current skincare routine.

Study Limitations

It's important to keep these things in mind:

Small study: The study only included a small number of people, so more research is needed.

Short-term: The study only lasted 3 months. We don't know if the effects would last longer.

Combination product: The study used a combination of two ingredients, so it's hard to know which one was most effective.

More research needed: Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the best way to use probiotics for acne.

Key Findings

The study found that a daily oral probiotic capsule containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (CECT 30031) and Arthrospira platensis (BEA_IDA_0074B) significantly improved acne severity in patients aged 12–30. The probiotic group showed higher rates of improvement in the Acne Global Severity Scale (AGSS) (50% vs. 29.41%, p=0.03) and Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) (42.5% vs. 20.58%, p=0.02). Non-inflammatory lesions decreased significantly in the probiotic group (-18.60 lesions, 95% CI -24.38 to -12.82) compared to placebo (-10.54, 95% CI -17.43 to -3.66) (p=0.03). Total lesion reduction was greater in the probiotic group (-27.94, 95% CI -36.35 to -19.53) vs. placebo (-18.31, 95% CI -28.21 to -8.41), though the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.06). Adverse events were comparable between groups.

Study Design

This was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on 74 participants (40 in the probiotic group, 34 in the placebo group) with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Patients were assessed at baseline and every 4 weeks using AGSS and GAGS. The study focused on evaluating the probiotic’s efficacy in reducing lesion counts and improving clinical grading systems.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received one capsule daily containing L. rhamnosus (CECT 30031) and A. platensis (BEA_IDA_0074B). The exact colony-forming units (CFU) for each strain were not specified in the provided summary. Placebo capsules were identical in appearance. Administration duration was 12 weeks.

Results & Efficacy

AGSS improvement: 50% (20/40) of probiotic users vs. 29.41% (10/34) in placebo (p=0.03).
Non-inflammatory lesions: Probiotic group reduced by 18.60 lesions (95% CI -24.38 to -12.82) vs. 10.54 in placebo (p=0.03).
Total lesions: Probiotic group reduced by 27.94 lesions (95% CI -36.35 to -19.53) vs. 18.31 in placebo (p=0.06, not significant).
GAGS improvement: 42.5% (17/40) in probiotic group vs. 20.58% (7/34) in placebo (p=0.02).
Safety: No significant differences in adverse events between groups.

Limitations

Small sample size (n=74) limits generalizability.
Short duration (12 weeks) precludes long-term efficacy/safety assessment.
Combination product makes it unclear which strain drove results.
No microbiota analysis: The study did not measure gut microbiome changes to link efficacy to microbial modulation.
Demographic gaps: No details on gender, ethnicity, or acne severity subgroups.
Funding bias: Source of funding was not disclosed, which could influence outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

The probiotic blend demonstrated moderate efficacy in reducing non-inflammatory lesions and improving acne severity scores, suggesting potential as an adjunct to topical therapies. However, the lack of CFU quantification, microbiome data, and marginal significance in total lesion reduction warrant caution. Patients may consider oral probiotics like this combination for acne management, but larger trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings. The safety profile aligns with existing probiotic research, supporting its tolerability in adolescents and young adults.