Probiotics for acne – bacteria for healthy skin

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and affects not only teenagers but also many adults. Although it mainly manifests itself in visible skin changes, its underlying causes are much more complex. The modern approach to acne increasingly takes into account not only hormones and skin care, but also inflammatory processes and the role of microorganisms living on the skin and in the intestines. A broader perspective allows us to better understand why standard treatment does not bring lasting improvement in some people.

1. Causes of acne
2. Healthy skin bacteria
3. Probiotics for skin health
4. Diet and skin

Causes of acne

Several overlapping mechanisms are responsible for the development of acne. One of the most important is increased production of sebum, or skin oil, which is often associated with the action of sex hormones, especially androgens (e.g. testosterone). Excess sebum causes hair follicle outlets to become clogged more easily, and dead skin cells are not properly removed from the skin's surface. This creates an environment conducive to the development of comedones and inflammation.

The inflammatory response itself is very important, as in some people the immune system overreacts even to minor stimuli, leading to the formation of painful lumps and pustules. Increasingly, attention is also being paid to factors such as chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and a diet high in highly processed foods, which can indirectly increase sebum production and inflammation.

Healthy skin bacteria

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the skin microbiome, i.e. the community of microorganisms that naturally inhabit the skin surface. In healthy conditions, the microbiome performs protective and regenerative functions and protects against infections. One of the dominant microorganisms in sebum-rich areas, such as the skin, is Cutibacterium acnes, which is found in both people with acne and those without skin lesions.

In people with acne, some variants of C. acnes have been found to be associated with increased inflammation, while in other people they coexist with the skin and host microbiome without causing symptoms. Disruption of the diversity of the microbiome, for example as a result of prolonged use of antibiotics or ‘aggressive’ hygiene, can promote the persistence of inflammation and recurrence of lesions. Fungal infections and certain autoimmune diseases can have a similar effect.

Probiotics for skin health

In a recent review of human studies, researchers investigated whether the regulation of the gut-skin axis by probiotics could be important in alleviating acne. The authors analysed available data from people with acne who had taken probiotics for several weeks and those in a placebo or standard treatment group.

The compiled data indicate that in some participants, the use of probiotics was associated with a reduction in inflammation and a decrease in the number of skin lesions, although the scale of this effect was moderate. Particular attention was paid to the fact that probiotics may reduce the need for antibiotics.

The most commonly used strains were Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, known for their effect on the intestinal barrier and inflammatory responses in the body. In the studies, the doses ranged from 1 to 10 billion colony-forming units per day and were used for at least 8-12 weeks.

Examples of bacteria with protective potential for the skin

Diet and skin

Diet can affect acne mainly by regulating inflammation and regenerative processes in the skin. Zinc is one of the key ingredients, and its consumption is associated with better control of inflammatory changes and sebaceous gland function. Vitamin C supports skin regeneration and repair processes by influencing the synthesis of collagen, the main building protein of the skin. In addition, retinol (vitamin A) participates in the proper differentiation of epidermal cells, while biotin (vitamin B7) supports the production and processing of skin cells.

Certain fats also play an important role. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and omega-3 (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) fatty acids can support the balance of the skin barrier and alleviate inflammatory reactions.

Source:

Tjiu, J. W., & Lu, C. F. (2025). Oral Probiotics in Acne vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trials. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 61(12), 2152. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122152