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Cited by 3Acne and Rosacea Treatments and EffectsProbiotics and Fermented FoodsDermatology and Skin Diseases

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Efficacy of oral probiotics in patients with acne: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Lin, Ho-Wei, Tam, Ka-Wai, Huang, Yu-Chen·2025·Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
DOI 10.1093/ced/llaf388
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Abstract

Background: Acne is a common dermatological disease, characterized by the presence of comedones, papules, pustules or purulent cysts on seborrhoeic areas. Probiotics are a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit. It has been demonstrated as an effective treatment for dermatological disorders. However, the effects of probiotics on acne remain unclear. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the therapeutic difference (disease severity grading and number of lesions) between oral probiotics and control (placebo) in patients with acne. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library for randomized trials published before February 2025, comparing probiotics with other interventions, including pharmacological treatments or placebo, in patients with acne. Results: We identified a total of 632 articles initially, and 9 studies involving 623 patients were included in the systematic review. Seven studies were further included in quantitative analysis. After the 4-week intervention, slight differences were observed in the number of inflammatory or noninflammatory lesions between the probiotics and control groups. However, after the 12-week intervention, probiotics significantly alleviated disease severity grading (standard mean difference −1.38, 95% confidence interval −2.69 to −0.08); decreased the total number of lesions (mean difference −10.4, 95% CI −16.2 to −4.51), the number of inflammatory lesions and the number of noninflammatory lesions; and improved skin hydration and sebum content compared with control. Moreover, no major adverse effects of probiotics were reported. Conclusions: Probiotics may exert therapeutic effects in patients with acne.

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Metadata

Authors
Lin, H.-W., Tam, K.-W., & Huang, Y.-C.
Affiliations
  • Wan Fang Hospital (TW)
  • Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital (TW)
Corresponding author
Huang, Yu-Chen
ORCID
Venue
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published
2025-08-20
Volume
51
Issue
1
Pages
68-77
ISSN
  • 0307-6938 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2230
DOI
10.1093/ced/llaf388
OpenAlex
W4413337904
Cited by
3
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 3
FWCI
0.51
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
academic.oup.com/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights (vor)
Locations
  • Clinical and Experimental Dermatology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Wan Fang Hospital (113-wf-eva-30)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatology and Skin Diseases
Keywords
acne, oral probiotics, inflammatory lesions, disease severity, skin hydration, sebum content, probiotic therapy
MeSH terms
Acne Vulgaris, Administration, Oral, Humans, Severity of Illness Index, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Treatment Outcome, Probiotics

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