New clinical approach in facial mild–moderate acne: Re‐stabilization of skin microbiota balance with a topical biotechnological phytocomplex

• Published in: Journal of cosmetic dermatology Vol. 23; no. 11; pp. 3616 - 3627
• Main Authors: De Lucas, Raul, Martínez, Helena, Nieto, Carlos, Ruiz‐Alonso, Carlos, Bermejo, Rafael, Carrón, Nerea, Garcia‐Segura, Sergio, Gonzalez‐Torres, Pedro, Palacios‐Martínez, David, Guerra‐Tapia, Aurora, Bou, Lola, Pérez, Montse
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.11.2024
• Subjects: acne vulgaris; Acne Vulgaris - drug therapy; Acne Vulgaris - microbiology; Administration, Cutaneous; Adolescent; Adult; biofilm; dysbiosis; Dysbiosis - microbiology; Face - microbiology; Female; Humans; Male; microbiota; Microbiota - drug effects; Propionibacterium acnes - drug effects; Propionibacterium acnes - isolation & purification; quorum sensing; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S - genetics; Sebum - metabolism; Severity of Illness Index; Skin - drug effects; Skin - microbiology; Skin Cream - administration & dosage; Skin Cream - adverse effects; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; microbiota; acne vulgaris; quorum sensing; biofilm; dysbiosis
• ISSN: 1473-2130; 1473-2165; 1473-2165
• DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16452

Objectives Dysbiosis of the skin microbiota has been identified as a key factor in the development of acne. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of a facial cream gel containing a biotechnological phytocomplex, niacinamide and succinic acid on the bacterial diversity of subjects with mild–moderate acne and its clinical benefits due to microbiota changes. Methods Open‐label, clinical study in 44 subjects with mild–moderate acne treated with a facial cream gel for 8 weeks. Bacterial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of skin samples. Clinical effects were evaluated using the IGA acne severity scale, biometric measurements, and safety. Results After 56 days of product's use, an increase in alpha and beta diversity was found (p < 0.01), with a decrease in the relative abundance of C. acnes (48.99% vs. 38.83%, p < 0.001). Regarding clinical results, a decrease in acne severity on the IGA scale (27.33%, p < 0.001), number of non‐inflammatory and inflammatory lesions (respectively: 31.12%, p = 0.05; 47.27%, p < 0.001), amount of sebum (89.00%, p < 0.01) and erythema (15.35%, p < 0.01), was found. [Correction added on 19 September 2024, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, “42.27%” has been changed to “47.27%” in this version.] Responder analysis of the IGA score showed that 61.36% of patients improved by at least one point at day 56. The product was well tolerated throughout the study. Conclusions The use of the facial cream gel on skin was effective in rebalancing the microbiota, inhibiting biofilm formation and other virulence factors, reducing the number of mild–moderate acne lesions and sebum secretion, and consequently improving acne's severity.