Probiotics proven to be great treatment support for those on vitamin A
Acne is more than just a cosmetic issue, it can affect self-esteem, mental health, and overall quality of life.
People with acne prone skin understand how difficult it is to eliminate acne.
For people with severe, long-lasting, or hormonal acne, isotretinoin is very helpful. This medicine is a type of Vitamin A and is often noted under brand names like Oratane, Roaccutane, and Accutane.
This powerful medication can lead to long-term remission of acne and oily skin, but it also comes with a range of side effects. These can include cracked lips, dry eyes, headaches, dry skin, and higher liver enzyme levels.
Ten percent of people around the world have acne, regardless of age. Any treatment that helps reduce acne severity is welcome.
Recent research from China suggests that probiotics may offer significant support when taken alongside isotretinoin, potentially enhancing its benefits while reducing its side effects.
It may reduce the daily dose of Vitamin A for people who take it, especially in high amounts.
Understanding Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily beneficial bacteria and yeasts, that reside in our gut and contribute to overall health.
They play an important role in keeping the gut microbiome balanced. They help with digestion, support the immune system, and can even affect skin health.
Common strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which people often find in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
Previous research studies have already linked gut bacteria imbalances to skin disorders, such as acne.
Gut-Skin Axis: A Two-Way Street
Your gut and skin are more connected than you might think.
Probiotics, often called “good bacteria,” help maintain gut health, which can influence skin conditions like acne.
Researchers have linked gut microbiome imbalances to inflammation, a key driver of acne.
By restoring balance, probiotics may not only improve digestion but also reduce skin inflammation. This has become a focal point in acne research.
Isotretinoin and Its Side Effects
Isotretinoin works by shrinking sebaceous glands, reducing oil production, and preventing pore blockages.
While highly effective, its dose-dependent side effects can make the treatment difficult for some patients to tolerate.
Common issues include:
- Dryness: Of the skin, lips, and eyes due to decreased oil production.
- Cracked Lips: Resulting from extreme dryness.
- Elevated Liver Enzymes: Indicating stress on the liver.
Managing these side effects is crucial for patient adherence to the treatment regimen.
What The Research Says
A recent clinical trial conducted in China explored the potential benefits of adding probiotics to isotretinoin therapy.
The study involved over 100 participants divided into three groups:
- Those taking isotretinoin alone.
- Those taking probiotics alone.
- A combination group taking both isotretinoin and probiotics.
All participants initially took an oral antibiotic for acne during the first four weeks to standardise the treatment approach.
Over the next 12 weeks, someone monitored their progress.
Key Findings
Over 12 weeks, the combination group had a bigger drop in acne lesions. They also experienced fewer side effects than the isotretinoin-only group.
The probiotics helped maintain gut health and improve skin barrier function, making the treatment journey more manageable.
The addition of a probiotic to isotretinoin led to:
- More significant improvement in their acne
- Fewer side effects from the isotretinoin
- Improved gut health
Why Probiotics Work
Probiotics, particularly strains like Lactobacillus plantarum, help by:
- Reduced Inflammation: Probiotics help modulate the immune system, reducing skin redness and irritation.
- Improved Skin Barrier: Probiotics help the gut-skin connection. This makes the skin barrier stronger and less likely to be dry or sensitive.
- Improved Nutrient Absorption: A healthy gut microbiome enhances the absorption of nutrients essential for skin health.
Clinical Applications
For dermatologists and patients alike, these findings suggest that incorporating probiotics into acne treatment plans could be highly beneficial.
People generally find probiotics safe, accessible, and available in supplement form or naturally in fermented foods.
Certain strains, like Lactobacillus plantarum MH-301, used in the study, show promise. However, a broad-spectrum probiotic might also provide benefits.
Patient Perspectives: Real-World Benefits
Imagine a patient starting isotretinoin but struggling with severe dryness and occasional digestive discomfort.
Adding a daily probiotic supplement could alleviate these symptoms, helping the patient stay consistent with their medication.
Improved gut health often translates to better mood and energy levels, further supporting overall well-being during treatment.
Practical Advice for Patients
If you’re considering probiotics while on isotretinoin, here are some tips:
- Choose the right strains: Look for supplements with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species.
- Incorporate fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, and kimchi are natural sources of probiotics.
- Stay consistent: Probiotics need daily intake to be effective.
- Consult your dermatologist: Always discuss new supplements with your healthcare provider.
The Bigger Picture: A New Era in Acne Treatment
The integration of probiotics into acne management is still evolving, but the evidence is promising.
Future studies could explore:
- Optimal Probiotic Strains: Identifying which strains are most effective when combined with isotretinoin.
- Long-Term Effects: Assessing the sustainability of benefits after treatment completion.
- Mechanistic Studies: Understanding the exact biological interactions between probiotics, the gut microbiome, and skin health.
Dermatologist’s View
Dr Lisa Byrom is a top dermatologist and a board member of All About Acne. She supports adding probiotics to treatment plans for patients taking isotretinoin.
She welcomes any chance to improve patient adherence to treatments and mitigate side effects.
Dr Byrom highlights that more research is needed. However, using probiotics could improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
The intersection of gut health and skin health opens new horizons in acne treatment.
Probiotics provide a simple and natural way to improve isotretinoin treatment. They may boost treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects.
Patients with severe acne now have more options. Dermatologists can provide a more complete approach to treatment.
As research grows, we may see probiotics becoming a standard recommendation alongside isotretinoin and other acne therapies.
For anyone battling severe acne, this combination could be the game-changer they’ve been waiting for.
Reference: Liang L, Qi X, Jiang X, et al. Lactobacillus plantarum MH-301 as an effective adjuvant to isotretinoin in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized and open-label trail. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023;10:1340068. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1340068 [published Online First: 2024/01/24]
