The effect of acne treatment on skin microbiome 

The effect of acne treatment on skin microbiome 

The skin has many tiny living things like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, all called the skin microbiome. The skin microbiome protects against harmful organisms and helps support the body’s immune system. 

What The Literature Says 

A recent study in the Dermatology Therapy Journal looked at research on acne treatments. It focused on how acne treatments impact the balance of healthy bacteria on the skin. 

Current acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, isotretinoin, and antibiotics can negatively affect the skin’s microbiome. Antibiotics increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance. This can alter the skin’s balance.  

Studies show that antibiotics are commonly used to treat moderate to severe acne. They are prescribed to 45% of acne patients in the first instance.  

Using antibiotics can affect other microbiomes unrelated to the skin, even if they are used specifically for acne. One study found that people treated with antibiotics were 2.15 times more likely to develop an upper respiratory tract infection within the year.  

What Our Expert Says 

Dr JoAnn See, All About Acne expert, confirms the current trend towards newer non antibiotic acne treatments. She acknowledges that dermatologists could consider new acne treatments that don’t involve antibiotics. These treatments include oral spironolactone, topical therapies, probiotics, bacteriotherapy, and phage therapy. 

Reference: Dessinioti C, Katsambas A. The Microbiome and Acne:Perspectives for Treatment. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2024;14(1):31-44. Doi: 10.1007/s13555-023-01079-8 [published Online First: 2024/01/07]