To characterize the safety and efficacy of oral and topical prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in managing acne vulgaris.
Approach:
Key Findings:
33 studies involving 2112 patients were included, indicating a significant body of evidence.
Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics may modulate the gut-skin axis and microbiome, potentially enhancing traditional acne therapies.
These agents could serve as complementary treatments alongside traditional acne therapies.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest that microbiome-modulatory agents may provide additional benefits in managing acne vulgaris, highlighting the importance of the gut-skin axis.
Limitations:
The review included only studies published until August 2023.
Exclusion of case reports and nonhuman studies may limit the breadth of evidence.
Conclusion:
Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics show promise in managing acne vulgaris, warranting further research to establish their efficacy and safety, particularly in clinical settings.
Poorer dermatology-related quality of life was associated with greater mental health issues, while habitual probiotic intake showed no measurable relationship with these outcomes.