A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Probiotics in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris since 2020: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate studies published after 2020 on the effectiveness of probiotics in treating acne vulgaris, with a focus on clinical trials.

Methods: The review includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies (QES) from Pubmed, Medline, and CINAHL (January 2020 - June 2024). Participants were diagnosed with acne vulgaris, and the interventions involved various probiotics. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted using a pre-designed form and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results: Five studies (four RCTs and one QES) with 310 participants were reviewed. Probiotics significantly reduced acne lesions and improved skin hydration and overall skin health. Adverse effects were low and mild.

Conclusion: Probiotics show promise as a treatment for acne vulgaris, either alone or with other treatments. They help reduce acne lesions and improve skin health. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings and optimize treatments.