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. 2025 Feb;24(2):e16703.
doi: 10.1111/jocd.16703. Epub 2024 Dec 2.

Efficacy of a Postbiotic Formulation Combined With Microneedling for Mild-to-Moderate Acne: A Self-Control Study

Zhanhong Li  1 , Peihui Li  2 , Yu Xu  3 , Changqing Yan  4 , Xiufen Ma  5 , Huiying Wang  6 , Hong Cheng  7 , Jing Zeng  8 , Ting Li  9 , Xinxian Li  10 , Jia Zhou  4 , Jie Zhang  1 , Jianfeng Zhou  1 , Rongya Yang  11 , Yan Wu  12 , Li Li  13 , Wei Lai  14 , Jiangyun Zhao  15 , Zhe Liu  16 , Qiong Meng  1
Affiliations

Efficacy of a Postbiotic Formulation Combined With Microneedling for Mild-to-Moderate Acne: A Self-Control Study

Zhanhong Li et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris significantly affects young individuals globally, with its onset associated with an increased prevalence of C acnes, a naturally occurring skin bacterium. In light of the rising concerns regarding antibiotic resistance and the potential for adverse effects, pharmacological interventions may not consistently represent the most suitable option. Nonpharmacological approaches, such as microneedling, offer promising alternative treatment modalities. Furthermore, the integration of postbiotics in skincare formulations for acne management has gained traction recently. Nonetheless, there remains a lack of sufficient evidence to establish the efficacy and safety of postbiotics when combined with microneedling.

Objective: To assess the clinical effectiveness of a postbiotic formulation combined with microneedling in mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris.

Methods: Twenty Chinese patients were enrolled, all received one treatment and were monitored 4 weeks posttreatment. The evaluation assessed symptom improvement, treatment safety, and patient satisfaction.

Results: The global acne grading system (GAGS) score decreased more than half based on the baseline. Clinical photographs following treatment revealed improved the skin lesions and brightened skin tone. Statistics from VISIA showed excellent improvement in speckle, pore, red region, and porphyrin. No significant adverse reactions have been reported during the treatment period. Additionally, more than 85% were very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome.

Conclusion: Our results showed that the postbiotic formulation combined with microneedling may benefit the restoration of the skin barrier and the equilibrium of skin microbiota. This approach may help mitigate inflammation and address skin lesions, presenting a promising therapeutic avenue for the prevention and management of acne vulgaris.

Keywords: acne vulgaris; microneedling; postbiotics; skin barrier; skin microbiota.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Treatment of EVE‐CHARM antiacne lotion with microneedling improved acne. (A) The GAGS score from baseline and 4 weeks after combined treatment with EVE‐CHARM antiacne lotion and microneedling. (B) Analysis results of improvement effects. **p <  0.01 compared with BL. 4 W, 4 weeks; BL, baseline.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Representative photos before and after treatment. This 23‐year‐old male patient has experienced acne vulgaris since his adolescent years. After one combined treatment with microneedling and EVE‐CHARM antiacne lotion, lesions were improved on Week 4. BL, baseline; 4 W, week 4.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Representative photographs of before and after treatment comparisons recorded in the VISIA imager from speckle, pore, red region, and porphyrin items. BL, baseline; 4 W, week 4.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Mean score of speckle, pore, red region, and porphyrin recorded in VISIA imager. *p <  0.05, **p <  0.01 compared with BL. BL, baseline; 4 W, week 4.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Proportion of patient satisfaction levels at the conclusion of Week 4.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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