Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis: From anecdote to translational medicine

W. P. Bowe, N. B. Patel, A. C. Logan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

98 Scopus citations

Abstract

Acne vulgaris has long been postulated to feature a gastrointestinal mechanism, dating back 80 years to dermatologists John H. Stokes and Donald M. Pillsbury. They hypothesised that emotional states (e.g. depression and anxiety) could alter normal intestinal microbiota, increase intestinal permeability, and contribute to systemic inflammation. They were also among the first to propose the use of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures. In recent years, aspects of this gut-brain-skin theory have been further validated via modern scientific investigations. It is evident that gut microbes and oral probiotics could be linked to the skin, and particularly acne severity, by their ability to influence systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, glycaemic control, tissue lipid content, and even mood. This intricate relationship between gut microbiota and the skin may also be influenced by diet, a current area of intense scrutiny by those who study acne. Here we provide a historical background to the gut-brain-skin theory in acne, followed by a summary of contemporary investigations and clinical implications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)185-199
Number of pages15
JournalBeneficial microbes
Volume5
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acne
  • Anxiety
  • Brain
  • Depression
  • Diet
  • Gastrointestinal tract
  • Gut
  • Microbiota
  • Probiotics
  • Skin

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