From Anirva. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Hormonal acne is linked to shifts in hormone levels, especially increased androgen activity. Probiotics — live microorganisms studied for gut and skin health — have drawn research interest in this context. Here's what that research actually shows, strain by strain.
In this article
Key Takeaways
- Hormonal acne is linked to androgen-driven increases in oil production and favorable conditions for acne-associated bacteria.
- Several probiotic strains (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species) have been studied for possible roles in inflammation, skin barrier function, and acne-associated bacteria.
- Most of this research is small in scale, and no probiotic strain has been shown to cure, treat, or outperform medical treatment for acne.
- Probiotics are generally well tolerated but aren't a substitute for a dermatologist's guidance on persistent or severe acne.
Hormonal Acne, Briefly
Hormonal acne is linked to hormone fluctuations — commonly around menstruation, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) — that raise androgen levels. Androgens are associated with increased sebum (oil) production and, in turn, clogged pores and conditions favorable to Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium associated with acne.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, per a World Health Organization definition, may provide a health benefit when consumed in adequate amounts. They're studied for a possible role in gut microbiome balance, and more recently for skin-related effects, including in connection with acne, eczema, and rosacea — though research specific to these skin conditions is still developing and far from conclusive.
Research by Strain
L. rhamnosus
A study looked at L. rhamnosus supplementation and changes in adult acne appearance over 12 weeks (1). This is one study, not a large-scale clinical trial.
L. plantarum
Research has studied L. plantarum for antibacterial substances active against P. acnes and for a possible anti-inflammatory effect, including measured reductions in skin redness and lesion size in one study (2).
L. acidophilus
L. acidophilus is among the earliest-studied probiotics in connection with acne, with research dating back decades. A small supplementation study (with L. bulgaricus) reported a reduction in inflammatory lesions in participants over several weeks (3); a separate small study combining L. acidophilus and B. bifidum also reported reduced lesion counts. We're not able to independently verify every historical detail reported about this research, so we've focused here on what the citations support rather than repeating secondhand anecdotes about how the research came about.
L. paracasei
L. paracasei has been studied for a possible role in skin barrier function and skin sensitivity, including research suggesting it may support resistance to acne-associated bacteria (4).
B. lactis and B. longum
Bifidobacterium strains, including B. lactis and B. longum, have been studied for general digestive and immune-related effects, and some early research has looked at B. longum's effect on Substance P, a compound linked to inflammation (5). This research is preliminary and does not show that these strains treat acne, or any other disease.
Food Sources and Supplements
Probiotics are found naturally in fermented foods, including yogurt, miso, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi. If you choose a supplement instead, check the label for the specific strain(s), the colony-forming unit (CFU) count, and the manufacture date, and store it as directed (most require a cool, dry place, and some require refrigeration).
What the Research Does Not Yet Show
No probiotic strain has been shown to cure, treat, or prevent hormonal acne, and none have been shown in rigorous head-to-head trials to outperform prescription acne treatment. Research in this area is ongoing and mostly limited to small studies. If hormonal acne is persistent or severe, a dermatologist can help you find an approach suited to your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a single "best" probiotic for hormonal acne?
Do probiotics work better than antibiotics for acne?
Can probiotics fight tumors or cancer?
References
- L. rhamnosus supplementation and adult acne appearance: a study. PMID: 27596801.
- L. plantarum and antibacterial/anti-inflammatory activity against P. acnes: a study. PMID: 23286870.
- L. acidophilus/B. bifidum supplementation and acne lesion counts: a study. PMCID: PMC5418745.
- L. paracasei and skin barrier/bacterial resistance: a study. PMID: 24322880.
- The role of probiotics in acne and rosacea (B. longum and Substance P). IntechOpen.
