SkinDuoTM as a Targeted Probiotic Therapy: Shifts in Skin Microbiota and Clinical Outcomes in Acne Patients

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition strongly associated with disruptions in the skin microbiota, specifically involving key species such as <i>Cutibacterium acnes</i> and <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i>. This study investigates the efficacy of SkinDuo^TM, a topical probiotic containing <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i>, in modulating the skin microbiota and improving clinical outcomes in patients with acne vulgaris. Over a 4-week to 8-week observational study period, microbial composition and diversity shifts were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing. Patient responses were categorized into "good" responders (showing significant clinical improvement) and "no_change" responders (with minimal or no improvement). SkinDuo^TM treatment resulted in lower post-treatment <i>Cutibacterium acnes</i> abundance in the "good" group compared to the "no_change" group. The "good" group maintained a stable level of alpha diversity following treatment. In contrast, the "no_change" group exhibited a marked reduction in microbial diversity. Beta diversity analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns associated with improved clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that the preservation of microbial richness and evenness may serve as a potential biomarker for positive response to probiotic therapy. This study highlights the potential of SkinDuo^TM to restore microbial balance and alleviate acne symptoms, contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting microbiome-based therapeutic strategies in dermatology.