Evaluation of skin microflora and lifestyle factors in subjects with and without acne

Aims: Infection with bacteria is associated with the development of skin acne.This study was aimed to determine skin microflora in subjects with and without acne and to assess lifestyle factors contributing to acne.Methodology and results: Students from a Malaysian university, with and without skin acne, were recruited for this study.Skin samples were obtained from the left and right facial cheeks of participants using sterile swabs.The samples were cultured on nutrient agar.Identification of bacteria was conducted using biochemical tests, while the antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using standard guidelines.Bacteria concentration from subjects with acne was significantly higher than that of subjects without acne (p<0.05).Bacteria isolates from both groups were later identified as Staphylococcus sp., Corynebacterium sp., Brevibacterium sp., Micrococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus.Staphylococcus sp.showed a high percentage of isolation (80.14%), followed by S. aureus (13.69%),Corynebacterium sp.(0.08%), Micrococcus sp.(6.05%) and Brevibacterium sp.(0.04%) on the students' facial skin.Some isolates were resistant to antibiotics, particularly ampicillin.Lifestyle factors that contributed to acne include oily facial skin and the use of facial cleansers which contain comedogenic ingredients.Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Differences in skin microflora, antibiotic resistance and certain ingredients in cosmetic products may result in skin acne.Formulation of skincare products should be tailored to include noncomedogenic or acceptable comedogenic ingredients that have antibacterial activity against skin pathogens.