Is it possible to control acne inflammation without disrupting the natural balance of the skin microbiome?
Acne results from the interaction between hormonal influences, increased sebum secretion, impaired cell turnover in the pilosebaceous follicle, the skin microbiome, and the local immune response. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, and the buildup of cells and sebum clogs the follicle, leading to the formation of comedones.
The sebum-rich areas of the skin are naturally colonized by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) — a bacterium that is part of the normal skin microbiome. Differences between its strains and their interaction with the environment within the follicle play a key role in the development of acne. Under certain conditions, the bacterium and the products of its activity stimulate the local immune response. Inflammatory mediators are released and immune cells are attracted, contributing to the development of inflammatory lesions.
The natural balance of the skin microbiome is important because the microorganisms inhabiting the skin help maintain the epidermal barrier, compete with potentially pathogenic species, and interact with the local immune system. In this way, they support the skin’s protective functions and limit excessive inflammation.
In acne, changes are observed in microbial diversity and in the ratio between individual strains associated with inflammation. These observations are guiding research toward therapies that influence the skin environment and inflammation while preserving the beneficial functions of the microorganisms that normally inhabit the skin.
The holistic approach of Snowborn Skin: Dual Action on the Microbiome
Microbiome therapy combines approaches aimed at influencing the composition and activity of the microorganisms that inhabit the skin. Science shows that the most lasting results are achieved through holistic, dual-action care —synchronized restoration of the gut’s bacterial balance from the inside and targeted protection from the outside.
This is precisely where the major distinction lies between mass-market cosmetic products and Snowborn’s Snowborn Skin. The presence of a live, specifically identified strain is an essential part of the definition of an oral probiotic. On the other hand, topical skincare products (creams and serums) use precisely filtered probiotic enzymes and postbiotics that strengthen the skin barrier without the risk of bacterial contamination. The brand’s products are formulated for the skin’s optimal low pH (below 5.5), which inhibits the uncontrolled growth of pathogens while simultaneously excluding harmful sulfates, alcohol, fragrances, and synthetic preservatives.
What has been established so far?
Some clinical trials have shown benefits from the use of oral probiotics for acne. A meta-analysis including nine studies and 623 patients reported a lower severity of acne and a smaller number of lesions after 12 weeks of treatment. In a small randomized study, the combination of a probiotic and an antibiotic (minocycline) achieved a greater reduction in lesions than antibiotic therapy alone. Theseresults support the useof probiotics as an adjunct to established treatment.
Clinical results show why it is important in probiotic therapy to specify not only the genus Lactobacillus, but also the specific strain and its combination with other ingredients. In a randomized study of mild to moderate acne, the combination of Bifidobacterium breve BR03, Lacticaseibacillus casei LC03 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS03 is associated with a significantly greater reduction in superficial inflammatory lesions compared to placebo after eight weeks.
The Solution from Within: Snowborn Skin Derma Probiotic
It is precisely these three scientifically proven and patented Italian strains that form the basis of Snowborn Skin DERMA PROBIOTIC. Each capsule delivers over 2.5 billion live bacteria, protected by innovative microencapsulation technology that transports them intact to the small intestine.
- Lactobacillus salivarius LS03 acts as a powerful natural alternative to traditional antimicrobial therapy.
- The therapy has been clinically tested on more than 100 patients with acne vulgaris under dermatological supervision, demonstrating direct inhibition of the pathogen C. acnes, a reduction in inflammatory lesions, and regulation of excess sebum within 8 weeks.
The Solution from the Outside: A Probiotic Routine for Clear Skin
To address the needs of inflamed skin, the Snowborn Skin topical line applies the same high scientific standards through a 3-step daily skincare routine:
- Cleansing and Sebum Control: Back to Balance Micellar Water gently removes impurities, balances the microbiome, and tightens pores thanks to natural prebiotics and Peruvian mushroom extract.
- Active treatment for lesions: Spots Never Again Active Fluid is a powerful topical treatment containing valuable bacterial lysates (Bifida Ferment Lysate and Lactobacillus Ferment) that reduce inflammation and support the regeneration of the skin barrier.
- Daily protection and hydration: The lightweight Back to Balance cream regulates the skin’s pH throughout the day, strengthens the hydrolipid film, and protects against external aggressors without leaving the skin feeling greasy or clogging pores.
What is the connection to antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance is a global public health challenge, the consequences of which also affect the treatment of acne. Resistance to some of the antibiotics used has been observed in Cutibacterium acnes, particularly to macrolides and clindamycin, although the prevalence varies across studies and regions. Therefore, antibiotics remain important for certain patients, but their use must be justified and limited in duration.
Current recommendations encourage limiting systemic antibiotic therapy and combining antibiotics with appropriate topical treatments. In this context, the complementary role of probiotics is also being studied. A randomized clinical trial reported a more pronounced improvement in inflammatory lesions when an oral probiotic was added to doxycycline. Although it has not been established whether this allows for a shorter course of antibiotics, the observed clinical improvement supports interest in probiotics as a complementary approach in the treatment of acne.
Our recommendation for clean and healthy skin
Zachieve maximum and long-lasting results, Snowborn Skin recommends a comprehensive 8- to 12-week regimen that combines the internal action of Derma Probiotic with the daily topical care provided by the Snowborn Skin. This synergy ensures a complete transformation of the skin:
- Morning and evening: Wash your face with the natural Glow Skin Detox gel and cleanse your face with Back to Balance micellar water to remove excess sebum without drying out your skin.
- Active Care: Apply the Spots Never Again fluid directly to the affected areas to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
- Protection: Finish your morning routine with a light moisturizing cream Back to Balance and the lipid cream Restore to Defence, whichandstrengthensthe skin barrier and maintain a normal pH throughout the day.
- Internal Support: Take 1 Derma Probiotic capsule daily in the morning before a mealto control the C. acnes pathogen from within and balance the immune response.
Snowborn Skin's microbiome therapy is a scientifically grounded, safe, and proven alternative that helps you regain control of your skin without compromising its natural balance.
Dr. Petrova, Dermatologist and Pediatrician, Consultant in Endobiogenic Medicine
University Multidisciplinary Hospital for Active Treatment, Pleven
Selected Academic Sources
1. Huang L, Yang S, Yu X, Fang F, Zhu L, Wang L, et al. Association of different cell types and inflammation in early acne vulgaris. Front Immunol. 2024;15:1275269. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1275269.
2. Kortekaas Krohn I, Callewaert C, Belasri H, De Pessemier B, Diez Lopez C, Mortz CG, et al. The influence of lifestyle and environmental factors on host resilience through a homeostatic skin microbiota: an EAACI Task Force Report. Allergy. 2024;79(12):3269–3284. doi:10.1111/all.16378.
3. Lin HW, Tam KW, Huang YC. Efficacy of oral probiotics in patients with acne: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2026;51(1):68–77. doi:10.1093/ced/llaf388.
4. Jung GW, Tse JE, Guiha I, Rao J. A prospective, randomized, open-label trial comparing the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of an acne treatment regimen with and without a probiotic supplement and minocycline in subjects with mild to moderate acne. J Cutan Med Surg. 2013;17(2):114–122. doi:10.2310/7750.2012.12026.
5. Rinaldi F, Marotta L, Mascolo A, Amoruso A, Pane M, Giuliani G, et al. Facial acne: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the clinical efficacy of a symbiotic dietary supplement. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022;12(2):577–589. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00664-z.
6. Sathikulpakdee S, Kanokrungsee S, Vitheejongjaroen P, Kamanamool N, Udompataikul M, Taweechotipatr M. Efficacy of a probiotic-derived lotion from Lactobacillus paracasei MSMC 39-1 in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(10):5092–5097. doi:10.1111/jocd.14971.
7. World Health Organization. Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report 2025. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025. 114 p. Available from: WHO. who.in
8. Zhu C, Wei B, Li Y, Wang C. Antibiotic resistance rates in Cutibacterium acnes isolated from patients with acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Microbiol. 2025;16:1565111. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1565111.
