Please note: This trial has finished recruiting and is not accepting new participants.
Research Center: Integrative Skin Science and Research
Location: 1495 River Park Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento 95815 , CA
Lead Researcher: Raja Sivamani, MD, MS, AP
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the IntegReview Institutional Review Board

Background

Acne vulgaris is a long-term skin condition. It affects more than 85% of youth and may persist into adulthood. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat acne. Past research has shown that the gut flora (the microorganisms living in the intestines) and blood lipids (the fat molecules in the blood) can be significantly changed among people with acne. 

Researchers have learned that oral probiotics may improve gut health and overall blood lipids. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of probiotics on gut health and the blood lipid level among those with acne. The potential treatment, probiotics, will be taken orally through capsules by the participant, as instructed by the study team.

Interested participants must be between 13 to 45 years old who have acne. Those under the age of 18 need parental or legal guardian consent to be able to join this study. Participants must be willing to comply with all the necessary study-related requirements.

Why Participate? 

• You may experience improvement to your acne symptoms.
• You may be able to receive a potential alternative treatment for acne.
• You may contribute valuable information that would help reduce antibiotic use (and overuse) to treat acne.
• You will be compensated up to $250 for participating in this study.
• You will receive all study products at no cost.
• You will be helping to advance skin health research.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Participants aged 13 to 45 years old with acne vulgaris by a board-certified dermatologist.
  • Interested participants under the age of 18 need parental or legal guardian consent to be able to join this study.
• Participants must have a BMI less than 35 kg/m².
• Participants must not be a current tobacco smoker.
• Able to attend 5 study visits at the research site as well as be willing to comply with the following requirements for over approximately 13 weeks:
  • Participants must be willing to have facial photo images taken.
  • If the participant has facial hair, they must be willing to shave any facial hair.
  • Participants must be willing to avoid self-tanning, spa tanning or artificial tanning.

About The Research Center:

Integrative Skin Science and Research

The Integrative Skin Science and Research is an integrative dermatology clinical research site based in Sacramento, CA. Their integrative research approach bridges pharmaceutical, supplement, food, and cosmetic studies with a focus on gut and skin health.