Doxycycline + Probiotics for Acne: What Does the Science Say?
At the recent AAD conference, there was a strong emphasis on a more holistic approach to dermatology, particularly when it comes to conditions like acne. The gut-skin connection has been a hot topic, and new research is exploring whether probiotics could enhance acne treatment when paired with doxycycline, a widely prescribed antibiotic.
One study that caught my attention was recently published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (link to study). It compared the effectiveness of doxycycline alone vs. doxycycline + probiotic supplementation in the treatment of acne. Given the increasing interest in the microbiome, I was eager to dive into the data and see whether probiotics truly make a difference.
Breaking Down the Study: Doxycycline vs. Doxycycline + Probiotics
The study evaluated two groups of acne patients—one treated with doxycycline alone and the other with doxycycline plus a probiotic supplement. The key findings:
Both groups showed significant improvement in acne lesions.
The probiotic group had fewer GI side effects, which is particularly relevant since doxycycline is known for causing stomach upset, nausea, and even esophagitis in some patients.
There was a modest but notable improvement in acne severity in the probiotic group compared to doxycycline alone, suggesting a potential synergistic effect between probiotics and antibiotics.
These results align with the idea that gut health and skin health are deeply connected. But does this mean everyone should be adding probiotics to their acne regimen?
My Experience with Probiotics
Over the years, I’ve experimented with both probiotic-rich foods and supplements to see if they make a difference in my own skin and overall well-being.
My favorite probiotic-rich foods:
Nancy’s Yogurt – Packed with live cultures, and a solid option for those who tolerate dairy.
Kimchi – A staple in Korean cuisine, and an easy way to get fermented goodness with meals.
Coconut Cult – A trendy coconut-based probiotic yogurt with an insane amount of live strains (but pricey!).
Probiotic supplements? Not as impressive.
I’ve tried several probiotic capsules and powders, but most haven’t made a noticeable difference in my skin.
Some formulations are poorly absorbed or don’t contain the right strains to impact acne.
I’ve been meaning to try Seed Probiotics, which has gotten strong reviews, but I haven’t tested it yet.
Why Could Probiotics Help Acne?
The gut microbiome plays a major role in inflammation, immune function, and even hormone regulation—all key factors in acne development.
Probiotics may help by reducing systemic inflammation that contributes to breakouts.
They can also counteract the gut dysbiosis (imbalance of bacteria) that sometimes occurs with antibiotic use.
Some strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been shown to improve skin barrier function and decrease oxidative stress.
While the study is promising, probiotics are not a magic cure-all for acne. But for those on doxycycline, adding a high-quality probiotic (or simply incorporating more fermented foods) could be beneficial—especially for gut health.
Final Thoughts
This study highlights the evolving approach to acne treatment, where gut health is finally getting the attention it deserves. While probiotics may not replace traditional acne treatments, they could be a valuable adjunct to doxycycline, particularly for minimizing side effects.
Although today’s focus was on probiotics, I plan on writing another post soon about doxycycline itself—one of the most commonly prescribed oral medications in dermatology. Stay tuned!