Ocular surface changes in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris

AIM:To investigate ocular surface disorders and tear function changes in patients with acne vulgaris and explore the potential relationship between acne vulgaris and dry eye.METHODS:This cross-sectional study included right eyes of 53 patients with acne vulgaris and 54 healthy controls.The participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)questionnaire.The following ocular surface-related parameters were measured:tear meniscus height(TMH),noninvasive tear breakup time(NIBUT),Schirmer I test(SIT),lipid layer thickness(LLT)score of the tear film,meibum score,meibomian gland orifice obstruction score,the ratio of meibomian gland loss,conjunctival hyperemia score,and corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)score.RESULTS:The stability of the tear film decreased in acne vulgaris patients.In the acne group,the TMH and NIBUT were lower,whereas the OSDI,meibum score,meibomian gland orifice obstruction score,ratio of meibomian gland loss,and conjunctival hyperemia score were higher compared with controls(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the CFS score,SIT,or LLT score between the groups(P>0.05).In two dry eye groups,the TMH,NIBUT,and LLT score were lower in the acne with dry eye(acne-DE)group,and the meibum score,meibomian gland orifice obstruction score,ratio of meibomian gland loss and conjunctival hyperemia score in the acne-DE group were higher(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between OSDI,SIT,and CFS score(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris are more likely to experience dry eye than those without acne vulgaris.Reduced tear film stability and meibomian gland structure dysfunction are more pronounced in patients with moderate-to-severe acne and dry eye.

Autocrine IL-8 Contributes to Propionibacterium Acnes-induced Proliferation and Differentiation of HaCaT Cells via AKT/FOXO1/Autophagy

Objective Proprionibacterium acnes(P.acnes)-induced inflammatory responses,proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes contribute to the progression of acne vulgaris(AV).P.acnes was found to enhance the production of interleukin-8(IL-8)by keratinocytes.This study aimed to investigate the role of IL-8 in P.acnes-induced proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and the underlying mechanism.Methods The P.acnes-stimulated HaCaT cell(a human keratinocyte cell line)model was established.Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the expression of the IL-8 receptors C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 1(CXCR1)and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2(CXCR2)on HaCaT cells.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine(EdU)assay and Western blotting were performed to examine the effects of IL-8/CXCR2 axis on the proliferation and differentiation of HaCaT cells treated with P.acnes,the IL-8 neutralizing antibody,the CXCR2 antagonist(SB225002),or the CXCR1/CXCR2 antagonist(G31P).Western blotting,nuclear and cytoplasmic separation,CCK-8 assay,and EdU assay were employed to determine the downstream pathway of CXCR2 after P.acnes-stimulated HaCaT cells were treated with the CXCR2 antagonist,the protein kinase B(AKT)antagonist(AZD5363),or the constitutively active forkhead box O1(FOXO1)mutant.Finally,autophagy markers were measured in HaCaT cells following the transfection of the FOXO1 mutant or treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine(3-MA).Results The expression levels of CXCR1 and CXCR2 were significantly increased on the membrane of HaCaT cells following P.acnes stimulation.The IL-8/CXCR2 axis predominantly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of P.acnes-induced HaCaT cells by activating AKT/FOXO1/autophagy signaling.In brief,IL-8 bound to its receptor CXCR2 on the membrane of keratinocytes to activate the AKT/FOXO1 axis.Subsequently,phosphorylated FOXO1 facilitated autophagy to promote the proliferation and differentiation of P.acnes-induced keratinocytes.Conclusion This study demonstrated the novel autocrine effect of IL-8 on the proliferation and differentiation of P.acnes-induced keratinocytes,suggesting a potential therapeutic target for AV.

Re-evaluating the necessity of routine laboratory monitoring during isotretinoin therapy for acne

In this letter,we discuss the topic of necessity of routine laboratory monitoring during isotretinoin treatment for acne.According to Park and colleagues,it is advisable to monitor the levels of triglycerides,alanine aminotransferase,and aspartate aminotransferase every 5 to 6 months.Additionally,the levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein should be checked within the first two months of treatment.Isotretinoin is a commonly prescribed agent mainly used to treat acne.Despite its high effectiveness,it necessitates regular monitoring of laboratory parameters due to its side effect profile.Currently,there remains a lack of consensus on the appropriate frequency for monitoring these parameters during treatment with isotretinoin.This letter will provide insight into this complex and controversial topic.Based on existing literature,we concluded that the incidence of changes in lipid and liver aminotransferase levels during isotretinoin treatment for acne was low and likely clinically insignificant.For generally healthy people,we recommend testing lipid and liver profiles once at baseline and a second time at the peak dosage.However,frequent testing might still be beneficial in certain populations of patients.

Tamanu Oil in Acne Management: Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Properties for Scar Reduction

Tamanu oil, derived from the nuts of Calophyllum inophyllum, has gained increasing attention for its potential in acne management due to its purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This analysis evaluates the efficacy of tamanu oil in acne treatment with a specific focus on its impact on inflammation and scar reduction. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of tamanu oil’s dual mechanism of action: reducing acne-related inflammation and promoting the healing of acne scars. Clinical trials and laboratory analyses were conducted to assess the oil’s effectiveness in diminishing erythema, swelling, and post-acne scarring compared to conventional treatments. Preliminary findings demonstrate that tamanu oil significantly reduces inflammation and accelerates wound healing, potentially offering a promising adjunct or alternative to standard acne therapies. Future research should aim to optimize formulation and application protocols, long-term effects, and comparative therapeutic efficacy with other anti-inflammatory agents. Tamanu oil offers a novel and effective approach to acne management, with potential advantages that go beyond inflammation reduction to include enhanced scar reduction, making it a subject that warrants further investigation.

Research on the Nursing Effect of Glycolipids on Acne Skin

Glycolipids are lipid compounds,which are a type of amphiphilic molecules containing glycosyl ligands.This experiment studied the efficacy of glycolipids on acne skin care from the aspects of antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,anti-allergic,oil-control,soothing and repair.Research results show that glycolipids have excellent antibacterial properties against P.acnes;when the dosage of glycolipids reaches 10μg/mL,the inhibition rate of glycolipids on lipid synthesis in SZ95 cells can reach 20%;glycolipids can induce LPS induction RAW264.7 cells have the inhibitory effect on the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and NO;when the glycolipids concentration is 15 mg/mL,the inhibition rate of glycolipids on hyaluronidase reaches 45.8%;when the glycolipids concentration is 25μg/mL,the inhibition rate on calcium ion concentration reaches 45.3%;glycolipids have a significant promoting effect on wound healing.Furthermore,human efficacy evaluation shows that glycolipids products have comprehensive care effects on acne skin.This study will help further promote the application of glycolipids in cosmetic products,especially in skin care products for acne skin.

Balancing Dermatological and Gynecological Considerations: Evaluating the Necessity of Pelvic Exams in OCP Prescriptions for Acne Management

Routine pelvic examinations in women prescribed oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for acne management are scrutinized to assess their impact on dermatological outcomes versus gynecological health. A synthesis of clinical trials, patient surveys, and medical guidelines reveals that these routine exams do not significantly enhance the effectiveness of acne treatment with OCPs but are linked to increased patient discomfort and false-positive results. Evidence suggests that routine pelvic examinations do not significantly impact the effectiveness of acne management with OCPs but are associated with increased patient discomfort and higher rates of false-positive results. The analysis indicates that a more personalized approach, focusing on selective pelvic examinations based on individual risk factors and clinical symptoms, may offer a more practical and patient-centered alternative. The review advocates for a reexamination of existing guidelines to better align with a model of individualized care, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize best practices at the intersection of dermatological and gynecological care. Adopting a personalized approach to pelvic examinations could substantially improve patient care by minimizing unnecessary interventions and discomfort while maintaining the efficacy of acne treatment with oral contraceptive pills.

Inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes by refined bamboo vinegar and preparation of the slow-release system with bamboo charcoal as the carrier

Background:Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases that can significantly impact a considerable proportion of individuals over their lifetime.Objective:This study focuses on the exploration of the application potential of bamboo vinegar in cosmetics.Materials and Methods:The stock solution of bamboo vinegar is subjected to reduced-pressure distillation at different temperatures to obtain refined bamboo vinegar.Then,inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes(P.acnes)by refined bamboo vinegar is observed.Moreover,the refined bamboo vinegar is adsorbed and released with activated bamboo charcoal as the carrier.In all,this study aims to probe into the mechanism of the controlledrelease system of bamboo vinegar.Results:The results shows that the harmful substances(tar)in bamboo vinegar distilled at 70℃decreased by 94.44%,which is a more notable decrease compared with that in the stock solution.The total organic acid content in bamboo vinegar after reduced-pressure distillation is 11.840%,reaching the national standard for refined bamboo vinegar(GB/T 31734–2015).Additionally,the minimum inhibitory concentration of refined bamboo vinegar against P.acnes using the punch method is 7.90 mg/mL.This indicates that refined bamboo vinegar has the potential as a prospective raw material for formulations in anti-acne cosmetic products.Furthermore,the release rate of bamboo charcoal/bamboo vinegar in water for 15 min reaches 70.57%,which then slows down to a plateau.The slow-release behavior is agreed with the Ritger-Peppas model and is beneficial to relieve the irritation of bamboo vinegar to the skin and lengthen its bacteriostatic duration.Conclusion:The foregoing conclusions can serve as the theoretical foundation for the application of bamboo vinegar in anti-acne cosmetics.

Optimal laboratory testing protocol for patients with acne taking oral isotretinoin

BACKGROUND Isotretinoin is a widely prescribed drug for various dermatological conditions,especially acne.Blood tests are routinely performed to monitor its side effects.However,the optimal testing schedule remains controversial.AIM To evaluate the laboratory monitoring tests and schedules of patients with acne taking isotretinoin to determine the most efficient testing regimen.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records from the Dermatology Department of Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital from 2005 to 2020 for patients prescribed isotretinoin for acne who underwent monthly blood tests.RESULTS Aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and trigly-ceride(TG)levels significantly changed between 5 and 6 mo when the total prescription period and dose variables were considered altogether.The high-density lipoprotein level also significantly changed between 5 and 6 mo.However,low-density lipoprotein(LDL)and total cholesterol levels significantly changed between 1 and 2 mo.CONCLUSION We recommend testing AST,ALT,and TG levels once every 5 to 6 mo.We also suggest testing LDL and total cholesterol levels during the first and second months.

Serum level changes of inflammatory cytokines in patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris treated with dual-wavelength laser

Background:Acne vulgaris(AV)is a common inflammatory skin disease.Although various mechanisms have been indicated in the etiopathogenesis of AV,the exact pathophysiology remains unknown.Various lasers have been used to treat AV;however,the serum level changes of inflammatory cytokines after laser therapy have not been elucidated.We aimed to investigate the relationship between inflammatory changes and remission on the opposite side in patients with moderate to severe AV after treating half of the face with 595-and 1064-nm dualwavelength laser.Methods:In total,18 patients(9 male and 9 female)between 16 and 35 years of age with moderate to severe AV were evaluated in the study.Disease severity was classified according to the Pillsbury grading system of acne.Patients were randomized to receive a series of two treatment sessions at intervals of 2 weeks and followed up at 2 weeks after the final treatment.A 3 mL blood sample was drawn from every subject each time,and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,and IL-22 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and 2 weeks after each treatment.Improvement was determined by a blinded assessment of photographs taken before and after the final evaluation.Results:Inflammation was significantly reduced on both the treated and untreated sides,and symptoms of AV lesions were alleviated.All patients showed a significant increase in serum IL-22 levels after the first laser therapy,with no significant difference in serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels.After the second laser therapy,serum IL-6,IL-8,and IL-22 levels were significantly decreased.No significant side effects such as bruising,edema,hyperpigmentation,hypopigmentation,or scarring were reported.Conclusion:Half-face treatment with 595-and 1064-nm dual-wavelength laser for moderate and severe AV showed a significant effect of full-face remission,which was associated with a gradual decrease in IL-6,IL-8,and IL-22 levels after half-face topical treatment.This suggests that reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum can relieve inflammation in non-therapeutic sites.This laser treatment is effective,economical,and painless.

A study on the mechanism of acupuncture treatment of acne based on immune inflammation

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving hair follicle sebaceous glands,which is characterized by acne,papules,pustules,nodules,cysts and so on.The disorder of immune inflammation is the key link.A variety of factors participate in the immune inflammatory response of acne and interact with each other,leading to the occurrence and development of acne inflammation.Acupuncture can regulate the immune and inflammatory response through many links and improve the skin lesions.This study explains potential mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of acne by regulating the body's immune inflammatory response,in order to provide new ideas.

A Case Report of Concurrent Acne-Related Occurrence Complications: Telangiectasia, Post-Inflammatory Erythema, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, and Atrophic and Hypertrophic Scars

Prior to his initial diagnosis, a 21-year-old male had been experiencing facial acne for two years and had been treated by a doctor in private practice. The patient visited our department because the clinical manifestations of mandibular acne did not improve. At the time of initial examination, telangiectasia (TE), post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), atrophic scars (ASs), and a hypertrophic scar (HS) with induration were observed on the right neck. We diagnosed this as an acne vulgaris complication. HS lesions were topically treated by injecting triamcinolone acetonide, and the patient was prescribed 8.1 g/day of oral Saireito (Japanese herb). Adapalene benzoyl peroxide gel and topical tacrolimus hydrate ointment were used to treat PIE and TE. Both HSs and PIE improved;however, TE and AS did not improve. Currently, the patient is under observation. We consider this to be a very rare concurrent occurrence of diverse complications of acne vulgaris, and present the following case study.

Effective Skin Care Guidance for Patients with Acne Vulgaris after Standard Treatment

With the introduction of new drugs, the treatment of acne vulgaris has improved dramatically;however, there remains a considerable gap between treatment outcomes and patients’ treatment goals. This study aimed to determine whether dermatologists’ guidance on appropriate skincare for skin symptoms such as post-inflammatory erythema and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which are not covered by acne treatment, leads to an improvement in patients’ skin condition and patient satisfaction. Japanese women who had completed standard treatment for acne vulgaris and those with mild symptoms not requiring treatment were included in the study. The participants received instructions about skin care at the beginning of the study, which they continued to apply for 6 weeks. At the start and end of the study, participants were examined by a dermatologist;afterward, skin measurements, including skin color, skin surface lipid content, and image analysis by VISIA® Evolution, analysis of stratum corneum obtained from the skin surface, and Skindex-16 questionnaire for assessing quality of life (QOL), were performed. The following showed significant improvements: PIH score, number of inflammatory acne lesions, and number of non-inflammatory acne lesions observed via skin examination;skin surface lipid content and values of L* and a* obtained via instrumental measurement;n number of pore, texture, red spot, and pigmented spot obtained via by image analysis;and degree of multilayer exfoliation and interleukin-1α determined by analysis of epidermal stratum corneum. QOL measurement using Skindex-16 also improved significantly. Appropriate skin care guidance following standard acne vulgaris treatment is helpful in achieving patients’ treatment goals. .

负载花色苷的抗酸性羧甲基壳聚糖凝胶微球的缓释研究

为拓宽壳聚糖基水凝胶的应用范围,构筑可食用的花色苷(ACNs)递送体系,采用反相乳液法,以玉米油为连续相,水杨醛(SA)为交联剂,制备了具有抗酸性能的载ACNs羧甲基壳聚糖(CMCS)凝胶微球(ACNs/CMCS-SA),表征了其结构和形貌,研究了其稳定性、溶胀性能和缓释性能。结果表明,ACNs/CMCSSA具有微米级粒径,表面光滑呈圆形;ACNs/CMCS-SA在酸性条件下稳定性良好,溶胀和缓释过程展现pH响应性;ACNs的释放行为符合Weibull模型,pH7和9时为扩散和骨架溶蚀复合释放机制控制,pH3和5时为菲克扩散和Case Ⅱ transport(0级-溶胀依赖性释放)联合释放机制控制。ACNs/CMCS-SA制备方法简单,过程绿色;对ACNs展现良好的胃酸保护和肠道释放性能,为环境友好型药物包封材料的开发和ACNs的应用提供了理论和实践参考。

SPS烧结温度对ACNs/Ti复合材料组织结构与力学性能的影响

通过放电等离子烧结(SPS)制备ACNs(无定形碳纳米颗粒)/Ti复合材料,并采用扫描电子显微镜、X射线衍射仪、光学显微镜以及电子万能试验机对不同烧结温度下ACNs/Ti复合材料的显微组织、相组成及力学性能进行表征。结果表明,较低烧结温度(800℃)下,未反应的ACNs虽然会对复合材料的强度有所贡献,但其与基体的界面结合较弱,会导致复合材料塑性严重下降。较高烧结温度(1000℃)下,与基体充分反应的TiC颗粒过度生长后尺寸较大,这一现象会造成材料强度下降。当烧结温度为900℃时,ACNs与Ti基体完全反应生成TiC颗粒,这种细小弥散的TiC沿着基体颗粒周围分布形成了准连续网状结构,此时ACNs/Ti复合材料具有最佳的强塑性匹配,其抗拉强度、屈服强度、延伸率分别为648.19 MPa、551.02 MPa、36.19%。

基于等效ACN - PCN的机场重载车辆通行性能分析

近年来,机场改扩建工程日益增多,且大多涉及不停航施工,即施工期间有大量诸如挖掘机、推土机、载重卡车等重型工程车辆在飞行区通行。施工期间,重型车辆在现有机场道面不同区域的通行对道面板带来新的荷载负担。因缺乏成熟的机场重型车载道面评估计算方法,重型车辆轮载是否会造成现行道面结构承载性能下降已成为机场管理机构关注的重点问题。有鉴于此,基于民航现行飞机等级号ACN计算规则,以工程重载卡车为例,提出了基于ACN的概念式计算与ACN等效荷载精确计算两种评估重载车辆道面通行能力的评价方法;通过有限元仿真,基于道面板底最大弯拉应力小于容许应力的基本原则,对机场重载车辆通行道面板性能进行精确计算与分析,评估案例机场的重载车辆道面板性能。结果表明重载车辆的ACN概念式计算结果精度较低,与ACN等效荷载精确计算结果相差较大;经过有限元仿真精确计算后的案例机场等效ACN值小于机场通报的最小PCN值,表明该重载卡车满足通行条件;验证了ACN等效荷载道面性能评价方法的可靠性,为机场不停航施工运行安全及工程管理评估提供重要参考。

NMP法和ACN法在丁二烯抽提装置中的应用

介绍了国内某企业采用NMP(N-甲基吡咯烷酮)法和ACN(乙腈)法建设的2套丁二烯抽提装置。通过对NMP法和ACN法丁二烯抽提装置的工艺流程特点、产品质量要求、溶剂萃取性能及装置经济效益及投资等方面进行总结,结合2套装置的实际运行数据,发现NMP法丁二烯抽提装置工艺流程更加合理紧凑,运行成本更低且NMP溶剂对环境更加友好。

A Study of the Treatment of Disfiguring Diseases in the “Qian Jin Fang”

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been passed down for more than 2,000 years.TCM beauty products driven by the principles of identification and treatment with various dosage forms and exhibit mild and safe efficacy are bound to become a main component of the beauty industry in the future.Xu once commented that“Qian Jin Fang”is different from the traditional prescription system,which emphasizes the use of medicines.In this paper,we mainly selected the prescriptions for the treatment of disfigurement diseases such as acne,scarring,black dryness,face hyperpigmentation,black mole,and rosacea from the article titled,“Upper Seven Orifices Disease-Facial Medicine IX”in the Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang[1].By studying and analyzing the original composition of the formula,understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease,and exploring the characteristics of the formula concerning the efficacy of TCM,their properties,flavors,and meridians,we summarized the characteristics of the Qian Jin Fang.It is based on the external treatment of disfigurement diseases,with a wide variety of drugs,flexibility,and accuracy.This method draws upon analogies while utilizing excipients and harmonizers to focus on the combined healing approach of treatment and nourishment.

Rapid remission of refractory synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis syndrome in response to the Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib: A case report

BACKGROUND Synovitis,acne,pustulosis,hyperostosis,and osteitis(SAPHO)syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disease for which clinical treatment has not been standardized.Janus kinase(JAK)inhibitors represent a novel therapeutic option for rheumatoid arthritis,psoriatic arthritis,and some other autoinflammatory diseases.However,the clinical utility of JAK inhibitors in treating SAPHO syndrome has not been thoroughly investigated.In this study,we describe a patient with SAPHO syndrome who failed to respond to conventional treatment but demonstrated a remarkable and rapid response to the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old female patient presented with swelling and pain at the sternoclavicular joints,back pain that limited her activities,arthralgia in the right knee,and cutaneous lesions.Her symptoms were unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs,Tripterygium wilfordii hook f,and bisphosphonates.SAPHO syndrome was diagnosed in accordance with dermatological and osteoarticular manifestations and abnormal inflammatory factors.Multiple image studies have illustrated bone lesions and pathological fractures of vertebral bodies.Oral treatment with tofacitinib at 5 mg twice daily with methotrexate and bisphosphonates was initiated.The patient reported that her pain symptoms were relieved after 3 d and her cutaneous lesions were reduced after 4 wk of treatment.Vertebral lesions were improved after 6 mo on tofacitinib.No serious adverse effects were noted.CONCLUSION JAK inhibitor therapy may be a promising strategy to treat SAPHO syndrome.

Adherence to acne treatment guidelines in the military environment-a descriptive,serial cross-sectional study

Background:Acne vulgaris,a common skin disease,affects up to 80% of the population.Moderate to severe acne requires treatment with a combination of topical and oral drugs such as antibiotics,hormones and retinoids.Retinoids have many contraindications and adverse effects requiring close monitoring.The study's objectives were to describe prescribing trends in acne medication over time in a military setting,and assess physician adherence to guidelines for acne treatment,including drug precautions,clinical monitoring,and treatment progression.Methods:We conducted a descriptive,serial cross-sectional study of acne drugs prescribed in the Israel Defense Forces(IDF) in the years 2002–2007,analyzing the classes of drugs prescribed and patient characteristics.In addition,the clinical quality of the medical encounter was assessed by examining physician adherence to IDF guidelines.Results:Between 2002 and 2007,64,281 patients were treated for acne.Treatment courses generally persisted for 1–2 months.Over 70% of female patients receiving oral retinoids were not concomitantly receiving oral contraceptives.Conclusions:This study provides a unique perspective of acne treatment in a military setting,overall displaying good adherence to general guidelines.The common prescription of oral retinoids to young females without concomitant contraception is alarming.

Effects of cosmetics containing purified honeybee(Apis mellifera L.) venom on acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatologic problem with multiple factors involved in its pathogenesis. Alternative solutions to acne treatment were instigated by antibiotic resistance despite of its extensive use. Purified bee venom （PBV） has been proposed as a promising candidate for that purpose. The present study was designed to confirm the antibacterial effect of PBV and access the efficacy of cosmetics containing PBV in subjects with acne vulgaris. METHODS： The skin bacterium Propionibacterium acnes was incubated with PBV at various concentrations and bacterial growth was evaluated using the colony forming unit （CFU） assay. The mechanism of PBV employed in killing P. acnes was examined by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. In addition, a total of 12 subjects were randomized in a double-blind, controlled trial to receive either cosmetics containing PBV or cosmetics without PBV for two weeks. Evaluations included lesion counts and skin microorganism. RESULTS： PBV exhibited antimicrobial activity in a concentration-dependent manner, reducing the number of P. acnes CFU by approximately 6 logs at a concentration of 0.5 mg. When PBV concentration was higher than 1.0 mg, no P. acnes colonies were spotted on an agar. TEM and SEM of untreated P. acnes illustrated the normal pleomorphic structure, whereas the PBV- treated bacterium lost the integrity of surface architecture. Significant difference （P=0.027） in the grading levels based on numbers of lesion counts for inflammatory and noninflammatory was observed in favour of the PBV group compared with the control group. In terms of average decrement of skin microorganism, subjects receiving cosmetics containing PBV experienced a significant 57.5% decrease of adenosine triphosphate levels, whereas participants receiving cosmetics without PBV experienced a nonsignificant decrease of 4.7%. CONCLUSION： These results show that the in vitro actions of antimicrobial activity of PBV were translated in vivo. Cosmetics containing PBV provided a certain degree of efficacy in terms of lesion counts and skin microorganism concentration compared with cosmetics without PBV in subjects with acne vulgaris. PBV may be a good candidate compound for developing therapeutic drua for the treatment of acne vulaaris.