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Acne is a prevalent and multifactorial skin disease affecting teenagers and adults, generally stemming from an imbalance in the skin microbiome. Studies have shown that various essential oils (EOs) possess antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria strains like Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
What we know:
Current acne treatments often involve topical or oral antibiotics, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance in C. acnes strains (Sardana et al., 2015).
EOs are natural, concentrated liquids derived from plants, known for their aromatic properties and diverse biological characteristics, including bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal properties (Cossetin et al., 2021).
These include oregano, lavender, lemon grass, myrtle, lemon, thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary and tea tree EOs, which have all demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (Bungau et al., 2023).
EOs are able to permeate the skin and facilitate the enhanced penetration of active compounds into deeper skin layers (Bungau et al., 2023).
Their antimicrobial property occurs as their bioactive components target multiple cellular sites and interact with cell membranes, disrupting microbial integrity and ultimately causing cell death (Bungau et al., 2023).
Industry Impact
Incorporating English lavender and peppermint EOs into gelatine nanofibers created effective topical patches for localised acne treatment by diminishing C. acnes and S. epidermidis (Uhlířová et al., 2023).
Therefore, English lavender and peppermint EOs may be beneficial in the gentle and focused treatment of acne, as well as potentially other microbial-related skin conditions (Uhlířová et al., 2023).
However, a challenge with EO use is their standardisation, which arises due to different cultivation conditions that produce EOs of varied quality, quantity & composition (Uhlířová et al., 2023).
Methods for assessing antioxidant potential, such as determining total phenolic content, evaluating reducing power, measuring ferrous ion chelating activity, among other methods, are vital for gauging the efficacy & safety of essential oil use in acne treatment (Bungau et al., 2023).
Future investigations could focus on developing innovative acne treatments incorporating essential oils & evaluating their effectiveness through large-scale clinical trials. More research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action of essential oils & identify their optimal doses & safety profiles for effective management of acne vulgaris (Bungau et al., 2023).
Our Solution:
At Sequential, we offer a comprehensive Microbiome Product Testing Solution, separately or in conjunction with guided product development & formulation services. This holistic approach enables your business to explore innovative methods for addressing conditions, like acne, using essential oils treatment strategies.
References:
Bungau AF, Radu AF, Bungau SG, Vesa CM, Tit DM, Purza AL, Endres LM. Emerging Insights into the Applicability of Essential Oils in the Management of Acne Vulgaris. Molecules. 2023 Sep 1;28(17):6395. doi: 10.3390/molecules28176395. PMID: 37687224; PMCID: PMC10489792.
Cossetin LF, Santi EMT, Garlet QI, Matos AFIM, De Souza TP, Loebens L, Heinzmann BM, Monteiro SG. Comparing the efficacy of nutmeg essential oil and a chemical pesticide against Musca domestica and Chrysomya albiceps for selecting a new insecticide agent against synantropic vectors. Exp Parasitol. 2021 Jun;225:108104. doi: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108104. Epub 2021 Apr 1. PMID: 33812979.
Sardana K, Gupta T, Garg VK, Ghunawat S. Antibiotic resistance to Propionobacterium acnes: worldwide scenario, diagnosis and management. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2015 Jul;13(7):883-96. doi: 10.1586/14787210.2015.1040765. Epub 2015 May 29. PMID: 26025191.
Uhlířová R, Langová D, Bendová A, Gross M, Skoumalová P, Márová I. Antimicrobial Activity of Gelatin Nanofibers Enriched by Essential Oils against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2023 Feb 24;13(5):844. doi: 10.3390/nano13050844. PMID: 36903722; PMCID: PMC10005654.
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