Why carry out this study?

While 30% supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) is known to be a safe and effective treatment for acne vulgaris (AV), its mechanism of action is unknown.

This study aimed to clarify the effects of 30% SSA on the skin microbiota and inflammation in patients with AV.

What was learned from the study?

Species diversity and proportions were affected with 30% SSA treatment; Staphylococcus species decreased significantly, and Propionibacterium species tended to decrease

Caveolin-1 expression increased and transforming growth factor beta, toll-like receptor 2, and interleukin (IL)-1a, IL-6, and IL-17 expression decreased significantly in the skin tissue after treatment.