Changes in Skin Surface Lipid Composition During Therapy for Severe Acne Vulgaris and Relation to Colonisation with Propionibacteria

Abstract

The percentage composition of total skin surface lipids and the free fatty acid and triglyceride fatty acid components of skin surface lipid has been explored in two groups of patients in whom aggressive therapy of acne resulted in a decrease in both sebum excretion rate and population densities of Propionibacterium acnes. The results showed that there were significant differences between the lipid components of males and females post-therapy and, for the most efficient therapies cyproterone acetate and retinoic acid, there were significant differences pre- and post-therapy. Differences in free fatty acid composition were evident between the group of patients in whom a decrease of at least 10²/cm² P. acnes density occurred following therapy and those in whom this decrease was not achieved. It is not evident whether these changes are directly related to the activity of the skin's microbial flora or reflect inherent changes in the composition of skin surface lipid as a result of therapy.

Key Words:

• Skin surface lipid
• Acne vulgaris
• Propionibacteria