RESULTS: Phage treatment demonstrated an excellent safety profile. Participants in both phage and phage + SA arms showed significant improvement (P<0. Phage application resulted in a statistically significant (P<0.
Relevant if you're working with salicylic acid, pha for acne and aging.
If you're targeting acne, this research supports adding salicylic_acid to your AM/PM routine. Timeline to expect: 8 weeks based on study duration.
If you're targeting acne, this research supports adding pha to your AM/PM routine. Timeline to expect: 8 weeks based on study duration.
Translated from this study's findings, not a personal prescription. Pair with your existing protocol and your practitioner's guidance.
1. J Drugs Dermatol. 2026 Jun 1;25(6):523-529. doi: 10.36849/JDD.9346. Randomized Controlled Study of Bacteriophages in Acne Reveals Efficacy and Novel Mechanism for Promoting Long-Term Skin Health. Prooyen NV, Cho M, Jiang L, Rodgers N, Varma Y.
1. J Drugs Dermatol. 2026 Jun 1;25(6):523-529. doi: 10.36849/JDD.9346. Randomized Controlled Study of Bacteriophages in Acne Reveals Efficacy and Novel Mechanism for Promoting Long-Term Skin Health. Prooyen NV, Cho M, Jiang L, Rodgers N, Varma Y. BACKGROUND: Acne is the most prevalent skin disease globally, with a significant burden and limited therapeutic innovation. Although it has a multifactorial etiology, Cutibacterium acnes (C acnes) overgrowth is a key factor in driving inflammation in acne. Bacteriophages are a novel mechanism that can specifically target C acnes and are found in greater abundance on healthy skin compared to acne-prone skin. OBJECTIVES: To study the safety and efficacy of phages and salicylic acid (SA) in acne, and to analyze their mode of action and effect on microbiome diversity. METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 90 participants for 8 weeks. Males and females 12 to 35 years old with mild to moderate acne were enrolled in placebo, phage, and phage + SA arms. Clinic visits at baseline, week 4, and week 8 collected safety data, VISIA imaging, lesion counts, IGA scores, and microbiome samples. RESULTS: Phage treatment demonstrated an excellent safety profile. Participants in both phage and phage + SA arms showed significant improvement (P<0.05) over baseline at 8 weeks. Phage application resulted in a statistically significant (P<0.05) decrease of C acnes on the skin compared to placebo. Notably, phage use over 8 weeks significantly increased microbiome diversity, a marker of long-term skin health. CONCLUSION: This study shows the potential of bacteriophages to be a highly promising modality with a unique mode of action for the treatment of acne. Beyond short-term lesion improvement, phage-induced enhancement of microbiome diversity suggests potential for durable, long-term skin health benefits.  . DOI: 10.36849/JDD.9346 PMID: 42235049 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Original source →Wounds continue to represent a significant public health challenge globally. In recent years, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, a traditional Chinese botanical drug utilized for wound treatment, has garnered increasing research attention. However, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of this natural botanical drug on wound healing remain poorly understood.
Recent preclinical studies have shown that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays a critical role in molecular mechanisms of axon degeneration, and reductions in NAD+ levels are associated with axonal degeneration. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a safe and widely available pyridine-nucleoside form of vitamin B3 and is an NAD+ precursor. To investigate if oral supplementation of synthetic NR can act as a therapeutic agent to prevent degeneration of small somatic sensory axons innervating the skin or promote regeneration of these same fibers in humans, we utilized a validated experimental model of cutaneous nerve degeneration and regeneration and conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blinded Phase 2 study.
Nicotinamide (NAM) and Polypodium leucotomos extract (PL) have demonstrated photoprotective effects, but their role in preventing UVA-induced DNA damage in humans remains unclear. To evaluate the effects of oral NAM and PL on UVA-induced erythema and thymidine dimer (TT-dimer) formation. In this intraindividual trial, 50 healthy volunteers (phototypes I-III) were randomized (1:1) to receive either NAM (2000 mg daily) or PL (Heliocare Advanced: 480 mg daily) for 30 days.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional for medical concerns. Full disclaimer →