The Hidden Role of C. acnes in Dandruff: Beyond the Flakes
Dandruff affects nearly 50% of the global population, yet its exact causes remain under ongoing investigation. While most clinicians associate dandruff with Malassezia species, a new perspective is emerging around another common skin microbe: Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes).
In a June JDD article, “The Role of Cutibacterium acnes and Its Biofilm in Dandruff Pathogenesis”, the authors explore how microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) may play a role in dandruff—focusing specifically on C. acnes and its biofilm-producing capabilities.
The paper suggests that biofilms from C. acnes could act as a “biological glue”—literally binding flakes together and contributing to the persistence of visible dandruff. This introduces a new angle in understanding dandruff’s pathogenesis, where biofilm formation may be just as important as microbial presence alone.
For dermatologists, this adds a new dimension to dandruff management. Could future treatments that target biofilms, not just fungi, be more effective? While more research is needed, this study prompts a broader look at the microbiome’s role in dandruff and chronic scalp conditions.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(6):566–569
