Scientists find bacteria that may protect against acne

Published yesterday in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology by Sorel Fitz-Gibbon, PhD, from the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, scientists reveal bacterial strain that may protect people from acne.

The bacterial strain was found by comparing acne-ridden skin with clear human skin. Propionibacterium acnes (P acne) is a dominant skin organism that colonizes pilosebaceous units, in which certain strains are believed to stimulate development of acne. The population sizes of the bacteria are similar among individuals, but the proportions of different strains vary between people prone to acne and people with clear skin. Similar to Staphylococcus aureus, only certain strains of the bacteria are able to cause acne.

After acquiring samples from both the acne group and the clear group, the next step for the researcher was genome sequencing. Two strains were discovered in 1 of 5 volunteers with acne, but rarely in clear-skinned people. Conversely, a third bacterial strain appeared to be common in healthy skin, yet was rare in skin with acne, suggesting a protective role.

The findings may have practical applications, the authors write, such as the development of a probiotic topical preparation to favor the protective bacterial strain or drugs to selectively target acne-related bacteria. A simple skin test might predict whether a person has an increased risk of developing aggressive acne.

For now, many of us may want benefit from a good probiotic. When I searched the internet for probiotics for acne, many results appeared, so this approach certainly isn't new to people who suffer from acne.


There are many probiotics out there, but the best one, according to reviews is Garden of Life Primal Defense.  I use Sustenex Chews, and I still get occasional flare ups of acne, so I may try a different brand.

TCA Spot Treatment

Last year I started doing TCA spot treatments where I target very small problem areas only. This was not my brainchild, but the credit belongs to a fellow peeler.

The technique is great because I can't afford any downtime right now, and using a very small applicator and pinpointing only those spots allows me to work on those areas without sacrificing time. These very small areas will not be noticeable to anyone except me, and they'll heal much faster because my body is dealing with such a small area of trauma.

These are areas I typically spot treat (click the image to enlarge):



Using 50% TCA and a thin plastic applicator, I apply the TCA solution only in a few fine lines and small scars. I don't recommend anyone use 50% TCA without much experience or professional advice, and I am NOT a professional.

If you can't find anything plastic that is small enough, I cut a thin strip off the edge of an old credit card I never used and peeled it apart. I dip the applicator into the solution and make sure there are no large droplets on it before I apply. I also have to use 15X makeup mirror to apply it because it's hard for me to see some of those scars (eyes are getting old).

I don't use alcohol on any of the areas since the TCA % is so high. The tiny dots and thin lines frost immediately, and I don't wash them off, but before bed I apply my CU3 post laser copper peptide lotion.

I'll have a few tiny brown spots and thin lines, but they'll be so small no one will notice. And it's a technique that I can use more frequently since it's not a large area...the tiny areas will heal much faster, and I can treat those problem areas more frequently and more aggressively.

After the frosting goes away, I can barely see a few pink dots and lines: nothing a little concealer can't handle!