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.