Advances In Acne Research

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Acne-causing bacteria live on everyone's skin, but some people get far more pimples than others. A new study has identified, for the first time, specific strains of bacteria associated with pimples as well as others strains that may protect skin.

The helpful strains are similar to probiotics found in yogurt. Researchers at UCLA identified the strains through genetic testing of the bacteria associated with acne, propionibacterium acnes, collected from the pores of 49 pimply and 52 clear-skinned individuals.

While the research is preliminary, they hope that these findings will be a starting point for developing new, more targeted acne treatments. This could be huge for teens dealing with the condition.