The real story behind teenage pimples and how it can change future acne treatment
THE SKIN MICROBIOME MYSTERYOur skin, especially on the face, is home to a bustling community of microbes.Among them, two bacteria dominate: Cutibacterium acnes (previously known as Propionibacterium acnes) and Staphylococcus epidermidis. For years, scientists knew these bacteria played a role in skin conditions like acne and eczema, but exactly how and when they settle in remained unclear.This new research reveals that during the early teenage years, a time when oil production in the skin skyrockets, new strains of C. acnes begin to arrive and multiply rapidly. These strains then tend to stay put for years, forming a stable, personalised bacterial signature on each person's face.
Our skin, especially on the face, is home to a bustling community of microbes. ()
advertisementThat stability, it turns out, is a double-edged sword."If we had a strain that we knew could prevent acne, these results would suggest we should apply it early, during the transition to adulthood, so that it has a better chance to settle in,' explained Dr. Tami Lieberman, senior author of the study and associate professor at MIT.WHY TIMING MATTERSThe study tracked the skin microbiomes of 30 children and 27 parents. By collecting samples over time and sequencing individual bacterial cells, the researchers discovered that teenagers acquire many new C. acnes strains.But once a person reaches adulthood, the microbiome becomes mostly fixed, making it harder for new strains, even helpful probiotic ones, to take hold.This suggests a crucial takeaway: the early teenage years may be the ideal window to introduce acne-preventing probiotic treatments, when the face is still open to "welcoming" new strains."It's like planting seeds. The soil is more fertile during adolescence," said Lieberman.
Once a person reaches adulthood, the microbiome becomes mostly fixed, making it harder for new strains, even helpful probiotic ones, to take hold. ()
The study also found that Staphylococcus epidermidis, the other major skin resident, behaves quite differently. Its strains tend to come and go, living for less than two years on average. Interestingly, even people living in the same house don't share many of the same strains.Why this happens isn't fully understood. It may be due to individual skin care routines, genetics, or the bacteria themselves blocking new ones from moving in.WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE FUTURE OF ACNE TREATMENTCurrent acne treatments often rely on antibiotics or retinoids, which can irritate the skin and have limited long-term benefits. But what if we could treat acne by tweaking the skin microbiome during its most vulnerable and flexible phase, adolescence?While this study doesn't offer a cure for acne yet, it points to a new direction: understanding when and how to introduce "good" bacteria to support skin health. The idea isn't far-fetched. Several companies are already exploring topical probiotics for acne. This study offers a clue: apply them early, before the skin's bacterial population solidifies.For teenagers struggling with acne, it's a reminder that their skin is undergoing a major transformation, one that could be better supported with well-timed, personalised treatments in the near future.advertisementThe research also sheds light on why some people get acne and others don't, even if they live together and use the same products. The answer may lie in what strain of C. acnes they carry and how their immune system responds to it.The next step for the MIT team is to understand whether the timing of these bacterial takeovers affects long-term skin health—and how to use that information to design better treatments."We're each walking around with a unique skin microbiome, shaped by early events in our lives. If we can understand that better, we may be able to guide it toward healthier outcomes," said Lieberman.Trending Reel
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