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Why do some people get worse acne than others?

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Researchers are starting to figure out why the main culprit is a type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. It feeds on the oily matter in our skin called sebum.

http://i.imgur.com/VdH4JQA.png

During puberty, we produce more sebum than usual. This allows bacteria to multiply, which can cause infection and acne.

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But that’s not the entire story.

There are over 1,000 strains of Propionibacterium acnes. Not all of them are bad, according to a 2013 study. Every person has a unique mix of bacterial strains on their skin.

http://i.imgur.com/I9ye83X.png

Acne-prone skin has different strains than healthy skin.

http://i.imgur.com/BVQxky9.png

Plus, evidence suggests certain strains may only live in healthy skin.

These strains might protect against acne, instead of causing it. If true, it could offer a new way to identify acne early on, and potentially treat it with acne-fighting bacterial strains.

http://i.imgur.com/SnKJNb8.png

Researchers are on the hunt to identify more “good” and “bad” strains. Perhaps, one day, acne will be a disease of the past.

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