Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Health

Anti-acne cream clears up skin without any nasty side effects

By Alice Klein

6 June 2018

A person with acne

Acne is caused by Cutibacterium acnes bacteria

BSIP/UIG/Getty

A novel anti-acne cream is better at clearing pimples and gentler on the skin than existing lotions, a clinical trial has found.

Acne begins when oil glands in the skin become clogged. Bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes feed on the excess oil and release inflammatory molecules that cause angry, red pustules.

Mild to moderate acne is normally treated with benzoyl peroxide cream or antibiotics, which both kill C. acnes bacteria. However, benzoyl peroxide often causes skin bleaching, dryness and stinging, while antibiotics are becoming less effective due to bacterial resistance.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop