The future is clear

If we had a crystal ball, we’d be gazillionaires. We’d also see these: the next generation of acne treatments.

1A bacteria cure There’s a type of virus called phages – “and they’re everywhere,” says Dr Jenny Kim, a professor of medicine, dermatology and nutrition. “In cheese, in dirt, on your skin.” They infect bacteria, and that’s where things get interesting: “Different types of phages live off of different bacteria, and they can choose to kill their hosts,” says Dr Kim, who is studying the phages that infect acne bacteria specifically. “If we can deliver them to the skin effectively,” she says, “maybe we can find a cure for acne.”

2A vaccine Yes, really. A shot is in the works that could make you immune to breakouts. “We found an antibody to a toxic

protein that acne bacteria secrete on skin,” says Dr Eric C Huang, the project’s lead researcher. “The protein is associated with the inflammation that leads to acne.” The first phase of clinical trials on patients, which could take one to two years, will be under way soon.

3A probiotic therapy

“Feeding probiotics (good bacteria) sugar creates a ferment,” says Dr Huang, who is also studying one such ferment’s ability to kill acne before they cause breakouts. A topical gel that pits your skin’s bacteria against one another could be developed soon. It’s important to stay updated with the latest developments, and make sure you do enough research before trying anything new.