A new study reveals that the fibroblasts in tissue surrounding acne infections play an active role in the body’s immune response—and that existing treatments help trigger them to do so.
Researchers at UC San Diego have made a discovery that is reshaping decades of conventional thinking about acne, offering a new treatment strategy for the most common skin condition in the U.S.
Acne has long been thought to be caused partly by hair follicles. New research suggests the fat cells around them may play a bigger role in controlling acne-causing bacteria than previously thought. Researchers said they hope this leads to better acne treatments with fewer side effects.
The cells in our skin that fabricate fatty acids could play an unappreciated role in acne breakouts. Recent experiments on human acne and mouse skin have found pimples and lesions are closely regulated by fat-producing fibroblasts.