One of the most common microbes found on our skin is Cutibacterium acnes. When these bacteria grow out of control, they can clog pores, or small openings in the skin, causing redness and inflammation. The result: pimples.
But C. acnes may not be all bad. Recently, scientists at the University of California, San Diego, found that the bacteria also cause skin cells to increase the production of lipids, or fatty compounds. Lipids act as a barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and combating pathogens, or disease-causing microbes.
Understanding the interactions between different microbes on the skin may help lead to new treatments for patients with skin disorders like acne, says Samia Almoughrabie, a microbiologist who worked on the study.