Editing Acne (section)

==Research==
Efforts to better understand the mechanisms of sebum production are underway. This research aims to develop medications that target and interfere with the hormones that are known to increase sebum production (e.g., [[IGF-1]] and [[alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone]]).<ref name="Aslam2015"/> Other sebum-lowering medications such as topical antiandrogens, [[peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor]] modulators, and inhibitors of the [[stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1]] [[enzyme]] are also a focus of research efforts.<ref name="Aslam2015"/><ref name="Barbieri2019"/> Particles that release [[nitric oxide]] into the skin to decrease skin inflammation caused by ''C. acnes'' and the [[immune system]] have shown promise for improving acne in early clinical trials.<ref name="Barbieri2019"/> Another avenue of early-stage research has focused on how to best use laser and light therapy to selectively destroy sebum-producing glands in the skin's hair follicles to reduce sebum production and improve acne appearance.<ref name="Aslam2015"/>

The use of [[antimicrobial peptides]] against ''C. acnes'' is under investigation as a treatment for acne to overcoming antibiotic resistance.<ref name="Aslam2015"/> In 2007, scientists reported the first [[genome]] [[DNA sequencing|sequencing]] of a ''C. acnes'' [[bacteriophage]] (PA6). The authors proposed applying this research toward the development of [[phage therapy|bacteriophage therapy]] as an acne treatment to overcome the problems associated with long-term antibiotic use, such as bacterial resistance.<ref name=Farrar2007>{{cite journal | vauthors = Farrar MD, Howson KM, Bojar RA, West D, Towler JC, Parry J, Pelton K, Holland KT | display-authors = 6 | title = Genome sequence and analysis of a Propionibacterium acnes bacteriophage | journal = Journal of Bacteriology | volume = 189 | issue = 11 | pages = 4161–7 | date = June 2007 | pmid = 17400737 | pmc = 1913406 | doi = 10.1128/JB.00106-07 }}</ref> Oral and topical [[probiotic]]s are under evaluation as treatments for acne.<ref name=Baquerizo2014>{{cite journal | vauthors = Baquerizo Nole KL, Yim E, Keri JE | title = Probiotics and prebiotics in dermatology | journal = Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology | volume = 71 | issue = 4 | pages = 814–21 | date = October 2014 | pmid = 24906613 | doi = 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.04.050 | type = Review }}</ref> Probiotics may have therapeutic effects for those affected by acne due to their ability to decrease skin inflammation and improve skin moisture by increasing the skin's [[ceramide]] content.<ref name=Baquerizo2014/> As of 2014, knowledge of the effects of probiotics on acne in humans was limited.<ref name=Baquerizo2014/>

Decreased levels of [[retinoic acid]] in the skin may contribute to comedo formation. Researchers are investigating methods to increase the skin's production of retinoic acid to address this deficiency.<ref name="Aslam2015"/> A [[vaccine]] against inflammatory acne has shown promising results in mice and humans.<ref name=Simonart2013/><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Liu PF, Hsieh YD, Lin YC, Two A, Shu CW, Huang CM | title = Propionibacterium acnes in the pathogenesis and immunotherapy of acne vulgaris | journal = Current Drug Metabolism | volume = 16 | issue = 4 | pages = 245–54 | date = 2015 | pmid = 26264195 | doi = 10.2174/1389200216666150812124801 | type = Review }}</ref> Some have voiced concerns about creating a vaccine designed to neutralize a stable community of normal skin bacteria that is known to protect the skin from colonization by more harmful microorganisms.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=23 September 2011 | vauthors = MacKenzie D | title=In development: a vaccine for acne|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20958-in-development-a-vaccine-for-acne.html#VRoBMbqL6QY|magazine=[[New Scientist]]|access-date=30 March 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402105716/http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20958-in-development-a-vaccine-for-acne.html#VRoBMbqL6QY|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref>