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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.

at Princeton University and his colleagues wondered if blocking the inflammatory response caused by C. acnes could be another way to stop pimples. They decided to test a new class of anti-inflammatory chemicals on cells in the lab, and then picked the one that looked most promising to trial in people with acne.

The compound 鈥� named SIG1459 鈥� was used in a trial of 65 adult volunteers with mild to moderate acne. Each participant was given one of three identical creams 鈥� SIG1459, benzoyl peroxide, or an inactive placebo 鈥� to apply to their face twice a day, for eight weeks.

Zit zapper

By the end of the study, the participants using SIG1459 cream saw a 77 per cent reduction in their acne severity, compared to 56 per cent for those using benzoyl peroxide. The inactive cream had no effect.

One of the biggest advantages of SIG1459 is that it doesn鈥檛 cause any side effects, says at Signum Biosciences, the US company developing the product. 鈥淭hat suggests it will be a major improvement for acne sufferers over benzoyl peroxide,鈥� he says.

Lab studies suggest the new treatment works by blocking the signalling of a key receptor in the inflammatory pathway triggered by C. acnes. As an extra bonus, it also appears to directly kill the bacteria.

The researchers are now planning to test the treatment in severe acne cases. These are usually treated with retinoid medications, which stop excess oil production in the skin, but can also cause painful side effects like peeling skin and sore muscles.

The SIG1459 treatment could become available as early as next year, says P茅rez.

Read more: How lack of oxygen makes bacteria cause acne and how to stop it