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"It may be possible to unleash a natural acne killer in the skin. Researchers have isolated a group of viruses from human pores that kill *P. acnes,* the bacterium that causes breakouts. There's reason to believe that these viruses help control the *P. acnes,* population, and they may fail to do so if they're at low levels or unable to attack a specific strain of the bacteria, says Graham Hatfull, a professor of biotechnology at the University of Pittsburgh. A high dose of these viruses (or a broadly effective enzyme derived from them) could be delivered in a cream. Unlike antibiotics, this would attack only acne-causing bacteria, sparing good bacteria and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance, Hatfull says. Human tests of the treatment are needed, but \\\"we're enthusiastic,\\\" he says. \\\"It could have a significant impact if it proves to be as effective as we suspect.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n#### See Also\\n\\n- [Body News: Breakout Foods](http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/health/2013/breakout-foods)\\n\\n\\n- [Body News: Acne Alternative](http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/health/2007/Acne_Alternative)\\n\\n\\n- [Body News: Making Acne Disappear](http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/health/2011/making-acne-disappear)"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.allure.com/story/breakout-buster>