Acne, a common skin condition, has long been dismissed as a rite of passage for millions of adolescents for years. The U.S. NIH says hormones and genetics play a role in acne cases, but it is primarily driven by inflammation and lesions caused by bacteria that grow in clogged pores.
Sebum, oil that helps keep skin from drying out, and dead skin cells plug the pores, which leads to outbreaks of lesions, commonly called pimples or zits.
Most often, outbreaks occur on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, and shoulders, as stated by the NIH.
But vaccine researchers are attempting to change how to manage this unfortunate issue..
According to an article written by Benjamin Plackett and published by Nature on August 27, 2025, two vaccine candidates that aim to engage the immune system in tackling the underlying cause of acne.
The vaccines, one that treats the condition and one that acts as a preventive measure, both attempt to provoke the immune system into targeting these acne-causing bacteria.
“It has taken time for the field to treat acne as a disease of immune regulation, rather than just a surface issue,” says dermatologist Anjali Mahto, spokesperson for the London-based British Skin Foundation.
“What matters most is this shift in mindset.”
The complete, unedited article is posted at this link.