Late last month, many newspapers reported that European researchers succeeded in mapping the genetic structure of the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) present in acne sufferers.

While this achievement is laudable, the study authors admit that it may be many years before their genetic map leads to new treatments. They found that the microbe possesses multiple metabolic pathways: a property that enables it to grow under diverse skin conditions, and makes it hard to eradicate.

The new study found the enzyme-controlling DNA in acne microbes that permits them to stick to skin cells and degrade skin tissue. And, as lead author Dr. Holger Bruggemann told Reuters Health, "When the bacterium degrades the human skin the inflammation kicks in."

Contrary to conventional scientific wisdom, I have long identified inflammation as the initial and key process underlying acne’s attack on skin. And this news bulletin is another case of researchers putting the proverbial "cart before the horse!"

This is why I advocate the three-tiered anti-inflammatory program to fight the inflammation before it begins—thus preventing the bacterium from taking hold.

1. Enjoy a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods while avoiding pro inflammatory sugars and starches
2. Take antioxidant supplements—Nature’s anti-inflammatories
3. Apply topical antioxidants with proven anti-inflammatory properties to the skin: an approach that works with the body’s own defense mechanisms.

In addition, the same antioxidants shown to inhibit the inflammation that causes acne, will enhance the health and appearance of skin in many other ways, including decreased wrinkling and sagging and increased radiance and glow.

Unlike standard acne drugs, the anti-inflammatory approach doesn’t yield unwanted side effects. As Dr. Bruggemann noted, the antibiotics used to treat severe acne pose two problems: "You kill other beneficial bacteria, and you increase antibiotic resistance against common antibiotics."

While the kind of basic research performed by this team may produce breakthroughs in the long run, the solutions to common health problems often lie hiding in plain sight—as in the inflamed complexions of acne sufferers.

Acne is a systemic inflammatory disease. Treat the inflammation and the acne will resolve, leaving you with clear and healthy skin. If you remember that the inflammation always comes first, it will help you choose foods, nutritional supplements and topicals with significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Just as importantly, if you have a big date or important occasion looming on the horizon, avoid foods that are pro-inflammatory, such as sugars and starches (sweets, breads, pastas, etc.) The combination of stress and these types of foods will just about guarantee an acne breakout.

• Bruggemann H, Henne A, Hoster F, Liesegang H, Wiezer A, Strittmatter A, Hujer S, Durre P, Gottschalk G. The complete genome sequence of Propionibacterium acnes, a commensal of human skin. Science. 2004 Jul 30;305(5684):671-3.
• Perricone NV. The Acne Prescription. (New York, HarperResource, 2003), pp 3-38.
• Zouboulis CC. Is acne vulgaris a genuine inflammatory disease? Dermatology. 2001;203(4):277-9.

In The Acne Prescription, Dr. Perricone describes his breakthough findings—and delivers revolutionary solutions that clear skin quickly while improving overall appearance.