Like acne isn't bad enough, there's even worse news coming from the other side of the pond. New research from the British Association of Dermatologists' Annual Conference finds that treating breakouts with antibiotics could actually lead to "super acne," a strain that's antibiotic-resistant. Translation: If you use antibiotics to keep your breakouts under control, you might actually be sabotaging your skin. Awesome.

Here's what's happening: There are different kinds of acne (here's a breakdown, along with the best ways to treat each). Some are caused by fluctuating hormones while others are the work of a combination of dirt, oil, and bacteria. Since bacteria are a key part of this equation, antibiotics can be a really effective way of fighting acne.

But there's a reason derms recommend topical, over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide before they jot down a prescription. "Overuse of antibiotics, including long-term use of antibiotics, is associated with the development of antibiotic resistance," explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D., New York dermatologist and director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. And this study backs it up, with the researchers explaining that antibiotic use may lead to the emergence of an antibiotic-resistant form of acne-causing bacteria. Basically, this bacteria gets used to the antibiotics and evolves accordingly. It's not just an acne thing, either. If you've heard of MRSA in the news, this is the same deal.

This doesn't mean antibiotics are no longer an anti-acne option. You just have to be aware of your usage. "Antibiotics should be used for short periods of time and in combination with other acne treatments like topical benzoyl peroxide," says Zeichner. "This reduces the risk of developing bacterial resistance." Switch up your antibiotics every three months. If you're not getting the results you want from that, Zeichner recommends asking your doctor about hormonal therapies, like oral contraceptive pills and spironolactone. They can be very effective and don't target bacteria—so there's no risk of antibiotic resistance.

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