A new study has found that a virus could have the potential to destroy the bacteria that causes acne. The online journal mBio has released research that isolated P. acnes bacteriophages from the noses of 11 volunteers. This virus could kill the breakout-causing bacteria P. acnes.

“Phages are programmed to target and kill specific bacteria, so P. acnes phages will attack only P. acnes bacteria but not others,” lead study author Laura Merinelli told Medical Daily. “This trait suggests that they offer strong potential for targeted therapeutic use.”