What is the purpose of oral antibiotics in acne treatment?

The purpose of oral antibiotics in acne treatment is primarily to reduce bacterial load and inflammation. Acne is often exacerbated by the presence of certain bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, which can contribute to the formation of pimples and cysts. Oral antibiotics help to decrease the population of these bacteria on the skin and within the pores, leading to a reduction in the inflammatory response associated with acne lesions. By lowering both the bacterial load and inflammation, oral antibiotics can effectively improve the overall condition of the skin and reduce the severity of acne outbreaks.

Other options do not align with the primary function of oral antibiotics. For example, promoting skin hydration is generally addressed through topical moisturizers or hydrating treatments rather than antibiotics. Exfoliating the skin is typically managed through topical agents like salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids that remove dead skin cells but does not involve antibiotic therapies. Enhancing product absorption is usually related to formulations designed to increase penetration of active ingredients in topical treatments, rather than the systemic effect of oral medications. Therefore, the role of oral antibiotics is specifically focused on managing bacterial presence and inflammation associated with acne.