Abstract: Propionibacterium acnes play an important role in the development of acne. Topical or oral antibiotics have definite effects on the inflammatory lesions of acne. However, the concern of antibiotic resistance is increasingly more serious with the widely use of antibiotics. It is reported that over 50% of Propionibacterium acnes strains are resistant to antibiotics，especially to macrolides. The action mechanisms and status of antibiotic for the treatment of acne, the resistance mechanisms and status of antibiotic resistance are reviewed in this article

Key words: acne, Propionibacterium acnes, antibiotic resistance