Bacteria on the skin: The Good, The Bad And The Biofilm
There are over 500 forms of bacteria naturally found on the human skin. They reside on the surface of the skin, naturally fermenting dead skin cells, sweat, and oils and make an acidic, vinegar like by-product. It sounds disgusting but these bacteria are actually critical for the health of your skin.
Keeping these bacteria happy and in natural harmony is a breakthrough development in the treatment of acne. Previously, treatments have focussed on sanitising or using antibacterial agents on the skin to eradicate bacteria. However, it has recently become more apparent that if any of these 500 strains of bacteria are killed off (let alone entirely wiped out!), then the acidic nature of the skin is lost and seems to become more alkaline. Other bacteria and fungi that don’t normally live on the skin are also given an opportunity to colonise – these are the Bad Bacteria!
P.Acnes is the bacteria most commonly implicated in causing acne. However, P.Acnes has also been shown to be more prevalent in people without acne. So, killing off the bacteria or trying to eradicate them entirely is a paradox.
To detect disruptions of healthy bacteria and their acidic by-products, you will have the pH(acidity/alkalinity) of your skin continually measured by our BCP skin consultant.
What can kill off the good bacteria?
What is a biofilm?
A biofilm is formed when a group of bacteria join into a tight group and protect themselves from toxic agents. In acne, P.Acnes bacteria form biofilms in the pores and as the mass of bacteria gets bigger, they begin to release toxic substances into the surrounding tissue causing redness and inflammation. The P.Acnes bacteria also are clever enough to signal other types of bacteria to join in the biofilm which makes the mass even more impermeable to agents toxic to bacteria.
The BCP Clear Skin Kit is based on the principles of eliminating Biofilm and promoting the natural regrowth of good bacteria by creating an environment of healthy skin. We make all of our products fresh on site so product preservation will not interfere with the skins biome. We also ensure that all our products are naturally and optimally acidified.
When is the BCP Clear Skin Kit unsuitable?
Treatment must be commenced early to treat acne – generally very early in adolescence. If biofilms are allowed to get to a certain point, then cystic acne ensues and this is extremely difficult to treat. In the instance of cystic acne, we will always refer to a doctor and then dermatologist for new laser based treatments to start with along side the Border Compounding Pharmacy Acne products.
Our Products
After a thorough skin analysis and pH reading, we will start preparing your products.
Step 1 – Cleanse
The BCP Clear Skin Non-Foaming Cleanser Our uniquely designed cleanser eliminates biofilm and take excess oils from the skin without drying it. It is formulated with AHA’s at a pH of 3, which is a documented bacterial biofilm disruptor. Use twice daily morning and night..
Step 2 – Moisturise
The BCP Clear Skin Daily Moisturiser is designed to keep the skin hydrated and provide an optimal environment for skin healing and good bacterial regrowth. It contains:
- 4% nicotinamide which has been shown to reduce sebum(oil) secretions from the skin.
- Oleanolic acid which has been shown to inhibit the production of excess androgenic hormones in the skin.
- 2% retinol is also added as an active as the levels of vitamin A in the skin is reduced in those with acne.
- Resveratrol which is a potent antioxidant that suppresses bacterial overgrowth but doesn’t kill bacteria.
Step 3 – Gentle Peel
The BCP Clear Skin Hydroxy Resurfacer is an AHA/PHA blend containing lactic acid, glycolic acid and gluconolactone. Designed to breakdown biofilm, clear plugs of keratin in the skin and fight inflammation, this product should initially be left on for 10 minutes only and then washed off with water. If tolerated, the product can be left on or used twice daily, and can be further customised and the strength increased by our pharmacists.
Step 4 – Spot Treatment
The BCP Clear Skin Spot Treatment contains benzoyl peroxide, customised in strength to suit your skin. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the few compounds that has been shown to kill P.Acnes bacteria. This should only be used very sparingly as a spot treatment on specific pimples that is just starting to grow. Overuse of this product will negate the entire regimen.
We will re-analyse your skin in 3 months and track the progress. We can alter and add extra active ingredients or change the formulations and can refer you to a GP or Dermatologist if necessary.
Start your clear skin journey today
More information
Contact us To learn more about the BCP Clear Skin Kit or to discuss your skin concerns. Or you book a FREE UV skin analysis (You can do this in-store or online via zoom) with our skin consultant Melanie to begin your skincare journey.