What's an Acne Relapse?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. While some people may only experience acne during their teenage years, others may struggle with it well into adulthood. While some people may experience occasional breakouts, others may have a more chronic form of the condition. One of the most frustrating aspects of dealing with acne is the possibility of a relapse, where the skin condition returns after it has been cleared up. Unfortunately, even after successfully treating acne and achieving clear skin, many people experience a relapse of their symptoms. 

An acne relapse is the return of the skin condition after it has been cleared up. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including hormonal changes, stress, diet, and skincare products. Some people may experience a relapse after stopping treatment, while others may experience it after a period of time. It is important to note that an acne relapse is not the same as having persistent acne. Persistent acne is when the acne never fully clears up, while a relapse is when the acne reappears after it has cleared up. Acne relapses can be frustrating and disheartening, as they can undo the progress that has been made in clearing up the skin.

One of the main causes of acne relapse is the overgrowth of bacteria, specifically Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). This bacteria is naturally present on our skin, but its overgrowth within clogged pores leads to acne. Antibiotics have been traditionally used to treat acne, but overuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance and the development of more severe acne.

Bacteriophages, that specifically target and kill bacteria, offer a new solution to treating acne caused by C. acnes overgrowth. Phages are able to evade the antibiotic resistance problem and are able to target specific strains of bacteria. Phage technology is a more targeted approach to treating acne, as it specifically targets the cause of the condition, rather than just treating the symptoms.

Phages can also be used as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of acne relapse. The Phortify Serum can be used as a prophylactic measure to keep C. acnes populations in check and prevent a breakout. 

It's important to note that not all phages are created equal and it's crucial to use a phage treatment that is specifically targeting C. acnes. It's also important to use phages that have been tested for safety and efficacy. At Phyla, we follow all of the cosmetic products regulations and guidelines, but more importantly, we actually take this to the next level and follow many pharmaceutical guidelines as well, beyond the basic requirement. We test the potency of the product in-house to ensure that the phage is doing what it is supposed to do. Then, we send out samples of this ingredient to a qualified independent third-party laboratory to test the product for safety and purity. We do this for every batch that we make. Once we have all of the testing complete, an independent Quality Manager reviews all of the manufacturing and testing records and signs off if everything meets the set guidelines.

In conclusion, an acne relapse can be frustrating and disheartening, but it is preventable. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using skincare products that are non-comedogenic and gentle on the skin (such as Phyla), you can prevent an acne relapse and achieve clear, healthy skin. With bacteriophage technology, you can be sure that the cause of the problem is being targeted, and your skin will be free from the bacteria that causes acne.