The skin naturally contains microorganisms known as a Microbiome. Much like that of healthy gut flora, the native skin microbiome is symbiotic where specific strains of bacteria are protective against various harmful microorganisms.

When the skin’s microbiome is disrupted certain skin conditions can occur.

Conversely, good native bacteria produce molecules that help to restore damaged and aging skin. Very recent advances in Microbiome-directed topical therapies act to modify the skin flora to include helpful bacteria and has recently been shown clinically to naturally rejuvenate the skin with similar efficacy as retinols.

Crown-Aesthetics, manufacturer of the dermal microneedling device SkinPen, has launched a first-of-its kind microbiome-modifying skin care product called Biojuve. Whereas modern skincare focuses on treating skin cells, Biojuve focuses on restoring the skin’s microbiome with a particular bacterial subspecies called C. acnes defendens. This subspecies secretes a molecule which acts directly on skin cells to naturally restore healthy youthful appearing skin.

Dr. Doris Day, a Manhattan-based dermatologist and co-author of the book “Rebooting the Biome,” refers to it as “microbiome care” and recently clinically demonstrated that it naturally restores skin aging by the skin’s own production of bioessential molecules (peptides, proteins, and antioxidants). 

Biojuve is a twice-daily serum containing an active-living strain of native skin flora C. acnes defendens termed “Xycrobe technology.” The serum is applied and activated by a misting spray at night and a bacteria supportive serum is applied in the morning. The results are rapid as treatments appear to achieve 80% efficacy in one week and continue to improve at eight weeks.

Compared with that of traditional Retinol-based skincare products, the effect of C. defendens is perplexing practitioners as it is nearly instantaneous. 

The combination of Biojuve with a series of three to four dermal microneedling treatments markedly improves not only acne scarring but fine lines, skin texture, pore size, sebum, and collagen production of the face and neck.

Preliminary studies are also reporting improvement in other skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and eczema. In a somewhat stale industry, “microbiome care” technology is an exciting new avenue for the current and future development of skincare.