BIOPEP-15
Patented technology for acne-prone skin
BIOPEP-15 is an incredible plant-based technology that is clinically proven to prevent the formation of acne lesions and reduce the severity of existing breakouts. It achieves this by fighting against the main acne-causing bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes, as well as working to reduce inflammation.
Find out more about how BIOPEP-15 works and best ways to manage acne-prone skin.
Acne causes and treatments
Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin concerns, affecting around 9% of the global population.1 Because acne is often caused by changing hormone levels, adolescents are most prone to the condition. Women are also more likely to suffer from adult acne than men. This is thought to be related to women’s fluctuating hormone levels in instances such as pregnancy, periods, menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome.2
Other factors that can influence acne include genetics, diet and stress. Often, acne is aggravated by external aggressors, including UV exposure, air pollution and cigarette smoke.
What is acne?
Acne spots are caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria. This blocks pores and causes the surrounding skin to swell. Oily skin types are more prone to breakouts because their sebaceous glands produce more sebum.
The severity of acne varies from whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules, to large painful nodules and cystic lesions.
The mildest spots are whiteheads and blackheads. They occur on the face, usually around the T-zone area where pores are larger and more oil is produced. Whiteheads are small light-coloured bumps. Blackheads are small, dark spots that have opened up. The colour is a result of melanin oxidising when exposed to air, rather than dirt.
People with moderate or severe cases of acne may experience more aggressive types of spots: papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Papules are small bumps under the skin’s surface. They are solid, raised and the skin around the spot may be inflamed. Pustules are larger bumps filled with white or yellow pus, which is a combination of cells collecting in the pore. The area around the skin may be inflamed. Nodules are hard, inflamed lumps deep in the skin. They occur when a clogged pore becomes infected and swells. Nodules are a severe form of acne and can lead to scarring. Finally, cysts are large and painful lumps that form from deep within the skin. They are filled with pus and feel soft to touch. Cysts are the most acute type of acne and often require antibiotics, prescription retinoids or surgical intervention to resolve.
How acne affects people
Whilst acne primarily affects the look and feel of the skin, it can also take its toll on a person’s mental health. People experiencing acne may also have feelings of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.3 This highlights the importance of treating acne effectively; not only does effective treatment prevent future breakouts and reduce scarring, but it can also make a considerable improvement to a person’s emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
How to treat acne
Acne treatment depends on the severity of the case. In moderate and severe cases, you should speak to your GP, as a prescription or referral to a dermatologist may be necessary. For mild cases, topical treatments and a good skincare routine will help. Ingredients that are recommended for acne include retinol, niacinamide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and, most notably, our clinically-proven peptide technology, BIOPEP-15.
What is BIOPEP-15?
BIOPEP-15 is an incredible plant-based technology that fights against 24 strains of acne-causing bacteria.4 A patented botanical complex, BIOPEP-15 contains the peptide Oligopeptide-10. This chain of amino acids offers broad-spectrum, anti-microbial activity against a wide variety of microorganisms, including Cutibacterium acnes, the main acne-causing bacteria.
BIOPEP-15 has clinically-proven efficacy with no side effects, and has a low probability of developing resistance; it is even effective against acne strains that have already developed a resistance to antibiotics. It offers excellent tolerability, perfect for even the most sensitive skin types.
How BIOPEP-15 works
BIOPEP-15 has a unique action mechanism that is based on recognising and binding with Lipoteichoic Acid (LTA).
LTA is an important part of the cell wall in gram-positive bacteria (bacteria with a thick outer layer, or peptidoglycan). LTA connects to the cell membrane and controls enzymes that break down the cell wall and trigger an immune response.
BIOPEP-15 binds with LTA to disrupt the membrane and cause bacterial cell death. Unlike other treatments, BIOPEP-15 offers targeted delivery to affected cells only. It also respects the skin’s natural flora and doesn’t harm or irritate other cells. This makes it a safe and comfortable treatment, with no side effects.
BIOPEP-15 is also capable of binding to the antigen molecules of free LTA, thereby preventing the development of inflammatory response.
Products featuring BIOPEP-15
BIOPEP-15 is a key component in our groundbreaking range for acne-prone skin, Biretix. Developed for both teen and adult skin, Biretix contains innovative technologies that work in synergy to purify and repair the skin while targeting the root causes of acne to manage breakouts.
