When it comes to skincare, especially acne treatments, many people first try these common methods—salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids. But for those dealing with persistent, stubborn acne, harsher treatments like antibiotics or Accutane are a go-to. With varying degrees of effectiveness, these options are accompanied by various significant side effects, from dryness and sensitivity to more severe health concerns like declining mental health and joint pain.

Luckily, there's an alternative gaining attention in the dermatology world that’s both natural and incredibly abundant in nature: bacteriophages, or phages for short.

What Are Phages?

Phages are tiny microbes that specifically target and kill bacteria. They’ve been around for billions of years and are found everywhere— in soil, water, air, and even inside our bodies. 

Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, which wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria, phages are highly specific. This means they can be used to target certain types of bacteria, leaving the good bacteria and the rest of your skin’s microbiome intact. 

How Parallel’s Custom Phages Work

Acne often results from the overgrowth of different bacteria – for some  Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) can be the culprit; for others, it can be a different bacteria. Regardless, these pathogenic bacteria thrive in clogged pores. When the  bacteria multiply, it can cause inflammation and lead to the painful, red pimples that so many of us struggle with. Here’s where phages come into play.

Phages that naturally target your pathogenic bacteria can be applied to your skin to reduce the bacterial load without disturbing the overall balance of your skin microbiome. They infect the bacteria, replicate inside them, and cause the bacterial cell to burst open, effectively eliminating the bacteria. Once the job is done, phages simply break down and disappear, leaving your skin clearer and healthier.

Phages vs. Accutane: A Safer Alternative

Accutane, a powerful acne treatment, is known to be highly effective but also comes with a laundry list of potential side effects—dry skin, cracked lips, increased sun sensitivity, and in more severe cases, mood changes, or liver problems. It works by drastically reducing the amount of oil your skin produces, which disrupts your endocrine system and can lead to long-term changes in your health.

Phages, on the other hand, are much gentler. Because they specifically target the harmful bacteria without affecting your skin’s oil production or beneficial microbiome, they help maintain the overall health of your skin barrier. There are no harsh chemicals, no systemic effects, and no need to worry about altering the balance of good and bad bacteria on your skin.

Why Phages Are a Natural, Safer Solution

Phages are found everywhere in nature. In fact, they’re the most abundant organisms on Earth, with trillions of them coexisting with us at any given moment. They’re part of the natural cycle that helps keep bacterial populations in check—both in our bodies and in the environment. This makes them a naturally sustainable and safe option for skincare.

When you use phages in your skincare routine, you’re harnessing a biological solution that’s been working effectively for eons. It’s not about introducing something foreign to your skin, but rather, partnering with the tiny warriors that already exist in nature to bring balance and health to your complexion. Furthermore, at Parallel, not only do we use phages, we provide custom phages. After conducting the Skin Discovery Test, the issue-causing bacteria can be pinpointed and the proper phage provided.

The Future of Skincare: Phage-Based Treatments

As skincare science advances, phages are gaining recognition for their unique ability to target skin conditions without causing harm to the skin’s natural ecosystem. At Parallel, our phage-based skincare serums are beneficial for those with sensitive skin or people who have tried everything else and are still struggling with breakouts.

So, if you’re looking for an innovative way to tackle acne, consider signing up for the MD-03 Protocol™, a complete teledermatology plan, which includes custom phage serums to optimize your skin health and longevity.