The recent ITV documentary ‘In Search of Perfect Skin’, featured Skin Trust Club as an alternative, safe and successful acne-treatment, as opposed to damaging drugs promoted by pharmaceutical giants.

In an investigative deep-dive into the acne industry, which showcased the desperate solution-seeking of acne sufferers, Skin Trust Club’s at-home skin test and skin health tracking app, were used as a treatment to reduce acne and monitor the effectiveness of products being used.

Skin Trust Club’s Chief Scientist David Caballero-Lima discussing the role of bacteria in acne

In just four weeks, Skin Trust Club’s personalised, AI-driven skincare suggestions were proven to significantly decrease acne-causing bacteria Cutibacterium acnes. This recommended routine, based on the users skin microbiome, showed an effective method to improve skin health.

Skin Trust Club’s recommended skincare routine reduced acne-causing bacteria in just four weeks

Labskin demonstrated how products are tested to substantiate claims

Highlighting an overwhelming market that is under regulated, while also unearthing industry secrets and debunking Tiktok remedies, the documentary saw Skin Trust Club’s leading industry, sister-company Labskin featured as a scientific, market-wide solution to substantiate product claims.

Acne ITV documentary Skin Trust Club
63% of users are misdiagnosing their skin

The wonderfully honest portrayal not only highlighted the emotional and frustrating impact acne can imprint, but also the even more exasperating miracle claims made by products.

Showcasing how easy it is to produce acne products with huge promises and backed by approval in clinical trials, emphasised a demand for clarification on claims. A service offered by Labskin, which is powered by science, trusted by testing and proven to work.

David Caballero-Lima, Chief Scientist at Skin Trust Club/Labskin, who features in the show, says: “The composition of the skin microbiome gives a great insight into skin health and type. Skin Trust Club’s leading technology and Labskin’s testing services are spearheading this movement which approaches skincare in a scientific manner. This results in a more personalised and effective treatment which guarantees better outcomes.” 

David Caballero-Lima, Acne Skin Trust Club
Oily skin is Skin Trust Club’s most common skin type

Despite skincare being a booming industry, Skin Trust Club has already discovered that 63% of users are incorrectly identifying their skin type. Oily skin is the most common with 55% of users on the sebaceous side, compared to just 20% with a balanced microbiome.

This creates an enticing skin-environment for acne as it encourages bacteria Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) to grow out of control. When dominant, C. acnes is the culprit behind inflammation and breakouts.

Georgia Toffolo Acne ITV Documentary Skin Trust Club
42% of users identify with having a skin condition

Not only does an abundance of Cutibacterium acnes lead to spots, but it can also create a vicious cycle as the bacteria tends to stimulate further production of sebum. It is also often found in other sebum-prone areas such as the back and chest.

Controlling the level of C. acnes can be done through regularly testing your skin microbiome and tailoring skincare products to reduce sebum-levels, but without stripping the oils completely.

Acne is a skin condition that affects 95% of Brits at some point in their lives*, from teenage spots to adult acne. Around 42% of Skin Trust Club users identify with having a skin condition, and in the UK alone, acne is one of the most prevalent.

Acne Skin Trust Club

The Skin Trust Club test can tell you about the bacteria and its abundance living in your microbiome, backed with a product recommendations to support a healthy balance.

*Research taken from the NHS.