Adult acne is increasing worldwide, driven by heat, humidity, urban pollution, stress, and fast‑paced lifestyles.* At the same time, beauty is shifting from quick fixes toward long‑term skin health and preventive care.
Yet many consumers with acne‑prone skin still hesitate to use SPF every day, fearing heaviness, clogged pores, or breakouts. In fact, 22% of acne‑concerned users avoid sunscreen because of these worries.**
This tension highlights a clear need for sun care that protects - and reassures.
*Wang Y. et al., Sec. Dermatology, 2022, Tian L. et al., Skin Research and Technology, 2024, Roengritthidet K. et al., Acta Derm Venereol. 2021, Saurat J. et al., JAAD, 2024
**Global sun care U&A survey, dsm-firmenich 2025
Beyond UV protection and barrier care, the skin microbiome plays a key role in how acne‑prone skin behaves.
This living ecosystem helps maintain skin balance and resilience. But daily UV exposure can disrupt this harmony - especially influencing Cutibacterium acnes, one of the most impactful microorganisms on acne‑prone skin.
Understanding this UV–microbiome interaction opens a new frontier for daily sun care.
Building on earlier exploratory insights, our scientists took a deeper look at how realistic, daily‑like UV exposure affects the microbiome of acne‑prone skin — and how sunscreen plays a role.
The conclusion is clear:
The Sunny Skin Microbiome 2.0 reflects a forward‑looking approach to skin health:
With decades of microbiome expertise, dsm‑firmenich continues to advance research and turn scientific insights into meaningful innovation.
My sunscreen to protect the skin and microbiome, professionally.
Our research highlights the importance of daily sunscreens as the essential first step in effective skin protection. Building on this evidence, we designed three SPF 50 formulations that fit naturally into everyday routine.
The Sunny Skin Microbiome 2.0 brings a new level of clarity to microbiome‑aware sun care - offering brands a differentiated story grounded in science and consumer insight.
If you want to explore the science, claims opportunities, formulation concepts, or full clinical insights, contact us to discover the complete story.
Let’s shape the future of sun protection - together.