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Proteomics is the large-scale study of proteins, how they are expressed, modified and interact with the body. In skincare, proteomics is emerging as a powerful tool to understand how products influence skin function at a molecular level. Proteins play an important part in many skin processes and by analysing them, offers a more accurate picture of skin health, deeper than surface level observations alone. Unlike genomics, proteomics captures which proteins are present and ac

For years, intimate care has relied on pH balancing as a measure of safety. However, pH alone does not protect vaginal ecosystems. Microbiome profiles differ widely between women based on hormones, ethnicity, contraceptive use, hygiene habits and life stage. Even pH-aligned products can still disrupt balance, reduce protective lactobacilli or slow recovery, leading to discomfort or recurring symptoms.   What We Know; Research highlights that: •      Vaginal microbiomes differ

City living exposes skin to constant, invisible stress such as pollutants, heavy metals and airborne microbes. This exposure changes the behaviour of the skin in terms of 1) how well it tolerates ingredients, 2) how quickly irritation appears, and 3) how long recovery takes after disruption. These changes are not just theoretical, research consistently shows measurable biological differences in pollution-exposed skin.   What We Know: Research demonstrates that continuous poll

The gut and skin are connected through shared metabolic, immune and microbial pathways. When the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced, it can heighten systemic inflammation, worsening visible concerns such as acne, eczema, excess oil, redness and slow healing. Likewise, when the skin barrier is compromised, this can influence gut immune tolerance and increase reactivity to foods or environmental triggers. Rather than operating separately, gut and skin act as interacting ecosyste

Introduction Periodontal disease arises from a disruption of the normal bacterial balance in the oral cavity, leading to chronic inflammation of the gingiva and, in advanced cases, irreversible damage to the supporting tissues of the teeth. Gingivitis, the early and reversible stage, affects a large proportion of adults worldwide and can progress to periodontitis if left unmanaged. Globally, periodontal disease represents a significant public health burden, contributing to di

Introduction  The oral cavity supports complex microbial communities that play a crucial role in both oral and systemic health. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Certain species, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis , act as pathogens that promote disease progression even at low abundance. Oral biofilm development follows a structured sequence, beginning with early colonizers such as Streptococcus , which alter lo

Many people assume there is a single “healthy” or “perfect” microbiome to aim for, but in reality no two microbiomes are alike. Your skin’s microbiome is shaped by genetics, environment, ethnicity, lifestyle, hormones and even climate. Even people with the same skin type or routine can show distinct microbial profiles. What keeps one person’s skin balanced may do little for another, and in some cases can trigger disruption. What We Know: Research shows that: A healthy microbi

Introduction The oral cavity is one of the most structurally diverse environments in the human body, with a unique microbial ecosystem (i.e., microbiome) consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other groups of microorganisms that inhabit and colonise its various physical niches like teeth, gingiva, inner cheeks and saliva (Reynoso-García et al. , 2022). Here, these microbes play a vital role in driving oral health and disease progression, with the majority of bacteria in t

Skin sensitivity is often treated as a surface level reaction, yet it can reflect a loss of microbial diversity and function. When microbial networks lose complexity and diversity, it can disrupt the production of microbial metabolites that are essential for maintaining skin barrier integrity, and modulating immune responses. This can lead to heightened stinging, redness, and reactivity to products previously tolerated.   What we know: Research has shown that: Reduced microbi

With LED face masks and light-based skincare rapidly increasing in popularity, light has become a new frontier in skin health. Previously seen as a threat and something that we needed to block or avoid, light is now being seen as therapeutic tool. Yet beyond the visible changes to tone and texture, light also interacts with the skin microbiome. Understanding how different wavelengths influence this ecosystem is key to ensuring that light enhances, rather than harms, our skin’

During pregnancy, the skin microbiome undergoes significant shifts.  Across the trimesters, both the composition and behaviour of skin bacteria change. Postpartum, the maternal skin microbiome continues to evolve which is influenced by hormonal resets, environmental exposures, and hygiene practices. These shifts can also influence an infant’s earliest microbial encounters, during a critical period of skin development. What We Know: Pregnancy significantly changes the skin mic

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the scalp, face and chest. It appears as red, flaky, greasy patches or plaques and can cause itching and discomfort. It is a non-contagious condition varying in severity, from mild dandruff to persistent inflamed lesions. What we know: SD is linked to three main factors: increased sebum (oil) production, colonization by Malassezia  yeast, and an abnormal immune response. Genetics, skin barr