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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

Protein may be best known for building muscle, but in skincare, it plays an equally vital role. From the nutrients we eat to the peptides in formulations, protein helps power the strength, and resilience of our skin, showing that real skin health starts from both inside and out.   What we know: Despite its reputation as a nutritional staple, protein plays a foundational role in skin biology and microbiome health. Research shows that: Collagen, elastin, and keratin form the sk

Introduction In the personal care industry, developing products that target or affect the skin, scalp, vaginal, and oral microbiome requires robust scientific validation that meets both biological and regulatory standards. While in vitro  (laboratory) testing provides valuable preliminary data, they cannot fully replicate the complex interactions occurring in the human body. Clinical testing in human subjects on the other hand captures the dynamic interactions between microbi

The lips may be a small part of the face, but biologically, they behave in entirely unique ways. As temperatures drop and humidity shifts, your lips feel the change immediately; a reminder of how delicate they are and how much care they truly need. What we know Despite their importance, lips remain one of the least researched skin sites, especially regarding the microbiome. Current scientific knowledge highlights that: Lip skin has significantly higher transepidermal water lo

Introduction Multiomics (i.e., multiple omics; hereafter referred to as omics) is an emerging interdisciplinary approach to studying complex systems that involves integration of biological data from multiple "omics" fields. Typically including a combination (or all) of the following: genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics. This provides a comprehensive understanding of how these systems operate at multiple scales from the molecular to whole-organ

Within the skincare sector, Vitamin C has been hailed as an all-round skincare essential product with capabilities of for brightening, antioxidant protection, and collagen support however, its specific effects on the skin microbiome are only beginning to be understood.  What we know: Emerging research suggests that Vitamin C, whether taken as a supplement or applied topically, can support microbial diversity, modulate immune responses, and aid in wound healing. Topical Vitami

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has gained significant attention in the skincare world, celebrated for its powerful antibacterial properties and...

Silver is widely recognised for its antimicrobial properties, but its precise effects on the skin microbiome remain an emerging area of...

Introduction Hyperpigmentation is a common and usually harmless dermatological condition characterised by patches of skin that are darker...

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent condition impacting seborrheic (oily) areas of the body such as the face, chest, and back. Its onset has...

Salicylic Acid Sebum regulation Salicylic acid reduces sebum production by inhibiting the AMPK–SREBP‑1 lipid synthesis pathway in human...

Introduction Besides the gut, the epidermis possesses one of the largest surface areas for direct contact and colonisation with...

Introduction Acne vulgaris (i.e., acne) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin affecting an estimated 20.5% of the global...

Scientific research has demonstrated that the human skin microbiome has been shaped by both evolutionary history and modern lifestyle...

Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, is characterised by complex interactions between the skin microbiome and host factors,...

Studying the skin microbiome poses unique challenges, primarily due to the complexity of replicating its intricate environment in vitro....

Introduction The crucial role of the skin microbiome in aiding the development and maintenance of host cutaneous health and immunity has...

Beef tallow has recently gained popularity as a natural solution for various skin concerns. Despite anecdotal support, scientific...