Boost Your Skin's Barrier

It’s the protective layer of good bacteria that keeps you healthy and radiant. Here’s how to make it stronger.

- Mirel Zaman

Your skin acts like a bouncer for your body, keeping out viruses and other organisms that can make you sick. Experts used to think the skin cells were that first line of defense, but we now know it begins with the skin’s microbiome.

Like your gut, your skin has good bacteria that fight infection. Ideally these bugs are abundant enough to overpower the harmful microorganisms you encounter, says Jessica Richman, The CEO and co-founder of uBiome, a biotech company based in America that recently partnered with L’Oréal to study the skin microbiome. but things like the soap you use or the clothes you wear can throw off the skin’s microbiota, possibly leading to acne, skin inflammation, and other issues. We asked top experts for the best science-backed ways to feed your skin’s healthy bugs and boost your immunity and glow.

Cleanse a little less