The skin microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem teeming with microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that play a crucial role in maintaining skin health. A balanced microbiome acts as your skin's first line of defense, warding off harmful pathogens and supporting the skin's natural barrier function. However, harsh cleansers, pollution, and even stress can disrupt this balance, leading to issues like acne, inflammation, and premature aging.

In recent years, skincare has evolved to focus not just on cleansing and moisturizing but also on restoring and maintaining the delicate balance of the skin microbiome. Key to this evolution are prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and bacteriophages. 

Here's how they work and how Parallel is pioneering Microbiome Dermatology™ and microbiome-based skincare solutions.

1. Prebiotics: Feeding Good Bacteria

Prebiotics are non-living ingredients that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria on your skin. By nourishing these microorganisms, prebiotics help foster an environment where good bacteria can thrive, which in turn reduces the likelihood of harmful bacteria taking over. For example, the Blue Biotic™ Multi-Effect Cream features prebiotics like Radish Root Ferment, which helps support a healthy skin microbiome.

By incorporating prebiotics into your skincare routine, you help the good bacteria maintain dominance, which enhances your skin’s natural defenses and supports a balanced complexion.  

2. Probiotics: Adding Good Bacteria

Probiotics are live bacteria that can be applied topically to enhance the diversity of your skin’s microbiome. These beneficial microorganisms restore the skin's ecosystem by outcompeting harmful bacteria and reducing inflammation.

Topical probiotics can help restore balance after your skin has been exposed to stressors like harsh products or environmental pollutants.

3. Postbiotics: Beneficial Byproducts

Postbiotics are the metabolic byproducts of probiotics. These compounds are produced when probiotics break down prebiotics, and they offer a range of benefits, such as promoting skin hydration, reducing inflammation, and supporting the skin’s barrier.

Examples of postbiotics include: Peptides–Short chains of amino acids that support collagen production and skin renewal. Again, Parallel’s Blue Biotic™ Multi-Effect Cream features a powerful array of postbiotic peptides that support collage production and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Postbiotics are highly effective because they help regulate the skin's immune response and fortify the microbiome, keeping your skin looking healthy and resilient.

4. Bacteriophages: Target Harmful Bacteria with Precision

While prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics focus on nourishing and supporting beneficial bacteria, bacteriophages, or phages, take a different approach. Phages are naturally occurring microbes that target and kill specific harmful bacteria without disturbing the beneficial ones. 

For instance, Parallel’s Custom Active Phage Serums contain various phage complexes that target a spectrum of different pathogenic bacteria, including acne-causing bacteria like C. acnes, without affecting other microorganisms on the skin. This selective approach makes bacteriophages ideal for maintaining a balanced and healthy skin microbiome, especially for those struggling with skin conditions that have bacterial root-causes. 

How Parallel is Pioneering Microbiome Dermatology™

At Parallel, we believe that true skin health starts with the microbiome. As a fully licensed tele-dermatology practice, Parallel integrates microbiome-based skincare alongside compounded prescriptions to treat issues like acne, eczema, rosacea, melasma / hyperpigmentation, and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Here’s how we’re integrating microbiome science into our products:

MD-03 Protocol™: By analyzing the diversity of your microbiome and identifying imbalances, we offer personalized solutions to target specific skin concerns.

Blue Biotic™ Multi-Effect Peptide Cream: Packed with prebiotics, postbiotics, and peptides, this cream nourishes your skin’s microbiome while addressing wrinkles and fine lines. 

Custom Active Phage Serums™: A specific phage serum, assigned to you after taking your Skin Discovery Test, selectively targets harmful bacteria that cause your skin issues, while leaving the beneficial bacteria intact. It’s a natural, targeted way to combat breakouts without disrupting your skin’s ecosystem.

The future of skincare is about working with your skin, not against it. 

At Parallel, we’re committed to pioneering microbiome-friendly products that promote balance, well-aging, and skin health. By utilizing prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and bacteriophages, you can help your skin maintain its natural defenses and stay healthy, radiant, and resilient.