Parallelogram

Reimagining Body Care For A Healthier You

Did you know that your skin microbiome plays a role in body odor? Learn about the science behind body odor and how you can use probiotics and other natural solutions to tackle this issue.

C-Section: Effects on a Baby’s Microbiome

Here’s an interesting assertion that many scientists now believe to be true: the method of childbirth can affect health outcomes for the infant; that is, if you were born through a C-section.

Let’s fix your dry skin.

Dry skin is a condition caused by environmental factors, it can also be the result of lifestyle choices and, even, underlying medical conditions. However, there are many ways to treat it naturally and effectively.

Parallel Stories: Growing Up with Acne

Middle school can be categorized as a scary, bizarre and confusing time for everyone. For me, it meant watching my face change into someone else’s face that I could no longer recognize.

Your Guide To Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and it's responsible for keeping us looking young and healthy. Learn all about collagen, its benefits, and how to get more of it in your life!

Parallel Stories: The Familiar Feeling of Isolation

My name is Sunhu and I am one of the newest team members at Parallel Health. As a 7-year-old immigrant who knew no English and no understanding of American culture, I faced many challenges...

Your Skin Microbiome Can Fight Acne

Learn about how the skin microbiome can help fight acne and inflammation. From fighting harmful bacteria to keeping the skin hydrated, a healthy skin microbiome is essential for clear skin.

Skin Care Routines Can Help Your Mental Health

A skin care routine can help improve your mental health by reducing stress, improving self-confidence, and providing structure and stability. By taking care of your skin, you're also taking care of yourself.

Global warming? It’s changing our skin microbiome

As if global warming wasn't already causing concern for the earth, the increase in temperature and humidity is leading to an increase in the number of harmful bacteria on our skin...

Your skin microbiome? You got it from your mama

Research studies demonstrate that mothers and their children have a relatively similar skin microbiome as compared to unrelated individuals. Mothers begin to transfer their skin microbiome...

Do you have Acne Mechanica?

It’s been over two years, and we’re still wearing masks in certain environments. If you’ve ever had a breakout or inflammation caused by a mask or tight clothing, you’ve likely experienced acne mechanica...

It’s true. Your pets change your skin microbiome.

If you’ve read other articles here at Parallel, you’re probably familiar with the idea that your skin microbiome refers to the ecosystem of microorganisms that reside on your skin; these microbes...

Do you smell like roses or rotten milk? Check your skin.

We like things that smell good. There’s nothing more amazing than stepping into a eucalyptus-scented spa, walking past a bakery displaying cookies fresh out of the oven...

The Power of Oils For Your Skin

Today, through clean formulations and more scientific data on skincare ingredients, there are a lot of amazing oils on the market that can do wonders – of course, for the right condition and skin (microbiome) type.

A Long-Term Relationship: Microbes and Your Skin

Here’s a thought: you’re in a long-term relationship and it started when you were born. This relationship is not of the human kind, but rather with microorganisms. And it’s a relationship you’ll never be able to escape.

Accutane: Risk vs. Reward

In today’s landscape of acne products, Accutane is held as the end-all-be-all... When skincare products, antibiotics, and lifestyle changes fail, Accutane is considered the last resort.

Botanicals for your skin microbiome? Yes, please.

In the last few years, botanicals in skincare have been all the rage. I totally get it. They smell heavenly, or they can anyway. I, myself, was obsessed with one luxe product in particular, boasting 60+ botanicals...

What kind of acne do you really have?

We’ve all heard the term “acne,” but it turns out that we don’t always experience it in the same way. Many of us have struggled with breakouts in high school and college, usually dubbed “teenage acne.”

Inflammation ages you. Here’s what to do.

Just when you thought you’d conquered every possible skin issue, along comes a new foe: inflammaging. Though the term is a relatively recent, science-based concept in skincare...

Anti-Aging Must: Skin Hydration 101

Our skin is the largest organ of our bodies by surface area, yet we often tend to take it for granted on a day-to-day basis. But what it does for us is pretty magical. It keeps our body from drying out...

Skin pH: Level Down, Not Up

The human body is beautiful. And a foundational part of that beauty is your skin. We are able to interact with the world with our skin; others can see it and touch it; and we can feel it.

Microbes: Citizens of Your Skin

At Parallel, our work revolves around the skin microbiome—a melting pot of microbes, if you will—that are occupying the pores on your face as you’re reading this piece...

The Sine Wave of Poker (and Skincare)

Being able to count the number of times I have played poker on one hand, I am most definitely qualified to start this piece off with an anecdote about Texas Hold’em (I promise this will make sense soon!).

Team Highlight | Thomas: Why Parallel is Special

Hey everyone! I’m Thomas, and I’m the newest member of the Parallel Health team. Just like Aavi, I’ve probably handled your skin swabs if you’ve participated in our IRB-approved study!

How Your Environment Affects Your Skin Microbiome

Your skin is your largest organ by surface area and, as a barrier against the environment, it constantly encounters environmental microbes. There is an ecosystem of bacteria called the skin microbiome...

Team Highlight | Aavi: Why I joined Parallel

Hi! I’m Aavi, and I’m one of the newest members of the Parallel Health team. If you’re a participant in Parallel’s current IRB-approved study, I’m likely one of the people prepping your samples to be sequenced. :)

Phages, your skincare superhero

The microbial world lives in parallel with us everywhere we go, and beyond. You can find microbes throughout the water cycle: from aquifers to oceans and lakes to clouds to drinking water.

Your skin microbiome

You and your special combination of traits is like a snapshot of a swirling human kaleidoscope; we’re each a variation on a theme. Over time, we learn more about ourselves and our own intricate, colorful snapshot.

Announcing: Partnership with Illumina

Launching a company is hard. Certainly a few factors like cutting-edge technology, a special insight, funding, and a brilliant team can help. But, at the end of the day, I’ve experienced that it’s not easy...