Your Skin’s Microbiome Might Be The Key To Clearer, Healthier Skin

If you've ever felt like some skincare products work for everyone except you, there may be a scientific reason, and it lives in your pores. This is what encouraged Parallel Health to focus on personalized skincare by taking advantage of the power of the skin microbiome.

"Most people don't realize that their skin is home to trillions of microscopic organisms," explains Natalise Kalea Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Parallel Health. "This ecosystem, called your microbiome, is as unique as your fingerprint and can hold the key to finally achieving your best skin."

Although bacteria living on your skin might sound unnerving, these tiny organisms play a crucial role in your body. They help with everything from your skin's moisture barrier to your immune defense system. But sometimes, certain bacteria can become overgrown or imbalanced, which can lead to issues like acne, sensitivity, and inflammation. Traditional treatments like antibiotics or even over-the-counter options like benzoyl peroxide tend to kill both the harmful and helpful bacteria, which is why they don't work for everyone and can sometimes end up making things worse.

Parallel Health's approach uses bacteriophage therapy (also known as "phage" therapy for short), which sounds like something out of a science fiction novel but has been helping people for nearly a century. During World War I, physicians used phages, tiny microbes that specifically target harmful bacteria, to treat infected wounds before antibiotics weren't available. Think of phages as nature's precision snipers: they seek out and eliminate problematic bacteria while leaving beneficial organisms completely untouched.

What differentiates Parallel Health's approach is its personalization. Parallel's simple at-home swab test (part of its hero MD-03 Protocol™ offering) analyzes your unique skin microbiome and provides a custom phage serum that targets your skin's particular bacterial imbalances. Parallel says their clinical approach, complete with custom compounded prescriptions, can support aging, hormonal and cystic acne, eczema, discoloration/melasma, rosacea, HS, body odor, dandruff, and hair loss.

Customers can choose between face, body, scalp, and odor testing. "Our research confirms that factors like age, environment, pets, lifestyle, diet, genetics, and even romantic partners can contribute positively or negatively to your skin microbiome(s)," Robinson shared. "With this robust data, we then use appropriate phages to weed the garden that is your skin microbiome, and then use prebiotics, probiotics, and peptides as seeds for flowers, so to speak." For those interested in anti-aging, Parallel has a whole suite of phage cocktails alongside microbiome-friendly products, including an anti-aging cream called The Blue Biotic™, which boasts 34 active ingredients for skin healing and collagen production, including a peptide that reduces wrinkles by 63% in 28 days.

One aspect of Parallel's technology is what it can show you about your overall health. They employ advanced testing to determine your antibiotic resistance score, which tells you how many antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on your skin. "Many people are surprised to learn they're already carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria," explains Dr. Nathan Brown, Parallel's co-founder and microbiology PhD. "Understanding your scores can help you make more informed decisions about your health and treatment options."

Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Seaver Soon of the Skin Clinic underscores that treating bacterially-based skin issues is increasingly difficult. "As a dermatologist, antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains are becoming more prevalent, in part due to antibiotic overuse. Leveraging advanced testing and precision phage therapy in place of broad-spectrum antibiotics, alongside the use of pre- and post-biotic skincare to support skin health, will likely yield better long-term outcomes for patients. I'm excited about what this means for the future of dermatology."

Parallel Health views its phage therapy as a promising longevity technology. Chronic inflammation is believed to accelerate aging throughout the body, and much of it is said to come from persistent bacterial imbalances. "By specifically targeting harmful bacteria that trigger inflammation, we're not just treating surface-level skin issues — we're potentially addressing one of the root causes of accelerated aging," explains Dr. Brown. By developing a targeted approach, harmful bacteria can be eliminated without disrupting the beneficial organisms.

While the company has initially focused on developing custom phage serums for skin and personal care, its potential reaches far beyond. Parallel has caught the medical community's attention due to its possible applications in treating neurological conditions and infectious diseases. This has earned them partnerships with globally recognized medical and academic institutions, and they have been named TechCrunch Disrupt Finalist, a "World Changing Idea" in Fast Company, and "The Future of Dermatology" by the American Association of Dermatology.

If you have ever been frustrated with one-size-fits-all skincare solutions or are concerned about aging at a deeper level, Parallel Health shows how skin health and longevity can be approached. By understanding and working with your skin's unique bacterial ecosystem rather than against it, the company is developing skincare solutions that contribute to the field of personalized medicine.

You can sign up through Parallel Health's website to discover your skin microbiome profile and receive clinical guidance, customized phage serums, peptides, biotics, and personalized prescriptions. Parallel is 100% HSA/FSA eligible.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.