The Future of Skincare

Welcome to Episode 06 of Skin As It Should Be Podcast! In this conversation, host Geoff Paton interviews master chemist Trevor Steyn about the evolving field of microbiome skincare, focusing on live biotherapeutics, postbiotics, and related technologies. 

Trevor highlights regulatory hurdles, misuse of the term “probiotic,” and emerging innovations like encapsulation, phage therapy, and AI-driven personalized treatments. They explore the differences between genetically engineered microbes used as drugs and naturally occurring microbes in over-the-counter products, as well as the challenges of maintaining live microbes in formulations.  

He concludes with optimism about the future of microbiome skincare, while acknowledging ongoing technical and economic challenges. This episode unpacks the actionable guidance for consumers, formulators, and industry professionals navigating this rapidly evolving space.      ⏱ Timestamped Overview 

00:13 - The Two Paths for Live Biotherapeutics  01:16 - Misuse of the Term "Probiotics" in Skincare    02:51 - Drug Path: Companies and Technologies  06:08 - Safety Mechanisms in Genetically Engineered Microbes  07:58 - Over-the-Counter Path: Naturally Occurring Microbes  10:05 - Encapsulation and Delivery Technologies  12:41 - GRAS and Non-GRAS Species Explained    16:46 - Legal Actions and Regulatory Crackdown  18:26 - Techniques for Maintaining Live Microbes  22:25 - Live vs. Dead Microbes: Efficacy  27:13 - Light-Based Microbiome Manipulation  30:02 - Precision Biotherapeutics and AI  34:17 - Barriers to Everyday Adoption        💬 Quote of the Episode 

“We see much higher benefits with live microbes.” – Trevor Steyn        🌐 Connect with ESSE Skincare 

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