What in the world is a microbiome?

The microbiome is a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, which are found in and on the body, especially in critical systems like the gastrointestinal tract, skin epidermis, and mouth. The skin microbiota alone harbors over 1,000 bacterial species and up to 80 types of fungi, with millions to billions of microbes on just a single square centimeter of skin.

These microbial communities, known collectively as your microbiota composition, aren’t harmful by default. In fact, many are essential to human health, influencing digestion, mental wellness, immune function, and even how your skin looks and feels.

Why the microbiome matters

While some microbes are linked to inflammatory diseases, the vast majority form symbiotic relationships with your body, helping to maintain balance across major biological systems. These effects can now be measured through a growing network of biomarkers that reflect everything from gut permeability and neurotransmitter production to skin hydration and inflammation.

Gut health & digestion

A diverse gut microbiota produces thousands of microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate and acetate. These support gut motility, ease digestive symptoms, and maintain the intestinal lining, which is a critical defense against increased intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as “leaky gut”. In fact, leaky gut is now understood to accelerate inflammatory conditions and even premature skin aging.

Immune function

Around 70% of the body’s immune cells reside in the gut, where they interact with gut microbes to create antibodies and modulate inflammatory mediators. These interactions are key to preventing autoimmune responses and maintaining immune resilience.

Mental health & mood

Via the gut-brain axis, microbial signals influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, both crucial for mental health. Disruption of this axis due to gut microbiota dysbiosis is increasingly associated with depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline.

Skin health & resilience

The gut and skin are directly connected via the gut-skin axis. A well-balanced microbiome can:

• Strengthen the skin barrier

• Reduce acne and sebum overproduction by regulating sebaceous glands

• Soothe redness and irritation by calming immune responses

• Improve skin hydration and texture via a diverse skin microbiome

The skin microbiome: Your natural shield

Our skin acts as one of the body’s largest epithelial surfaces, constantly interacting with the external environment. A healthy skin microbiome keeps that interaction in balance.

Here’s what you’ll find on a single square centimeter of skin:

• Bacteria: Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium

• Fungi: Malassezia species

• Viruses & Mites: Including bacteriophages and Demodex
  

When this delicate ecosystem is disrupted (a state called skin dysbiosis), you may notice flare-ups, irritation, or chronic skin conditions like acne or eczema.

Sensitive Skin: A global concern 

Globally, 60–70% of women and 50–60% of men report symptoms of sensitive skin. Signs like tingling, stinging, and burning can often be linked to microbial imbalance or immune overactivation in the skin epidermis.

The microbial signature of sensitive skin

• Lactobacilli → May increase immune sensitivity

• Staphylococcus epidermidis → Leads to poor hydration and irritation

• Cutibacterium acnes → Linked to acne

• Staphylococcus aureus → Breaks down the skin barrier, increasing inflammation
  

How to restore the microbiome balance 

A resilient microbiome is built from consistent care, internally and externally.

Use microbiome-friendly skincare

• Avoid harsh surfactants and synthetic ingredients

• Use gentle, pH-balanced formulas to protect the skin barrier

Incorporate probiotics, prebiotics & postbiotics

Balancing your digestive system and skin requires a strategic combination of biotics, each playing a unique role in supporting the microbiome ecosystem. Probiotics reseed beneficial gut microbes, prebiotics fuel them, and postbiotics deliver functional byproducts that regulate everything from inflammation to oxidative stress.

• Prebiotics (FEED)
  Plant-based fibers that nourish gut microbes and support microbiota composition
  e.g., Livaux® golden kiwi extract
  

• Probiotics (SEED)
  Live, beneficial gut microbes that improve gut and brain health
  e.g., Cerebiome®, Saccharomyces boulardii
  

• Postbiotics (SHIELD)
  Fermented microbial byproducts that enhance the skin condition, reduce oxidative stress, and calm inflammation
  e.g., Lactobacillus lactis / Pomegranate Ferment Extract
  

How Nourished3 supplements support your microbiome

Supporting the microbiome requires more than probiotics alone—it’s about feeding beneficial gut microbes, protecting microbial diversity, and restoring balance across the skin-gut-brain axis. 

At Nourished3, our Triple Biotic™ supplements are designed to do just that. These formulas combine clinically tested probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics to:

• Improve intestinal barrier function and reduce gut inflammation

• Regulate immune cells and reduce oxidative stress

• Boost short-chain fatty acids to nourish the colon and skin

• Calm the autonomic nervous system to support cognitive function and mood

Together, they nourish the microbiome and regulate key pathways—fueling clarity in the skin, focus in the mind, and balance throughout the body.

Disclaimer: 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.