Clean

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Daily hygiene practices can yield unexpected consequences, as this engaging introduction to skin microbes and probiotics illustrates. The booming industry of skin health is rife with conflicting opinions on effective care. While acne and eczema remain unresolved issues, allergies and autoimmune conditions are on the rise. The author, a doctor and journalist, investigates the cultural and scientific landscape of skin care by engaging with dermatologists, microbiologists, and even unconventional sources like Amish communities and self-proclaimed experts. He experiments with forgoing showers and discovers he is not alone in questioning conventional cleanliness standards. Many widely held beliefs about hygiene may be less about health than we assume. In fact, the overuse of soaps, sanitizers, and misleading products could be contributing to various skin issues. A lesser-known field of science focuses on the skin microbiome—trillions of microbes that inhabit our skin and pores—which play a crucial role in conditions like acne and dryness. The future of skin care may involve nurturing this biome and redefining 'clean' in a more natural context, potentially leading to simpler routines that conserve time, money, and resources. This well-researched exploration offers a fresh perspective on skin health and the evolving dialogue surrounding it.