We humans, we're not just walking, talking ecosystems; we're walking, talking biome havens, complex and interconnected in ways we're only beginning to understand. We contain multitudes, yes, multitudes of microbes, influencing everything from our digestion to our cognition, our skin to our heart health. 

It's biomes all the way down, people, and this time, we're getting even more science-y (and even more anxious about bangs).

Forget David Attenborough serenely narrating the temperate deciduous forest. We're diving deep (microscopically deep) into the intricate world of our internal and external biomes. Our gut microbiome, that bustling metropolis of trillions of microorganisms, isn't just about digestion anymore. Emerging research suggests a strong link between gut health and brain function, the so-called "gut-brain axis." Changes in the gut microbiome have been implicated in conditions like anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases. So, yeah, that kombucha you're drinking? It might be doing more than just tickling your taste buds.

And then there's the immune system. A significant portion of our immune defenses resides in our gut, where it interacts directly with the microbiome. This constant interaction helps train our immune system to distinguish between friend and foe, preventing autoimmune reactions and promoting overall immune health. A diverse and balanced gut microbiome is crucial for a well-functioning immune system.

Even our heart health is connected to our biomes. Certain gut bacteria can produce compounds that contribute to heart disease, while others can produce beneficial compounds that protect against it. The composition of our gut microbiome can influence cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation, all of which play a role in cardiovascular health.

And, of course, there's the skin and hair biome. As mentioned before, our skin microbiome is a complex ecosystem crucial for skin health. It's not just about warding off pathogens; it also plays a role in skin barrier function, hydration, and even wound healing. Research continues to explore the link between skin microbiome imbalances and conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne. Our hair biome, too, is influenced by the skin microbiome and other factors, affecting hair growth, texture, and overall health.

We've built megacities, yes, and we inhabit digital landscapes, but these internal and external biomes are the ones we live with most intimately. They influence not just our physical health, but also our mental and emotional well-being.

So, are these biomes just a fleeting fad, like jade rollers or that time everyone was obsessed with charcoal toothpaste? (Okay, some of these things might have lasting power.) Will we soon be trading our "I Woke Up Like This" mantra for "My Microbiome is Thriving.”

Or, are these biomes something more profound? Are they the key to understanding the intricate web of human health and well-being, inside and out? Are they, dare I say, deep? (I mean, the science is getting pretty deep.)

So, the next time you're contemplating the meaning of life, the universe, and everything (it's still 42, by the way), remember the biomes. Think about the biomes on you and in you. They're not just a pretty picture (or a source of anxiety about breakouts and potential bad haircuts and the existential dread of it all); they're a testament to the incredible complexity and interconnectedness of life. And yes, they're definitely deeper than that face scrub you're considering. (No judgment. We've all been there.)

Dear reader, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go eat some fermented vegetables , drink some kefir and maybe consult a hairstylist (for educational purposes, of course). And definitely not because I'm having an existential crisis, a hair crisis and a general feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of being a human biome. Nope. Not at all. (Is there a biome for "trying to understand the latest research on the gut-brain axis while also trying to figure out if I should get a new hairstyle and if so, what kind, and also, should I get layers, and maybe a blueberry lowlights…and also, what's the deal with prebiotics and probiotics and postbiotics now?!"). 

The skin microbiome - PMC

Beyond the brain: The gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease | National Institute on Aging

Tang WH, Kitai T, Hazen SL. Gut Microbiota in Cardiovascular Health and Disease. Circ Res. 2017 Mar 31;120(7):1183-1196. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.309715. PMID: 28360349; PMCID: PMC5390330.

Xiong, R. G., Li, J., Cheng, J., Zhou, D. D., Wu, S. X., Huang, S. Y., Saimaiti, A., Yang, Z. J., Gan, R. Y., & Li, H. B. (2023). The Role of Gut Microbiota in Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Disorders as Well as the Protective Effects of Dietary Components. Nutrients, 15(14), 3258. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143258

Hedy Schneller is the founder of Illumia Skincare Products, based in Honesdale, PA. Schneller, a former health care provider and mother of two, started making skincare products after growing frustrated with the lack of transparency in the cosmetics industry. Illumia uses local, fresh and healthy ingredients. Visit illumiaproducts.com for more.