Could the health of your skin be one of the best predictors of chronic disease risk and mortality?    In today’s episode of The Longevity Podcast, Kiran Krishnan and I discuss how aging and dysfunction of skin, driven by changes in the skin microbiome, may actually precede and contribute to unhealthiness in the body, rather than simply reflecting it. Maintaining your skin's barrier function by supporting a balanced, diverse skin microbiome could be a crucial factor for health and longevity.   Our conversation delves into the science of the skin microbiome, how modern products and lifestyles impact it, and practical strategies to keep your skin's ecosystem thriving. Don't miss this episode, which may forever change how you think about skincare and healthy aging.   Kiran Krishnan is the chief microbiologist at Just Thrive with 20 years of experience in the dietary supplement and nutrition market. He comes from a strict research background, having spent several years with hands-on R&D in the fields of molecular medicine and microbiology at the University of Iowa.   To Try SIV Serum for yourself go to SIVCARE.com and use code NAT10 to save on your purchase   Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible: Fatty15: Visit http://fatty15.com/NAT and use promo code NAT to save. Vitali: Visit https://www.vitaliskincare.com/discount/Nathalie20 and use code Nathalie20 to save on your order. Berkeley Life: Consumers may register and place an order using my code NIDDBL for 10% off at berkeleylife.com Young Goose: www.Younggoose.com. Use code NAT10 on first order and 5NAT for all future orders   Find more from Kiran Krishnan:  Instagram: @kiranbiome   Find more from Nathalie: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ  Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community  Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i7d5m0  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/  Website: www.NatNiddam.com    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance  What We Discuss:  03:05 GLP-1 Agonists and Gut Microbiome 19:27 The Barrier Function of the Skin and Aging 24:01 The Acid Mantle and pH of the Skin 28:12 The Role of Ceramides in Skin Health 39:07 Reinforcing and Supporting the Skin Microbiome 41:03 Quorum Sensing and Biome Balancing Serum 43:23 Application of Biome Balancing Serum 46:28 Improving Skin Health and Appearance 49:50 Maintaining Skin Health in a Toxic Environment 50:14 Ideal pH for Skincare Products   Key Takeaways The skin plays a crucial role in longevity and health span, acting as a dynamic barrier and protecting against toxins and pathogens. Maintaining the pH of the skin and the ceramide layer is essential for skin health and preventing age-related skin issues. Phytoceramides, obtained from plants, can help support the health of the skin and may be beneficial in skincare products. The majority of skin care products are not good for the skin microbiome, but it is not feasible to eliminate their use completely.