A Fascinating Discovery
We’ve always known stress shows up on our skin, but now science is showing that the link works both ways. New research from Unilever, in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, has revealed that the skin microbiome may play a role in mental wellbeing.
Published in the British Journal of Dermatology, the study found that higher levels of a common skin bacterium called Cutibacterium were linked to lower stress and improved mood. Specifically, increased levels on the face and underarms were associated with reduced stress and a more positive state of mind.
The Skin–Brain Axis
This research is among the first to demonstrate the “skin–brain axis”, the idea that the bacteria living on our skin could influence not only how our skin looks, but also how we feel. It mirrors what we’ve already learned about the gut microbiome’s role in mood and emotional health, but now shines a light on the skin’s own ecosystem.
Why This Matters for Menopausal Women
During menopause, the skin’s microbiome undergoes significant change, often leading to dryness, sensitivity, redness, or breakouts. If the microbes on our skin also affect mood, as this study suggests, then caring for the skin microbiome may have an even greater impact than we realised, supporting not just comfort and resilience, but possibly emotional wellbeing too.
Nu Allumé’s Approach
At Nu Allumé, every product in our range is microbiome-focused and formulated with prebiotics or postbiotics to nurture this delicate ecosystem. While our mission has always been to support menopausal skin, research like this deepens the meaning of what we do.
By creating formulations that respect and support the microbiome, we’re not only addressing visible concerns like dryness, fine lines, or sensitivity, we may also be contributing to the bigger picture of how women feel in their skin.
And as science continues to uncover the skin–brain axis, it signals that microbiome-targeted skincare could support not just skin health, but mental wellbeing too. It’s certainly got us thinking about where the future of skincare might be headed.
The Bigger Picture
The discovery of the skin–brain axis opens up exciting possibilities. It suggests that skincare may one day play a role in supporting both skin health and emotional wellbeing. For women navigating the changes of menopause, when both skin and emotions can feel more unpredictable, this holistic perspective feels especially powerful.
At Nu Allumé, we see this as an important signal: beauty, wellbeing, and confidence are all connected. While our focus is on supporting menopausal skin through microbiome-targeted formulations, the science is a reminder that caring for your skin may also touch something deeper.
Closing Thought
Science is only just beginning to reveal the connection between the skin microbiome and mental wellbeing. At Nu Allumé, we’re proud to be part of this new era, where skincare supports your biology through menopause and may even influence how you feel in your own skin.
