From synthetic fabrics to car exhaust to wildfires, exposure to environmental pollutants push the skin microbiome to adapt in ways that reduce its ability to protect the skin.

Most infection prevention guidelines center on the hospital environment rather than the patient. But the source of antibiotic-resistant microbes is often from the patient’s own body.

The science of smell is an exciting area of research.

Bacteria and lipids get a bad rap for causing breakouts and oily skin. But both play an essential role in helping your skin barrier stay strong against pathogens and insults from the environment.

Certain viruses like dengue and Zika can make their hosts smell tastier to mosquitoes. Luckily, vitamin A and its derivatives may help combat these odor changes.