Toward skin microbiome interventions for anti-aging and wound healing, with Prof. Hariom Yadav PhD

This episode features Prof. Hariom Yadav PhD, from the University of South Florida (USA), speaking about the skin microbiome and potential interventions for anti-aging and wound healing. Prof. Yadav noted that humans have a stable (core) microbiome on the surface of skin cells, plus a transient microbiome that depends on recent exposures. The skin microbiome constantly changes through the lifespan, and in aging, many skin conditions are correlated with the microbiome. Animal studies show a causal component of the microbiome in some of these conditions. However, because of the large skin microbiome differences from person to person and in narrow age groups, technologies or products may have to be designed in a personalized way. Prof. Yadav’s lab conducted experiments with lactobacilli and found strain-dependent effects of probiotics on anti-aging, and for some strains these effects persisted when the inactivated bacteria (postbiotics) were used. The postbiotics have commercial advantages over probiotics in this area of health. Prof. Yadav described an application in wound healing, building on the idea that microbial stimulation promotes natural skin cell growth and more fibroblasts. A standard treatment for wound healing is effective but may lead to scarring; the postbiotic treatment leaves less scarring. The efficacy of the postbiotic occurs because inactivated bacteria still give growth-promoting signals to the skin cells. Applying metabolites directly may not be as effective because bacterial cells or extracts work on host cells, which changes the skin environment and further supports positive skin microbiome changes. Episode abbreviations and links: Jeffrey Gordon’s landmark paper in 2006: An obesity-associated gut microbiome with increased capacity for energy harvest Review on the skin microbiome and aging by Prof. Yadav and colleagues: Microbiome-Aging-Wrinkles Axis of Skin: Molecular Insights and Microbial Interventions Review on postbiotic skin interventions by Prof. Yadav and colleagues: Microbiome and Postbiotics in Skin Health About Prof. Hariom Yadav PhD: Dr. Hariom Yadav is a Professor at the University of South Florida and Director of the USF Center for Microbiome Research, and co-founder of Postbiotics Inc (www.postbioticsinc.com) and MusB Research (www.musbhealth.com). With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in microbiome science, biotics, nutrition, longevity, and natural products for optimal wellness. He has authored 200+ peer-reviewed publications, holds/filed 7 patents, mentored over 80 scientists, and has successfully translated multiple innovations into commercially viable products. Dr. Yadav works closely with industry partners to accelerate product development—from discovery and mechanistic validation to clinical trials and regulatory readiness. He leads global collaborative efforts, including the MELLOW (Multi-continental Evidence of Longevity and Lifestyle for Optimal Wellness) consortium, a unique platform for scalable, multi-region clinical validation. His integrated approach enables companies to build scientifically robust, market-ready products with strong differentiation and credibility. He is committed to moving science from bench to market, delivering measurable health impact and commercial success.