Engineering the Skin Microbiome: Precision Skincare with Oliver Liu

Engineering the Skin Microbiome: Precision Skincare with Oliver Liu

In this episode of the SKIN Angels Podcast, I sit down with Oliver Liu, co-founder and CEO of Topaz Biosciences and the Hypothesis brand, to explore one of the most exciting frontiers in dermatology: precision engineering of the skin microbiome. Oliver shares how his background in metagenomics, synthetic biology, and microbiome research led to the development of highly targeted enzymes designed to selectively remove problematic bacteria while preserving the beneficial microbes that support healthy skin. We discuss the science behind microbiome-directed skincare, the challenges of building a biotechnology company from the ground up, the realities of product development and formulation, and why precision approaches may ultimately replace many of the broad-spectrum treatments that have dominated dermatology for decades. This was a fascinating conversation about innovation, perseverance, scientific discovery, and the future of precision skin health. More at: https://hypothesis.bio/ [https://hypothesis.bio/]

Making Home Healthier: Fragrance, Wellness, and the Future of Atmo Home

In this episode of the SKIN Angels Podcast, I sit down with Margaret Trainor, founder and CEO of Atmo Home, to explore the intersection of fragrance, wellness, environmental exposure, and the future of healthier living spaces. Margaret shares the personal experiences that inspired her to rethink everyday home products after discovering the soot and residue left behind by conventional candles in her apartment. What began as a search for cleaner, healthier fragrance solutions evolved into Atmo Home, a company focused on creating thoughtfully designed home care products that prioritize both human health and sustainability without sacrificing beauty or experience. We discuss the exposome, indoor environmental health, fragrance innovation, startup resilience, consumer behavior, and the challenges of building a mission-driven company from the ground up. Margaret also shares fascinating insights into product development, customization, emerging fragrance technologies, and the future of niche consumer wellness brands. This was an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, perseverance, creativity, and the opportunity to build products that help people feel healthier and more connected to their homes. More at: https://www.atmohome.com/ [https://www.atmohome.com/]

Beyond “Stop Scratching”: Rethinking Itch Relief with Cosi Care

In this episode of the SKIN Angels Podcast, Lauren Bell and Sandip Leihal share the personal experiences that inspired them to create Cosi Care, an innovative company focused on helping patients and families navigate the itch-scratch cycle through beautifully designed behavioral support devices and soothing skincare solutions. We discuss the emotional toll of chronic itch, the importance of replacement behaviors and habit reversal strategies, the challenges of building an entirely new category within dermatology, and why patient-centered innovation matters so deeply. We also talk about the future of integrative dermatology, the growing focus on what happens between clinic visits, and Cosi Care’s expansion into the US market and skincare. This was a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about empathy, innovation, resilience, and building tools that help patients feel more supported in their everyday lives. More at: https://cosi-care.com/ [https://cosi-care.com/]

Leading Beyond Medicine: Building Community and Purpose in Dermatology with Dr. Jennifer Soung

In this episode of the SKIN Angels Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Soung, founder and chair of LEADderm, to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the evolving future of dermatology beyond clinical medicine. Jennifer shares the personal experiences that inspired her to create LEADderm, a unique conference focused on professional growth, community, leadership development, and purpose within dermatology. We explore the challenges of building something new in medicine, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and why many physicians are searching for deeper meaning and connection in an increasingly corporate healthcare environment. This conversation is ultimately about building not just better careers, but better lives within medicine. More at: https://www.leadderm.org/ [https://www.leadderm.org/]

Giving Dermatologists Superpowers: Expanding Access to Skin Care with Susan Conover

In this episode of the SKIN Angels Podcast, I sit down with Susan Conover, co-founder and CEO of Piction Health, to explore one of the most pressing challenges in dermatology today: access to timely, expert care. Susan shares the personal story that sparked her journey into healthcare innovation. After being diagnosed with stage II melanoma at age 22 and facing a three-month wait to see a dermatologist, she set out to build a system that could help patients get the right care at the right time. That mission ultimately led to the creation of Piction Health, a company focused on using technology to expand dermatology access while supporting clinicians in delivering high-quality care.