Introduction
Since 2013, the percentage of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) linked to skin and subcutaneous diseases has risen from 1.59% to 1.68% in 2019, with women experiencing a greater share over time. Conditions like dermatitis and acne are responsible for the most DALYs, with women carrying a heavier burden in both acne (2.7 million vs. 2.2 million DALYs; confidence intervals overlap) and dermatitis. In the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in interest, programs, and funding related to skin conditions. This matches the number of achievements in the global dermatology community (Kingman, 2005). Skin problems are now the fourth leading cause of nonfatal disease worldwide, measured by DALYs.
In times like today, the integration of cutting-edge technologies with traditional dermatology is transforming the way we understand and approach skin health. Parallel Health, co-founded by Natalise Kalea Robinson and Dr. Nathan Brown, is at the forefront of this revolution. Parallel Health is pioneering a new era of precision dermatology by leveraging microbiome science, genomics, machine learning, and AI. This article explores the challenges and opportunities in this innovative space, including hiring in a field that requires advanced scientific and data science talent.
Understanding Precision Dermatology
How do you bring the solution to a problem that you don’t identify? The simple answer is that you don’t because you can’t. Natalise shares that even with the increase of organizations claiming personalized skincare, it is impossible to provide custom treatment if you don’t diagnose the problem. And, there’s the catch. Unlike all other medical fields, dermatology has yet to develop robust tests to diagnose skin health.
Parallel Health’s core mission is to deliver precision health solutions, specifically through the lens of Microbiome Dermatology™. The microbiome refers to the vast community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that inhabit various parts of our body, including the skin. Our ecosystems of microbes play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. Microbes can help in digestion, boost our immune system, produce essential vitamins, protect against harmful bacteria, and even influence our mental health. Microbiome Dermatology™ is a new approach in dermatology that explores the intricate relationship between these microorganisms and skin health. It focuses on understanding the role of the skin microbiome in maintaining healthy skin, as well as its involvement in various skin conditions.
Parallel Health has developed proprietary skin microbiome tests that provide insights into various skin conditions with a bacterial component, such as acne, eczema, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, and others. This test not only offers targeted solutions, such as custom phage serums and specialty compounded prescriptions but also compiles invaluable data to build a predictive health engine. This engine can predict skin and general health issues, offering a revolutionary approach to skincare.
The Role of Phage Technology
One of the multiple tests that Parallel Health has been developing to serve skincare supports the use of phage technology. Phages are microbes that precisely target and kill specific strains of bacteria, offering a targeted alternative to traditional antibiotics. Skin microbiome testing can be used to determine if a phage can be used as an active treatment for a bacterial infection.
Phage therapy is a precision technology particularly significant in dermatology, where long-term antibiotic use can lead to resistance and other health issues. Antibiotics inhibit the growth of or destroy all kinds of microorganisms. That includes the good ones, too. Natalise points to a very important fact. In the US, dermatologists are the #1 prescribers of antibiotics across healthcare. She has spoken to people who have been on antibiotics for weeks, months, and even years. And the effects have sometimes been life-altering– and not in a good way. Long-term antibiotics can lead to devastating side effects like digestive issues and hearing loss but also can lead to antibiotic resistance.
By employing phages, Parallel Health helps reduce the usage of antibiotics, while providing more effective, more precise personalized treatments that target pathogenic bacteria without harming you.
What does this mean for customers?
When you approach Parallel Health with a skin condition, they will not treat you on the basis of what meets the eye (by and large, this is what traditional dermatologists do – diagnose by visual inspection). Instead, Parallel uses testing paired with phage technology. Their proprietary test identifies the specific bacteria affecting your skin and they then provide you with the appropriate phage to eliminate that bacteria. They also can provide custom compounded prescriptions that are right for your unique skin microbiome type
Technology Adoption in Skincare
The integration of advanced technologies in skincare is not just a trend, but a necessity. With its immense, self-collected data at its disposal, Parallel implements machine learning and AI to provide next-level personalized skin health formulations, prescriptions, and recommendations.
Consumers are increasingly seeking science-based, personalized skin health. Parallel Health is setting a new standard with its comprehensive approach, combining microbiome science and AI to deliver unparalleled insights into skin health.
How does this help consumers?
As a consumer, Parallel Health’s microbiome test reveals that the skin on various parts of your body has distinct microbiomes, which require different types of treatment. This debunks the notion that a single product can be effective for everyone, even among individuals with similar skin types, a belief often promoted on social media.
Challenges in the Market
One of the primary challenges faced by Parallel Health in marketing is two-fold:
- Education: The solution is a brand new test/treatment, so there is a need to educate the market on how it works and its benefits.
- Saturation: Even beyond the educational aspect, the company must still market effectively like any other business in this crowded space. They need to cut through the noise and reach the right audience who resonates with the novel approach.
The company is fortunate to have an initial community that understands the value, but to truly succeed, Parallel will likely need to prepare for a larger-scale educational marketing campaign to reach a wider audience and adoption.
Parallel Health aims to redefine personalization by offering solutions grounded in microbiome testing. Educating consumers about the benefits of such an approach is crucial for widespread adoption.
Case Study in Skin Issues
The case study presented by Natalise focuses on the challenges and solutions related to common skin conditions, particularly acne, eczema, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, melasma, etc., and highlights the innovative approach of using phage therapy as an alternative treatment.
Acne Treatment Challenges
Robinson discusses the prevalent use of benzoyl peroxide as an over-the-counter treatment for acne. While effective in killing bacteria that contribute to acne, benzoyl peroxide also has significant downsides, such as causing skin irritation, dryness, and potential long-term damage to skin health. Many individuals escalate their treatment to antibiotics or even Accutane, which, while effective, can lead to severe side effects including mental health issues and joint pain.
Eczema and Immune System Considerations
In addition to acne, Robinson addresses eczema, a condition often treated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. These treatments can thin the skin and suppress the immune system, leading to further health complications. Phage therapy effectively targets the pathogenic bacteria associated with eczema, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms without the harsh side effects of traditional medications.
Phage Therapy as a Solution
Robinson advocates for the use of phage therapy, which involves using bacteriophages—nano-microbes that specifically target and kill harmful bacteria. This approach not only addresses the bacterial component of skin conditions but also helps reduce inflammation, which is a significant factor in skin aging. By calming inflammation, phage therapy contributes to healthier skin and potentially slows down the aging process.
Building a Knowledge-Driven Workforce
Parallel Health’s commitment to innovation extends to its workforce. Attracting and retaining talent in such a specialized field requires a focus on flexibility and a mission-driven culture. They recruit for roles ranging from specific positions like microbiologists and phage scientists to broader fields such as data science and marketing.
The company’s remote-first approach, akin to the operations of CloudHire, allows it to access a global talent pool, fostering a collaborative and transparent work environment.
Robinson states that adopting a remote workforce has enabled Parallel to build the company faster and more efficiently with less capital.
Conclusion
Parallel Health is not just a skincare company; it is a beacon of innovation in precision dermatology. By harnessing the power of microbiome science and AI, it is setting new benchmarks in skin health. The journey toward widespread adoption of such technologies in skincare is fraught with challenges, from consumer education to clinical adoption. However, the potential benefits—personalized treatments, reduced reliance on antibiotics, and improved overall skin health—are immense.
As the skincare industry continues to evolve, decision-makers must embrace these technological advancements and integrate them into their strategic planning. Similarly, businesses across sectors, including staffing, can learn from Parallel Health’s approach to innovation and data-driven decision-making. CloudHire, with its focus on remote staffing solutions, exemplifies how technology can be leveraged to meet modern business needs, offering a parallel narrative of innovation and adaptation.
In the end, the future of skincare lies in the intersection of science, technology, and personalized care—a vision that Parallel Health is actively bringing to life.
