No matter the specific complexion concern you’re dealing with, skin woes can make you go down a deep internet rabbit hole looking for the solution. But if nothing you’ve tried seems to work, there could be one glow-boosting factor you haven’t considered: your skin microbiome.

First, let’s define the term: “Your skin microbiome is the balance of bacteria and yeast on your skin surface that keeps your skin healthy,” says Dr. Angela Lamb, associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

So your microbiome keeps your skin healthy, but how does it boost your natural glow? It all has to do with the relationship between your skin barrier and your microbiome. According to Dr. Lamb, the right balance of microflora—that’s the bacteria and yeast balance—is what helps keep your skin pH balanced and allow it to defend itself (free radicals are no joke, y’all), which is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

“Finding that correct balance really makes sure that you have a healthy glow, as well as keeping redness and dryness under control,” Dr. Lamb says.

If your skin-care routine doesn’t include ingredients that help to maintain a healthy skin microbiome and barrier, your complexion might rebel against you, which is why you should be on the lookout for ingredients like prebiotics (you know, just like you’d use to support your gut microbiome), vitamin B, and fatty acids—all of which you can find in StriVectin’s new Super-B Barrier Strengthening Oil.

This nourishing oil is clinically proven to strengthen your skin barrier and balance your microbiome with a prebiotic blend, NIA114™—a patented form of niacin/vitamin B3—meadowfoam seed oil, and more for a calm, even, and glowing complexion.

To put the oil to the test and get more expert-backed intel for protecting your skin barrier and microbiome, Dr. Lamb added StriVectin to her own skin-care routine—and then we asked her to spill all the details on *exactly* how to support your skin microbiome.

Keep reading for our Q&A with Dr. Lamb on how to support your skin microbiome for a next-level glow.

Well+Good: Can you describe some of signs of a healthy skin microbiome?

Dr. Lamb: Skin that has a healthy microbiome traps moisture, has a healthy glow, and is free of breakouts and rashes. When your skin looks dull or blotchy and has dry patches, we get more concerned about microbiome issues.

W+G: What can people start doing right now to help support their microbiome?

Dr. Lamb: When you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and using products that promote the microbiome—those are the most important aspects.

W+G: What key ingredients should you prioritize in your skin-care routine?

Dr. Lamb: For products that help support a healthy microbiome, probiotics, fatty acids, niacin derivatives, oat derivatives, ceramides, and squalene [can all help].

W+G: Speaking of nourishing ingredients, can you describe your experience with StriVectin’s Super B Barrier Strengthening Oil?

Dr. Lamb: I love this product. It’s a wonderful, light oil with a fresh, light smell that goes on beautifully. I also love that it can be worn under my makeup if I’m going to work or have meetings, or alone if I just want to let my skin breathe. After applying the product, my skin had a wonderful bright glow and appeared softer the next day.

W+G: Did anything stand out to you about the composition of NIA-114, StriVectin’s patented form of niacin/vitamin B3 that’s formulated to strengthen the skin barrier? What about the prebiotics in the formula?

Dr. Lamb: This was actually the first time I have seen a niacin in an oil-soluble form that provides the benefits of your ordinary niacin (which already helps protect your skin) alongside the added moisture. When we give our skin the foundation to do what it needs to do, it will reward us, and a prebiotic gives your skin what it needs to look its best (aka a strong skin barrier to protect against pollutants).

W+G: What are some of the benefits of face oils in general? Why would you recommend someone add an oil into their skin-care regimen?

Dr. Lamb: Facial oils are an amazing way to provide moisture and keep the skin barrier healthy. I recommend oils as a way to have the perfect mix between a serum and a moisturizer.

W+G: What are the main benefits of meadowfoam seed oil, another main ingredient in the strengthening oil?

Dr. Lamb: Meadowfoam seed oil contains long-chain fatty acids, which are important for skin health and allowing the skin to repair itself. Plus, the oil is stable, so you’re actually getting what you need in the product, and don’t have to worry about degradation of the quality overtime.

Images: W+G Creative