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Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

With: Dr. Yug Varma

About the Episode

Achieve healthier and clear skin!

Join Dr. Yug Varma, Cofounder & CEO of Phyla, the world’s most advanced probiotic acne system, as he uses his 10+ years of microbiome research experience to break down the bio-organic chemistry, microbiology, and synthetic biology of the skin.

Learn what you can do to reduce acne and minimize aging with this episode!

What We Discuss

Like the gut, the skin has its own microbiome made of different bacteria. However, they live in two very different environments: The skin is flooded with oxygen and is exposed to a very dry, desiccated environment, whereas the gut is very acidic and is constantly digesting incoming food. Because of this, each microbiome has its own unique type of bacteria. In fact, there are three times as many bacteria on our skin than there are skin cells!

In addition, our skin has three different types of broad environments: oily, dry, and wet. How we treat different diseases and bacterial infections depends greatly on the type of skin we’re treating. The oily microbiome, also known as a sebaceous microbiome, is found on our face, chest, and back and is the only environment that experiences acne.

Different Skin Types

Acne is caused by bacteria that live in the oily microbiome, which includes our face, upper chest, and upper back. Acne is known as a young person’s disease. Researchers are still unsure why acne just slowly disappears as we get older. A study done in 2016 looked at healthy microbiomes and acne-prone microbiomes to look for systematic differences. The only significant difference they could find was healthy people have more C. acnes Bacteriophages on their skin than people with acne.

Bacteriophages (or “phages) are viruses that infect bacteria, and they have two great benefits: they are nature’s best defense against bacteria, and they are incredibly specific. So, a phage that goes after acne bacteria will not kill any other bacteria on your skin that’s naturally recalibrating the microbiome and keeping other acne bacteria in check. It turns out, those annoying friends of ours that don’t take care of their skin and somehow never have acne probably have a healthy amount and variety of phages on their skin.

Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics

You may have come across the terms prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics as possible solutions to an unbalanced microbiome. Taking prebiotics is similar to adding compost to the soil. It gives the healthy bacteria (the “trees”) the nutrients they need to live. You can find probiotics in pills or in fermented forms like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, etc.

Postbiotics are basically the fruit of the tree and the reason the process is so valuable. The bacteria produce molecules that are used by our bodies to be healthier. The problem with postbiotics is that we don’t know all the molecules these bacteria make for us or the exact amounts needed for each person. We know a few and certainly there are more yet to be discovered, but as of now, our body’s own production is the best system for getting them.

Probiotics are the bacteria (the “trees” of the microbiome) themselves. However, they can’t thrive and produce postbiotics if there aren’t enough prebiotics.

Oily Skin

Diet, stress, hormones, and genetics influence the growth of the bacteria that are the prime cause of acne. Many of us may have trigger foods that, when consumed, cause our bodies to respond by producing more oil on the skin. This oil is food for the bacteria that can overgrow and cause inflammation in the form of pimples and zits.

However, when you try to dry out your skin to prevent bacterial overgrowth, you’re also doing your skin a big disservice because oil is naturally produced by our body for a very good reason.

Oil is an important moisture barrier to keep the moisture in and skin cells supple. When you have chronic dryness from severe acne medications, many people end up seeing fine lines and wrinkles appear years later that others their age might not have. That’s when you realize the damage has been done.

A Solution for Healthier Skin

Phyla is a consumer brand that’s part of Dr. Varma’s startup, Phi Therapeutics, which is trying to change the way we treat chronic bacterial diseases. With the help of bacteriophages, this technology kills harmful bacteria without harming the good bacteria, recalibrates your microbiome, and makes it more balanced and diverse. So, not only are you dealing with the direct causes, an overgrowth of bad bacteria, but also balancing your microbiome to ensure you have long-term skin health.

The company’s mission is to democratize the use of phages and put them in a bottle so others can have their benefits, even if they weren’t born with them. However promising, they are still in clinical trials.

Listen now and start improving your skin!

Guest Bio

Yug Varma, PhD, is the Cofounder & CEO of Phyla, the world’s most advanced probiotic acne system. He has 10+ years of microbiome research experience including an extensive background in bio-organic chemistry, microbiology, and synthetic biology. Dr. Varma received his scientific training at several distinguished academic institutions, including Johns Hopkins University (PhD) and University of California, San Francisco. His scientific work has been published in many prestigious journals, including Nature.

Dr. Varma’s mission is to change the way we treat chronic bacterial diseases, and is working
tirelessly to achieve this goal with a microbiome-based technology platform. He is passionate
about promoting scientific literacy, and devotes a significant amount of time demystifying
microbiome research and making the latest research accessible to the general public.

Links

http://phylabiotics.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/phylabiotics
https://twitter.com/phylabiotics
https://www.facebook.com/phylabiotics/
https://www.instagram.com/phylabiotics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ZzSy1ZuEzGFfsmG8fve8Q/
Discount Code: 20% off discount code FFA20

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health
Eliminate Acne & Restore Your Skin Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted