#033 In this episode, Monique Meneses, founder of IOTA, joins the show to discuss the importance of the skin microbiome and how it’s related to our overall health. Monique shares her personal skincare journey and the inspiration behind creating her body care line. She explains the difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in skincare and highlights the role of the gut-skin axis. Monique also discusses the concept of "nutritional skincare" and the use of unique ingredients from her AAPI heritage in her products. Don’t miss the end where Monique shares her underrated skincare tip and the importance of never stopping learning.PRODUCTS MENTIONED:IOTA | Supermatcha Body Lotion+ : https://go.shopmy.us/p-4840490IOTA | Supervitamin Body Wash+ Brightening : https://go.shopmy.us/p-4840501THE SKINNY CONFIDENTIAL | Mouth Tape : https://go.shopmy.us/p-4840415BEAUTY OF JOSEON | Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 PA++++ : https://go.shopmy.us/p-4840425FIND IOTA:https://www.instagram.com/iotabodyTime Summary03:00 Incorporating holistic practices in skincare routine05:00 Importance of supporting skin and gut microbiome11:00 Formulating skincare for the microbiome16:00 Explanation of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in skincare18:00 Core philosophy and nutritional skincare approach of Iota21:00 Incorporation of Asian heritage ingredients in Iota's products25:00 Iota's philosophy of achieving big things through patience, persistence, and dedication to small things26:00 Monique's personal health scares and the inspiration behind starting Iota31:00 Recommendations and favorite products36:00 Monique's underrated skin tip: bone broth for collagen and skin healing propertiesTo watch the video version of this episode head to the Youtube page!Need a full skincare overhaul? Check out our Comprehensive Skincare Routine Digital GuideConnect with me:Amy's Instagramwww.skinthusiast.com