The Truth About Exfoliation and A Healthy Skin Barrier with Osmosis

Skin Anarchy

In this thought-provoking episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ben Johnson, founder of Osmosis Skincare, returns to challenge everything you think you know about skincare. From overprescribed medications to the obsession with exfoliation, Dr. Johnson breaks down why the industry’s go-to methods might be doing more harm than good.

He takes us behind the scenes of traditional dermatology, calling out harsh treatments like antibiotics, Accutane, and peels that treat symptoms but ignore root causes. Instead, he promotes a whole-body approach—one that starts with gut health, hormonal balance, and inflammation control.

One standout topic? The exfoliation myth. Dr. Johnson explains why that post-peel “glow” might actually be trauma, not health. Rather than stripping the skin, he advocates for strengthening it—protecting the barrier, supporting circulation, and embracing intelligent ingredients that nourish rather than inflame.

The conversation also rethinks cleansing, highlighting Osmosis’s Purify Cleanser as a model for how skincare can be both gentle and effective. Plus, Dr. Johnson shares new insights into the gut-skin axis, the post-COVID microbiome shift, and how popular supplements might be contributing to skin issues like SIBO and H. pylori flares.

If you’re tired of the same old skincare advice, this episode offers a refreshing, science-driven alternative. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about helping your skin function as it was meant to. Tune in for a deep, transformative look at what it really means to have healthy skin.

CHAPTERS:

(0:02) – Introduction: Welcoming Dr. Ben Johnson

(1:11) – Realizing the Flaws in Traditional Dermatology

(3:50) – The Obsession with Exfoliation in Skincare

(5:16) – The Truth About Exfoliation and Its Harmful Effects

(7:23) – How Exfoliation Affects the Skin's Natural Barrier

(9:02) – The Concept of "Glow" and Alternative Approaches

(11:01) – The Importance of Proper Cleansing in Skincare

(12:50) – The Right Balance for Cleansing: Lipids and Surfactants

(15:18) – The Microbiome: Keeping It Intact for Healthy Skin

(19:24) – The Connection Between Skin Health and Gut Health

(22:57) – Exploring the Role of Epigenetics in Gut and Skin Health

(25:25) – H. Pylori, SIBO, and Their Impact on Skin Health

(27:48) – Epigenetic Shifts and Their Role in Health Issues

To learn more about Osmosis, visit their website and social media.

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