[Academic] Climbers + Skin Microbiome/Odor Research

Hi all, I’m Meg. I’m a climber and an MIT-trained engineer working with a research team in Cambridge,MA studying the skin microbiome.

We research skin ecology, meaning the microorganisms that naturally live on your skin and help regulate things like inflammation, barrier health, and odor.

Right now we’re studying how high activity levels, repeated sweat cycles, frequent showering, and deodorant switching influence microbial balance over time.

Climbers are especially interesting because many of us:

• Train hard and sweat multiple times a day
• Shower frequently
• Rotate between conventional and natural deodorants
• Care about ingredient safety and environmental impact

One thing we are seeing in early research is that modern hygiene habits can sometimes shift microbial balance in ways that make odor more persistent, not less. We are trying to better understand patterns before developing any ingredient level solutions.

If you have ever felt like deodorant suddenly stops working, or that natural options do not hold up during long sessions, we would really value your input.

The survey is anonymous, US only, and strictly for research. No marketing lists.

Take the survey here [US only].

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Full transparency:

I previously founded a skincare company called Atolla and did an AMA 5 years ago:
https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/nlm7j1/hi_im_meg_ceo_of_atolla_a_beauty_tech_company/

That company was acquired in 2021:
https://beautymatter.com/articles/function-of-beauty-acquires-personalized-skincare-brand-atolla

I am no longer operating that brand. This microbiome project is independent research and not attached to a consumer product.

Happy to answer questions!

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