By Dr. Stephen Lewellis, MD, PhD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Founder, Above & Beyond Dermatology
At Above & Beyond Dermatology, we take a different approach to chronic, endlessly frustrating skin problems like rosacea. Yes, we know the latest prescription treatments. Yes, we’re fluent in lasers and evidence-based protocols. But we also understand inflammation is rarely just skin-deep and healing often requires slowing down to listen to what the skin is trying to say.
Rosacea is more than a red face and blemishes–it’s flushing that feels like unearned embarrassment, breakouts that mimic acne but don’t respond to acne treatments, and dry, stinging skin that rebels against even the “gentlest” of products. It’s never leaving the house without cover-up and never not thinking about how your skin seems to be working against you. It’s a true lifestyle disruptor that many dermatologists underestimate.
That’s why I’m always looking for integrative therapies that work with the skin, not just on it. One of my hero products for rosacea? NeoGenesis MB-1 Balancing Probiotic Mist.
The Microbiome: An Underappreciated Key to Rosacea
Our understanding of rosacea has evolved dramatically over the past decade—and the skin microbiome is a big part of that evolution.
We now know the skin’s microbiome—its population of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms—is essential for maintaining consistent, long-term skin health. In rosacea, this microbiome often gets thrown off balance within both the gut and the skin. (Pro tip: if you have rosacea, ask your dermatologist about SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.)
Several studies have found that individuals with rosacea often have imbalanced microbial ecosystems on their skin. For example, the density of Demodex folliculorum mites tends to be higher in rosacea patients. These mites carry Bacillus oleronius, a bacterium shown to trigger immune responses that result in inflammation and papulopustular breakouts.
Meanwhile, Staphylococcus epidermidis—normally a friendly resident of the skin—may act like a rogue agent in rosacea, becoming pro-inflammatory within the microenvironment of rosacea-prone skin.
In addition to local microbial imbalances, there is plenty of evidence that immune system dysregulation leading to overexpression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), cathelicidin, kallikrein 5, and several matrix matalloproteinases (e.g., MMP-2 and MMP-9) plays a role in rosacea.
The gut isn’t off the hook either. Conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) have been implicated in rosacea, especially when gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and diarrhea and/or constipation are present.
Bottom line? Disrupted, imbalanced microbial communities—often described using the term dysbiosis—can worsen inflammation, increase skin sensitivity, and trigger flare-ups that become seemingly impossible to calm. If you know, you know.
MB-1 delivers a unique solution: live nitrifying bacteria paired with sodium hyaluronate butyrate in a minimalist formulation that’s all function and no filler– because the last thing rosacea prone skin needs is filler.
When I first learned about MB-1, I was excited to educate my patients about a way they can support their skin’s microbiome in real time. MB-1 can help recalibrate and soothe even the most reactive, compromised, and sensitive skin.
MB-1 isn’t just a hydration mist (although NeoGenesis does have a great one of those!). It’s a microbial rebalancer that helps you speak your skin’s language when it needs you most through live, beneficial bacteria and postbiotics.
Why MB-1 Makes Sense
NeoGenesis’ MB-1 actively seeks to rebalance the skin’s ecosystem, not just suppress inflammation or add moisture. Here’s a rundown of the two key ingredients:
1. Live Nitrifying Bacteria
MB-1 contains live nitrifying bacteria, which play a key role in restoring microbial harmony. These bacteria aren’t just passive residents—they actively detoxify ammonia and other irritating metabolic waste products present on the skin’s surface.
Think of nitrifying bacteria as the trustworthy, hard-working, unsung maintenance crew of the skin’s ecosystem. They mop up debris, optimize pH, and create a microenvironment less hospitable to harmful strains of Staph or opportunistic Demodex-related bacteria.
What’s especially exciting? These are active cultures. They’re living microorganisms that interact dynamically with the skin.
2. Sodium Hyaluronate Butyrate
This is a next-gen hydration molecule that marries the moisture-capturing power of hyaluronic acid with the anti-inflammatory, microbiota-modulating properties of butyrate. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid with known benefits for both the gut and skin barrier, including:
- Encouraging growth of commensal bacteria
- Enhancing tight junction integrity (reducing skin permeability)
- Calming pro-inflammatory signaling pathways
Combined, these two ingredients make MB-1 not just calming, but also restorative. This is key for me because some of my patients have skin that is so compromised it’s not yet ready to accept and respond to treatment options that would otherwise be effective.
Less is often more at the beginning of a treatment journey, and MB-1 can be your best friend at that stage.
My NeoGenesis Rosacea Protocol: Where MB-1 Fits In
For patients with Type 1 (dry/red) rosacea, I often start with a barrier-first approach:
- Cleanser to gently remove debris without stripping.
- Booster serum to hydrate and calm inflammation with S²RM® technology.
- Barrier Renewal Cream to seal in essential lipids, cholesterol, and ceramides.
- MB-1 Balancing Probiotic Mist, always last, twice daily, to help reeducate the skin’s surface environment.
For Type 2 (wet/breakout-prone) rosacea, I often recommend Recovery serum instead of Booster and incorporate gentle exfoliation (e.g., Mandelic Acid 8%) a few times per week—but the end of the routine always looks the same: the MB-1 cherry-on-top to balance and restore.
My instructions for applying MB-1 are simple: Shake well. Mist 2–3 sprays onto clean hands and gently pat into the skin. Use it morning and night, and again after sweating or when skin feels reactive.
Especially in Wisconsin’s dry, frigid winters, MB-1 has become a stabilizing force for helping my patients restore and maintain skin harmony. Commonly reported benefits include:
- Fewer and less severe sudden flare-ups
- Decreased stinging and burning sensations
- Improved tolerance of other skincare products, including prescription medications intended for treating rosacea
- A calmer, more even-toned complexion
Why It Aligns with Our Philosophy
At Above & Beyond Dermatology, we believe in integrative dermatology: combining the best of conventional medicine with holistic, science-informed strategies. Products like MB-1 help us walk the walk, and our patients appreciate that we think beyond the usual fare of try some metronidazole and avoid the triggers that many patients have been served previously
MB-1 likely won’t be the only thing someone who is really struggling with rosacea needs. However, sometimes the best results come from restoring what’s been missing and allowing the skin to calm down and return to a more receptive, centered state.
If you’re struggling with rosacea—or if you’re a practitioner looking to go above & beyond for your own patients—I encourage you to consider integrating MB-1 into your routine.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
