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Skin as it should be
A Microbiome Guidebook by Trevor Steyn
Completed by Esse’s founder before his passing, Trevor’s final book makes microbiome science accessible and challenges the thinking behind conventional skincare. Proceeds from the book support indigenous forest restoration in KwaZulu-Natal.
ABOUT THE BOOK
From the first microscopes to the future of skincare
Across five chapters, Trevor traces the science of the skin microbiome, from Antonie van Leeuwenhoek’s first microscopes in the 1670s to the Human Microbiome Project and modern metagenomic sequencing.
By explaining complex research in clear language, Trevor invites readers to rethink skin as a living ecosystem and to reconsider routines built around stripping, controlling and correcting it. The book carries forward the purpose behind Esse: to remake the skincare system by working with the skin’s natural biology.
INSIDE THE BOOK
Science you can see
Data visualisations, practical tips and full scientific references, designed to be read and returned to.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trevor Steyn
Trevor Steyn was a chemist and the founder of Esse Skincare, which he started in South Africa in 2002. A pioneer of microbiome skincare, he built Esse around live probiotics, prebiotics and ecologically responsible actives that support the skin’s microbiome and barrier function.
He completed Skin as it should be before his passing. The book shares its title with Skin as it should be, the six-part podcast series of his final recorded conversations.
“Skin should be alive. Not stripped and sterile. Skin should be resilient. Not sensitive and reactive. Skin should be pure. Not poisoned by synthetics. Skin should be wild. Not domesticated and dependent.”
Trevor Steyn, Skin as it should be
GIVING BACK
Proceeds support indigenous forest restoration
Proceeds from the book support the Forest Restoration Initiative at Thula iNyoni in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal. The region held a special place in Trevor’s heart: it was where he lived and raised his family for over 20 years.
The choice reflects a principle at the centre of Trevor’s thinking: the more species an ecosystem holds, the more resilient it becomes. He applied it to skin, and he cared about it just as much in the natural world.
“Trevor saw skin as an ecosystem, and he believed the same care should extend to the natural world. One of his pastimes was planting indigenous trees in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Donating the proceeds from his book to indigenous forest restoration felt like the most fitting way to honour him.”
Bridget Schofield, Chief Executive Officer, Esse Skincare
PRE-ORDER
Reserve your copy
Skin as it should be: A Microbiome Guidebook
By Trevor Steyn
Pre-orders open: 1 November 2026
Publication date: to be confirmed
Proceeds from the book support the Thula iNyoni Forest Restoration Initiative in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal.
Pre-ordering is a free registration. No payment is taken on the site.
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