VUE

Working From the Inside Out LAYERS focuses on an inside-outside approach using powerful naturally derived ingredients that work through the microbiome, which are the microbiomes and bacteria that live in and on our bodies. Microbiome cells are not human cells and in fact, outnumber human cells at an astonishing three to one. They have an amazing symbiotic relationship with our bodies as revealed by the Human Microbiome Study that showed everything from obesity, Alzheimer's, and skin health are linked to the work these bacteria do for our bodies. The most prevalent areas for these bacteria are in your gut and on your skin. The Microbiome communities communicate with one another by sending signals and micro language back and forth. This means that the optimization of skin health is reliant on both a topical and internal level so consideration of the gut microbiome is imperative. Achieving Optimal Skin Health from Within A fter more than 15 years working in consumer- packaged goods, LAYERS founder and CEO, Rachel Behm has taken the plunge into the entrepreneurial world of skincare. A year and a half ago she decided to part from the corporate world to create her own clean and sustainable microbe-based skincare brand. Leaving the major corporation Johnson & Johnson was an immense transition. She had been in the consumer sector working on top brands including Neutrogena, Aveeno, and others noteworthy in the beauty industry. She was in the Los Angeles office leading the beauty incubator which was a way for the company to compete with independent brands that were being introduced and taking market share. This position offered Rachel the opportunity to witness first-hand the high-paced environment of what she described as a "scrappy but dedicated team". When it came to looking at her next career move, she felt it hard to go back to the standard way of working. Her more freeing experience with her LA team sparked a desire for entrepreneurship. She ultimately decided against going back to a corporate work environment and felt fully motivated to start LAYERS. Upon moving to New Jersey, her journey began through Ignite Ventures Studio, a Princeton-based company that builds and invests in up-and-coming brands. Fortunately, the company was co-founded by two former Johnson & Johnson executives who Rachel had worked with and known for years. She felt able to take the steps in her new path with people she readily knew and trusted. With them, she had a jump start and now works with some of the best ingredient suppliers and manufacturers in the world that have helped bring LAYERS to fruition. Microbiome-Based | Inside + Outside Effective + Cutting- Edge | Clean + Sustainable V U E N J .C O M 107

• Cover