This skincare secret weapon may surprise you.This skincare secret weapon may surprise you. Dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin: The Surprising Science of Looking and Feeling Radiant from the Inside Out, says the key to beautiful skin is bacteria -- and lots of it. Bacteria lives in and outside our bodies, but it's not something to fear. Many people know these good-for-you bugs can help out your gut, but they can also work wonders for your skin. Dr. Bowe shares her skincare secrets, including: the ideal way to wash your face, so that you don't strip your skin of natural oils; the vitamins you should look for in serums, creams and cleansers; and the perfect number of times you should exfoliate per week. Find out how nurturing these bugs can help a host of skin issues, such as fine lines, brown spots, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and even melanoma. Plus, learn how to keep your hands looking younger and why you should avoid hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial soaps. Bonus! News: Hand Dryers Linked to Bacteria Spread