This November at Herb House, we’re delving beneath the surface (literally) to explore the fascinating world of microbiomes. From the living soil beneath our feet to the skin that protects us, these hidden ecosystems play a vital role in our health and in the planet’s natural balance. Root & Microbiome: From Soil to Skin brings together a panel of experts to uncover how nurturing the soil, the gut, and the skin can cultivate wellbeing from the ground up.

Ahead of the event, we sat down with Peigin Crowley, founder of Ground Wellbeing, to talk about the inspiration behind GROUND’s new Biome range, the connection between gut and skin health, and why true self-care starts with feeling grounded in your own skin.

What inspired you to create GROUND, and how has your own journey shaped the brand?

GROUND was born at my kitchen table in 2020, when the world stopped and we all had to pause. After two decades designing spa experiences around the world, I felt called to create something more personal, something that met people where they were at in their own lives. I began blending oils by hand to support what people were truly struggling with: sleep, stress, hormone health, skin wellness, recovery, cancer care, and children’s emotional wellbeing.

My own journey has taught me that true self-care isn’t indulgent; it’s essential. Years of hands-on experience have shown me how the body holds emotion and how small, consistent rituals can bring real healing. As a mother and a therapist, I’ve seen how easily we care for others before ourselves, and how important it is to make space for moments of calm. GROUND grew from that belief that wellness should be accessible, inclusive, and sincere. Every product and ritual is created with the same intention: to help people slow down, reconnect, and feel grounded in themselves again.

The Biome range is all about supporting the skin’s microbiome – can you explain what that means, in simple terms?

Our skin has a microbiome that is made up of microorganisms and bacteria that work to reinforce our skin’s barrier. It’s actually a vital part of our immune system and plays a key role in keeping our skin protected and healthy. Our Biome range is all about feeding and nourishing that microbiome with pre- and probiotics, bioidentical ingredients, and nutrient-rich seed oils to help strengthen, restore, and repair the skin. We all know what it feels like when we are going through a stressful time, or hormones are fluctuating, or we are on a course of antibiotics, and how that impacts our skin. That is because our skin microbiome has been impacted as a result. So our purpose with the Biome products was to create a range that will be suitable for anyone – and that everyone may need at some point in time. A capsule collection that will restore healthy, resilient skin, but also encourage a moment of self-care – to take a breather from our stressors.

The event is called From Soil to Skin. What connections do you see between the food we consume and skin health?

There is a direct and very important link between our skin microbiome and our gut microbiome. Skin concerns often reflect imbalances or issues within the gut. In our Biome Facial, we incorporate the use of GROUND’s Castor Oil and a heat pack applied to the abdomen to support gut health – a reminder of the connection between both our skin and gut microbiome, but also as a way to nurture our “second brain.”

The foods we eat, and even more importantly how well we absorb their nutrients, have a profound impact on our skin health. The higher our stress levels, the greater the impact on our body’s ability to absorb the nutrients from our food. It’s vital that we try to eat a varied, plant-rich diet incorporating fermented foods, increasing fibre intake, and reducing ultra-processed foods – focusing on whole, colourful plants for their nutritious benefits. It is equally important that we are mindful and take time to eat, enjoy, and digest our food too.

When you were developing the Biome collection, what was most important to you in terms of approach?

Our purpose as a brand has always centred around sincere wellbeing and inclusivity. Creating the Biome range was no different in that sense. I wanted to create a capsule collection of products that would be suitable for everyone – from those with sensitive skin, to pregnancy, to teenage skin, to those impacted by strong medications or cancer treatment. While the foundation for this family of products is all about restoring the skin’s natural barrier, it was also about the importance of feeling connected to and being comfortable in our own skin too.

How do you see the future of skincare evolving – are people moving towards health and longevity rather than surface perfection?

Yes, absolutely. From a spa perspective, we are seeing that the demand for health- and wellness-focused treatments has far surpassed that of the “indulgent” or “pampering” type. Health and longevity are not necessarily about how we look, but rather how we feel – and people are certainly looking for more of this. The holistic approach, the mindful approach, that of sincere wellbeing, is something that is in high demand now. We use a phrase at GROUND that I think is apt here: it’s about “going forward to basics.” We believe that sometimes less is more, and that going back to the simpler things – the tried and tested ways – though with more knowledge and research available to us, we can live a more fulfilled, healthy, and resilient life. And I feel that is how many people are also feeling.

What do you hope people will take away from the event?

I always love my events at Lime Wood. With GROUND, it’s always about helping people connect with their nervous systems, making sure their bodies feel safe, and feeling comfortable in their own skin. For us, skincare is about supporting the skin’s natural function – not overloading or stressing it. It’s about restoring the skin barrier so it can do what it’s designed to do: protect, repair, and stay balanced. We call it skin wellness, or comfort in your own skin. Ultimately, healthy skin reflects a healthy system, when our hormones, diet, movement, and mindset are in balance. I can’t wait to talk to everyone and love coming to Lime Wood.

Want to hear more from Peigin? Attend our event, ‘Root & Microbiome: From Soil to Skin’ to hear Peigin speak alongside Lime Wood's resident forager Sammie Longhorn, and Kate Forrester from Four Acre Farm, on how caring for your skin and gut microbiomes can boost immunity, digestion, and skin health.

Book here: Root & Microbiome: From Soil to Skin · Lime Wood Hotel

Explore GROUND’s Biome collection: BIOME

Follow GROUND on Instagram: @ground_wellbeing