Research suggests that touching soil, trees, and moss provides significant health benefits for our skin and immune system. Mira Grönroos, an ecologist at the Finnish Environment Institute, conducted an experiment where participants rubbed their hands with soil, peat, and moss for 20 seconds. She found that microbial abundance and variety on their skin increased dramatically, even after rinsing with tap water.

Studies from Aurinkolinna daycare centre in central Finland reveal that children who play regularly in wooded playgrounds have greater microbial diversity on their skin. Roslund's research found that playing in microbially diverse soil increases beneficial bacteria while crowding out disease-causing pathogens. The Vahvistu project, inspired by these findings, transforms yards with woodchip planting boxes to bring the forest floor environment to children.

These studies demonstrate that prolonged or frequent skin contact with nature can significantly alter the skin microbiome and support immune regulation, helping the body fight threats without becoming overactive.