Q&A: Understanding the Skin Microbiome

The skin microbiome is one of the most exciting topics in health science today. Below, we answer common questions to help you understand what it is, why it matters, and how to look after it.

What is the skin microbiome?

The skin microbiome is the collection of tiny organisms that live on your skin. These include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even mites. Don’t worry—they’re not harmful. In fact, most of them are good for you.

They help your skin stay healthy by protecting it from harmful germs, supporting your immune system, and helping your skin heal.

Why is the skin microbiome important?

The skin microbiome plays several vital roles:

  • Defends against bad bacteria

  • Helps your immune system respond properly

  • Keeps your skin barrier strong and hydrated

  • Supports wound healing

Without it, your skin can become dry, irritated, or prone to infection.

What affects the health of my skin microbiome?

Many everyday things can affect your skin microbiome, including:

  • Overwashing your skin

  • Using strong soaps or antibacterial products

  • Exposure to pollution and UV rays

  • Diet and gut health

  • Hormones and age

  • Antibiotic use

These factors can reduce the number of helpful microbes or allow the wrong types to take over.

What happens if my skin microbiome is out of balance?

When your microbiome becomes unbalanced—a condition called dysbiosis—you might experience skin problems such as:

  • Acne

  • Eczema

  • Psoriasis

  • Rosacea

  • Slow wound healing

These issues occur when helpful microbes are reduced, making room for harmful ones to grow.

How can I support a healthy skin microbiome?

Here are some simple ways to care for your skin microbiome:

1. Use gentle cleansers
Avoid harsh or scented soaps. Choose pH-balanced or soap-free options.

2. Don’t overwash
Too much washing can strip away good bacteria. Once a day is usually enough for most people.

3. Moisturise
A healthy skin barrier helps good microbes thrive. Use moisturisers with ceramides or natural oils.

4. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics
Only take antibiotics when prescribed. They can kill off good bacteria along with bad ones.

5. Eat a balanced diet
Fibre, fruits, and vegetables support your gut, which in turn supports your skin.

6. Try microbiome-friendly products
Some skin care products now contain probiotics or prebiotics. These may help balance your skin microbiome, although more research is still needed.

Are probiotics for skin care proven to work?

Some early studies suggest that skin care products with probiotics (good bacteria) or prebiotics (food for good bacteria) can help improve hydration and reduce inflammation. However, this is still a developing area of research.

Is there a link between gut health and the skin microbiome?

Yes. Your gut and skin are connected. A healthy gut microbiome may improve your skin health. That’s why eating well—lots of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains—can benefit your skin too.

What does the future look like for skin microbiome science?

In the coming years, we might see:

  • Personalised skin care based on your microbiome

  • Skin tests to detect early signs of illness

  • Microbiome-based treatments for skin conditions like eczema and acne

This area of science is growing fast and could change how we treat skin issues in the future.

Final thoughts?

The skin microbiome is like a team of tiny helpers living on your skin. When looked after properly, they keep your skin healthy, strong, and protected. By making simple changes to your skin care and lifestyle, you can help these microbes do their job better.

References

  1. Grice EA, Segre JA. The skin microbiome. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2011;9(4):244–253.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21407241/

  2. Kong HH, Segre JA. Skin microbiome: looking back to move forward. J Invest Dermatol. 2012;132(3 Pt 2):933–939.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21763983/

  3. Byrd AL, Belkaid Y, Segre JA. The human skin microbiome. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2018;16(3):143–155.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31013709/

  4. Grice EA, Kong HH, Conlan S, et al. Topographical and temporal diversity of the human skin microbiome. Science. 2009;324(5931):1190–1192.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535073/