The skin microbiome is the collection of microorganisms residing on the skin—bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and symbiotic mites. As the body’s first physical and biological barrier, the skin is home to approximately 10¹² microorganisms, whose diversity and balance determine the quality of the skin barrier, the comfort of sensitive skin, and its resistance to external aggressors. Microbiome-friendly cosmetics now incorporate prebiotic and probiotic active ingredients to maintain this balance. Discover our sensitive skin and facial cleanser lines.
What is the skin microbiome?
The composition of the skin microbiome varies by body area—temperature, pH, sebum secretion, and humidity create distinct microenvironments.
- Sebaceous areas (face, scalp, upper back): dominated by Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes) and Malassezia (lipophilic yeast)—a lipid-rich environment
- Moist areas (skin folds, armpits): Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium — warm, moist environment
- Dry areas (forearms, legs): greater diversity— Micrococcus, Propionibacterium
- Staphylococcus epidermidis is the dominant bacterium on healthy skin—it produces antimicrobial peptides that protect against pathogenic S. aureus
- A diverse skin microbiome is associated with greater resistance to environmental stressors and long-lasting skin comfort
Skin Microbiome and Dermatological Conditions?
Imbalances in the skin microbiome (skin dysbiosis) are associated with several common conditions.
- Atopic eczema: excessive colonization by Staphylococcus aureus (up to 90% of affected areas)—barrier disruption exacerbated by staphylococcal toxins, lack of microbial diversity
- Acne: overgrowth of certain strains of C. acnes in the follicles — imbalance between commensal (protective) strains and acne-promoting strains
- Dry and reactiveskin: depleted microbiome, compromised lipid barrier, alkalized pH—recruitment of opportunistic bacteria
- These associations do not mean that probiotic cosmetics treat these conditions—they support skin comfort and barrier integrity
What factors disrupt the skin microbiome?
Skin dysbiosis is caused by often-overlooked everyday factors.
- Alkaline soaps and cleansers (pH > 7): alkalize the skin’s naturally acidic pH (4.5–5.5)—promote pathogenic bacteria and disrupt commensal bacteria—see our pH-balanced soaps
- Repeated use of skin antiseptics (alcohol, triclosan): non-selective elimination of both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria
- Systemic and topical antibiotics: disrupt the skin microbiome in addition to the gut microbiota
- Stress, hormonal fluctuations, pollution, and UV exposure: alter sebum secretion and the skin’s surface conditions
- Cosmetics containing harsh preservatives (excess phenoxyethanol, parabens, formaldehyde): have a direct impact on the skin flora
Topical probiotics and prebiotics: how do they work?
Microbiome-friendly skincare incorporates specific active ingredients to respect and support the skin’s microbiome.
- Topical prebiotics (beta-glucans, inulin, fructooligosaccharides, niacinamide): selectively nourish the beneficial bacteria already present on the skin without introducing live bacteria
- Topical probiotics (bacterial lysates or fermentates): active bacterial molecules (enzymes, peptides, acids) without live bacteria—support the skin’s immune response and strengthen the barrier
- Postbiotics: metabolites produced by bacterial fermentation (lactic acid, bacterial hyaluronic acid, peptides)—one of the fastest-growing categories in cosmetics
- Choose cleansers with a pH of 4.5–5.5 — see our cleansing foams and facial cleansers available at drugstores
Nutrition and the skin microbiome: what’s the connection?
The gut-skin axis is increasingly well-documented—nutrition influences the skin microbiome via the systemic circulation.
- Omega-3 EPA+DHA: reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the skin—supporting the comfort of reactive skin
- Zinc: a cofactor in wound healing and skin immunity—EFSA claim regarding the maintenance of normal skin; beneficial for acne-prone skin
- Vitamin C: a cofactor in skin collagen synthesis (EFSA claim) and an antioxidant that protects membrane lipids
- Oralprobiotics: support the gut-skin axis — L. rhamnosus GG and B. longum have been studied for the comfort of atopic skin
- Reduce refined sugars and ultra-processed foods: their impact on seborrhea and the skin microbiome is well-documented
