Our skin is home to billions of tiny organisms – bacteria, fungi, and even viruses – collectively known as the skin microbiome. Far from being something to worry about, these microscopic residents play an important role in keeping our skin healthy, protected, and balanced.
The skin: our body’s largest organ
The skin is the largest organ in your body and has a large contact surface with the outside environment. It is also home to billions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that make up the skin microbiota. Our skin has a variety of functions, including protecting us from outside agents and regulating our body temperature.
The skin has three layers:
-
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin. It acts as a waterproof barrier and gives us our skin tone.
-
The dermis is the middle layer. It contains connective tissues, hair follicles and sweat glands.
-
The hypodermis, or deeper subcutaneous tissue, is made up of fat and connective tissue.
What is the skin microbiome?
Your skin microbiome is like a tiny community of helpful bacteria and microorganisms that live on the surface of your skin. Think of them as “good neighbours” that protect your skin by keeping harmful germs in check, supporting your skin’s natural barrier, and helping it stay balanced.
When this community is healthy, your skin feels calm, smooth, and resilient. But if the balance shifts – say, too many “bad neighbours” move in – it can lead to irritation, dryness, or unexpected breakouts.
And what about baby skin microbiome?
Now, babies are a little different. Their skin microbiome is still very new and developing. At birth, their skin picks up its very first microbes from their mother and environment, and this early community plays a huge role in building their natural defences.
Baby skin is more delicate and less diverse in microbes than adult skin, which is why it needs gentler care and can be more sensitive to changes. As they grow, their microbiome becomes richer and more stable, better able to protect and adapt.
Why a balanced skin microbiome is key
When it’s thriving and in balance, your skin is more resilient, hydrated, and less prone to irritation. But when it’s disrupted – by harsh cleansers, stress, poor diet, or even changes in climate – the skin can become sensitive, dry, or inflamed.
An imbalanced skin microbiome? Three warning signs you need to know
When your skin’s natural balance is off, it often shows in little ways that are easy to overlook. You might notice your face feeling unusually dry or oily, even if your routine hasn’t changed.
Breakouts or sudden sensitivity can also pop up, making your skin feel harder to manage. And if your usual products don’t seem to work as well as they used to, it could be a sign that your skin’s natural ecosystem needs a reset.
How to improve your skin microbiome
The good news is that there are simple ways to support a healthy balance of microorganisms on your skin.
Here are a few evidence-based tips:
1. Gentle cleansing
Over-washing or using harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its microbial balance. Opt for mild, pH-balanced cleansers to protect both your skin barrier and its microbiome.
2. Moisturise regularly
Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain a healthy environment for beneficial microorganisms. Look for moisturisers that support the skin barrier with ingredients like ceramides and natural oils.
3. Mind your diet
What you eat affects your skin, too. A balanced, diverse diet rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats provides nutrients that can influence both gut and skin health.
4. Manage stress and sleep
Stress hormones can impact skin health and microbial diversity. Regular exercise, mindfulness, and good sleep routines all help keep your skin – and its microbiome – in better balance.
5. Be mindful with skincare products
Less is often more. Avoid overloading your skin with too many ingredients at once, as this can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms. Simplicity is key.
The skin microbiome is a fascinating, complex ecosystem that plays a vital role in overall skin health. By making small, everyday choices – from how you cleanse to what you eat – you can help your microbiome thrive, keeping your skin resilient, balanced, and glowing.
