Skin microbiome

The totality of microorganisms that colonize the skin (microbiota), along with their structural components, metabolites, and signaling molecules. The skin microbiome is influenced by different body locations, gender, age, skincare products, and environmental conditions. The microbiota includes bacteria, fungi, single-celled and multicellular organisms, and viruses. Microorganisms can modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses

The skin microbiota also shapes the skin’s immune response and promotes the integrity of the skin barrier and tissue integrity. Advances in molecular biology have provided a deeper understanding of the skin microbiome and its role in various skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, thereby opening the door to probiotic therapeutic approaches. See also “Microbiome” and “Microbiomics.”

For example, in patients with atopic dermatitis, reduced diversity of the skin microbiome correlates with the severity of skin lesions and increased colonization by Staphylococcus aureus.

1. Grice EA et al. (2011) The skin microbiome. Nat Rev Microbiol;9(4):244-53. doi: 10.1038/nrmicro2537. 
2. Scharschmidt TC et al. (2025) The skin microbiome and dermatologic disorders. J Clin Invest 3;135(3):e184315. doi: 10.1172/JCI184315. PMID: 39895627; PMCID: PMC11785926.
3. Paller AS et al. (2019) The microbiome in patients with atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol;143(1):26-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.11.015. Epub Nov. 23, 2018.