The skin microbiome refers to the totality of all microorganisms, which live on the skin. It consists of a multitude of bacteria, fungi, viruses and microbes that have a complex and dynamic relationship with each other and with their host, the human being. This microbiome is not just a passive inhabitant; it plays a crucial role in keeping the skin healthy by contributing to the barrier function, protecting against pathogenic germs and supporting the skin's immune system.
The role of the skin microbiome in health
A healthy skin microbiome is essential for maintaining skin health and function. It helps fight infections, reduces inflammatory reactions and supports the healing of wounds. Disruptions in the balance of the skin microbiome can lead to a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Therefore, maintaining a healthy skin microbiome is of utmost importance for overall wellbeing.
Keeping the skin microbiome in balance
To keep the skin microbiome healthy, it is important to promote a balance between the different microorganisms and minimise harmful influences. There are some key strategies on how to achieve this.
Genetics and age
The composition of the skin microbiome is partly determined by genetic factors. The microbiome also changes with age, which may require adjustments in skin care.
Hormones and state of health
Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, can influence the skin microbiome. Certain health conditions and medications can also have an impact on the microbiome.
Balanced nutrition, sleep and hydration
Lifestyle also plays a crucial role. A balanced diet (1), rich in prebiotics and probiotics, supports not only general health but also the balance of the skin microbiome. Prebiotic foods such as garlic, onions and bananas promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Probiotic foods such as yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut supply the body with helpful microorganisms.
Sleep is extremely important for our entire system, so it also influences our microbiome.
Sufficient hydration supports the skin barrier and helps to keep the skin and its microbiome healthy.
Selection of suitable skin care products
Skin care products should be selected carefully. Products which are too aggressive or contain irritating ingredients can damage the skin microbiome. Mild, pH-neutral to pH-acidic and microbiome-friendly products should be favoured to support the skin’s natural balance.
In addition, the skin barrier should be supported by choosing the right skin care products, especially products for cleansing and moisturising the skin.
Strengthen the skin barrier
A healthy skin barrier means a healthy microbiome.
Problems with the skin barrier make themselves known, as does a microbiome that is out of balance: dry, irritated skin, inflammation and redness.
We have already written about how to support your skin barrier in our article on moisturisers. Some ingredients can help or prevent irritated skin:
- allantoin,
- bisabolol,
- collodial oats,
- panthenol,
- niacinamide (2-4 %),
- Sun protection (min. SPF 30),
- vitamin C serums,
- ceramide in moisturisers.
Skin cleansing and disinfection
To keep the skin microbiome healthy and in balance, it is essential to cleanse the skin regularly. If you don’t cleanse your skin regularly, bad microbes have the chance to gain the upper hand. This can then lead to various skin problems, such as itching, dryness, inflammation and redness.
Your skin type determines the type of skin cleanser. For the face, a cleansing milk is recommended for dry skin and a gel cleanser for oily skin. For the body, you should use shower creams for dry skin and shower gels for oily skin.
Whilst hygiene is important, excessive washing or the use of strong disinfectants can disrupt the skin microbiome. It’s important to find a balance, which allows you to cleanse your skin without damaging your microbiome and thus disrupting your skin barrier.
Facial cleansing in the morning and evening is completely sufficient, the body should be washed a maximum of once a day or even every other day.
Environmental factors and stress
Environmental factors such as pollution and UV radiation can affect the skin microbiome (2). Chronic stress can also lead to a dysbiosis (i.e. imbalance) of the microbiome (3). Protection against environmental influences and stress management are therefore important for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome.
Meditation, walks and sport help with stress. For UV radiation, a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is a classic remedy. The climate also influences our microbiome, which is particularly noticeable every winter and summer, for example when the skin becomes dry in winter and oily in summer.
Sports and exercise
Physical activity is good for our general health. It can also positively change the gut microbiome, which also benefits the skin microbiome.
Out into nature
There is evidence that green spaces can support our microbiome and promote our mental and physical health.
Treating medical conditions
Skin problems often occur when certain health problems are not under control. These include diabetes and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Quit smoking
Smoking is bad for you in many ways. Studies show that it can cause inflammation and disrupt your skin’s microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
Twice daily with a mild cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil without disturbing the microbiome.
Yes, products with probiotic ingredients can help to promote the balance of the skin microbiome and support skin health.
The three main groups are staphylococci, propioni bacteria and coryne bacteria. These bacteria are not pathogenic, i.e. they do not make us ill. However, if these good bacteria also become imbalanced, for example if the skin is not cleansed regularly and bad microbes multiply too much, then skin problems can certainly occur.
Gentle skincare, which is customised to your skin type and your lifestyle, as well as a balanced diet and sufficient sleep.
(2) Nurit Harel, Navit Ogen-Shtern, Leah Reshef, Dvora Biran, Eliora Z. Ron, Uri Gophna,
Skin microbiome bacteria enriched following long sun exposure can reduce oxidative damage,
Research in Microbiology,
Volume 174, Issue 8,
2023,
104138,
ISSN 0923-2508,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104138.
Di Nardo, A., Wertz, P., Giannetti, A., & Seidenari, S. (1998). Ceramide and cholesterol composition of the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis. Acta dermato-venereologica, 78, 27-30.
Waller, J. M., & Maibach, H. I. (2006). Age and skin structure and function, a quantitative approach (II): protein, glycosaminoglycan, water, and lipid content and structure. Skin Research and Technology, 12(3), 145-154.