Skin microbiome is a concept that has been increasingly appearing in dermatological clinics, scientific publications, and on cosmetic labels in recent years. And for good reason – research shows that what we once considered an "invisible layer of bacteria" actually plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health, immunity, and a beautiful appearance.
Why has the skin microbiome become one of the hottest trends in cosmetology right now? The answer is simple - there is growing awareness that the balance of microorganisms on our skin affects not only the complexion but also the overall condition of the body. When the microbiome functions properly, the skin is less prone to irritation, regenerates faster, and better defends against pathogens. When this balance is disturbed, problems arise: acne, dryness, eczema, or hypersensitivity.
What's more, the skin microbiome is linked to immunity and aging processes – it supports the protective barrier, regulates pH, and also protects against free radicals and inflammation. It's no wonder that modern cosmetology increasingly uses ingredients not to "fight" microorganisms, but to support their natural balance.
Check out how to protect the hydrolipid barrier.
In this article, I answer all the questions that most often arise among my clients: what the skin microbiome is, how it works, what weakens it, and how we can rebuild it. I will also advise on what cosmetics support the microbiome in daily care and why caring for the microbiome is the future of healthy and natural beauty.
What is the skin microbiome?
The skin microbiome is an incredibly complex ecosystem of microorganisms inhabiting our skin – bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites. Every square centimeter of skin is home to millions of microbes that co-create our natural protective barrier. Their role is not merely "to be present," but to actively support skin health, immunity, and biological balance.
Composition of the skin microbiome – numbers and facts
It is estimated that there are up to 1 billion microorganisms per 1 cm² on the surface of human skin (Grice & Segre, Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2011).
The skin microbiome consists of several hundred species of bacteria, the most common of which are:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis (a commensal bacterium, supports skin immunity),
- Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes – in balance it supports the skin, in excess it leads to acne),
- Corynebacterium (involved in skin lipid metabolism).
In addition to bacteria, the microbiome also includes over 80 species of fungi, including Malassezia yeasts, which naturally inhabit the skin but can lead to dandruff or atopic dermatitis when in excess (Findley et al., PNAS, 2013).
The skin is the largest organ of the human body – it covers an average of 1.5–2 m² and weighs approximately 16% of body mass. This means that the skin microbiome is one of the most extensive ecosystems in the human body.
Diversity of the skin microbiome
The microbiome is not homogeneous - its composition varies depending on the location on the body.
- In moist areas (e.g., armpits, groin), Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus bacteria dominate.
- In oily areas (e.g., facial skin, back), Cutibacterium acnes is more common.
- On dry surfaces (e.g., forearms, hands), the greatest diversity of microorganisms is found.
Studies have shown that the diversity of the skin microbiome is key to its health - the more diverse the ecosystem, the more effective the protection against pathogens and the lower the risk of skin diseases.
Is the skin microbiome the same for everyone?
No. The microbiome is as unique as a fingerprint. Its composition is influenced by:
- age (a child's microbiome differs from an adult's),
- gender,
- genetics,
- diet and lifestyle,
- cosmetics and medications used.
For example, studies published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2017) showed that in older individuals, the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, while the proportion of opportunistic pathogens increases, which correlates with weakening of the skin's protective barrier and increased skin dryness.
How does the skin microbiome work?
The skin microbiome is not just an "invisible layer of bacteria," but an active system that acts as a guardian of skin balance. Its action can be divided into several key mechanisms:
Protection against pathogens
The skin microbiome acts as a natural immune shield - it occupies space and uses nutrients that could be used by pathogenic bacteria. This prevents their excessive proliferation.
Commensal bacteria, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, produce antibacterial substances (including antimicrobial peptides) that inhibit the growth of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus.
According to research from Nature (2018), the presence of a healthy microbiome reduces the risk of skin colonization by MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Strengthening the hydrolipid barrier
Microorganisms co-create the skin's acidic protective mantle – they maintain the skin's pH in the range of 4.5–5.5, which supports the proper functioning of the hydrolipid barrier.
Skin bacteria break down sebum and produce fatty acids, which support epidermal elasticity and protect against dryness.
Studies in the Journal of Dermatological Science (2016) showed that disruption of the microbiome leads to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), resulting in dryness and susceptibility to irritation.
Regulation of skin immunity
The skin microbiome works in close cooperation with the immune system. Commensal bacteria activate Langerhans cells in the epidermis, which recognize and neutralize pathogens.
Studies on animal models (Belkaid & Segre, Science, 2014) have shown that the skin microbiome regulates the production of cytokines – substances that control inflammatory reactions. This means that a healthy microbiome reduces the risk of chronic inflammation such as eczema or rosacea.
Impact on skin aging
With age, the composition of the microbiome changes – the number of protective bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) decreases, and the proportion of opportunistic pathogens increases.
According to research from mSphere (2019), individuals over 60 years of age show a decrease in microbiome diversity of about 25–30% compared to the skin of young adults.
The result is greater susceptibility to inflammation, slower wound healing, and increased skin dryness – processes typical of skin aging.
Microbiome and oxidative stress
The microbiome neutralizes some free radicals that damage DNA and proteins in skin cells. Cutibacterium acnes, in healthy amounts, produces propionic acid, which has antioxidant effects.
In turn, an imbalance leads to an overproduction of free radicals and the activation of collagen-degrading enzymes, which accelerates wrinkle formation.
Remember: the skin microbiome acts as a guardian that protects against infections, strengthens the barrier, regulates immunity, and slows down aging processes. That's why in the following chapters it is worth focusing on how easily it can be weakened and how to effectively support it through care and lifestyle.
Skin microbiome disorders – causes and effects
The skin microbiome is a delicate ecosystem – the balance between protective and pathogenic bacteria can be easily disrupted. In dermatology, this is referred to as dysbiosis, a state where good microorganisms are weakened, and pathogenic ones begin to dominate.
How can cosmetics weaken the microbiome?
Using cosmetics with strong detergents (e.g., SLS, SLES) removes not only dirt and sebum but also natural lipids and beneficial bacteria. And this applies not only to facial skin but also to the scalp!
Studies from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2017) showed that gels with SLS can increase TEWL (transepidermal water loss) by 40% after just 2 weeks of use, which contributes to microbiome disorders.
Too frequent use of antibacterial cosmetics (soaps, alcohol-based hand gels) reduces the number of commensal bacteria, which opens the way for pathogens to colonize the skin.
Effect of antibiotics and dermatological drugs
Oral antibiotics (e.g., used to treat acne) affect not only the gut but also the skin microbiome, reducing the population of Cutibacterium acnes.
Although this temporarily reduces acne symptoms, studies (JAMA Dermatology, 2016) show that over 30% of patients experience relapses later – precisely due to an imbalance in the microbiome.
Topical corticosteroids also change the composition of the microbiome – they reduce diversity, which can lead to skin colonization by Candida fungi and Malassezia yeasts.
Diet, stress, and lifestyle
A diet rich in simple sugars and dairy products correlates with skin dysbiosis and worsening acne (Burris et al., Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2017).
Psychological stress increases cortisol levels, which reduces the number of protective bacteria (Frontiers in Microbiology, 2018).
Lack of sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions lead to impaired skin barrier – clinical studies have shown that people sleeping less than 5 hours/day have a 30% higher TEWL level, which promotes dysbiosis and irritation (Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2015).
Skin aging and the microbiome
With age, the diversity of the microbiome decreases – in people over 60, it is even 25–30% lower compared to young individuals (mSphere, 2019). The proportion of beneficial bacteria (S. epidermidis) decreases, while the presence of opportunistic pathogens (S. aureus) increases.
This partly explains why older skin is more susceptible to infections, dryness, inflammation, and regenerates more slowly.
Effects of dysbiosis – how do microbiome disorders manifest?
Acne – excessive growth of Cutibacterium acnes under conditions of dysbiosis leads to inflammation of hair follicles.
Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis (AD) – studies show that 90% of people with atopic dermatitis have a predominance of S. aureus, while healthy skin is dominated by S. epidermidis (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2017).
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis – resulting from excessive colonization by Malassezia fungi.
Accelerated skin aging – dysbiosis causes an increase in oxidative stress, degradation of collagen and elastin, and thus faster wrinkle formation.
Remember: skin microbiome disorders (dysbiosis) have many causes – from cosmetics and medications, through diet and stress, to aging. The effects are visible to the naked eye: acne, eczema, dryness, and irritation. Therefore, it is crucial to support the microbiome with appropriate care and lifestyle.
Symptoms of skin microbiome disorders
Microbiome disorders, or skin dysbiosis, are not always easy to recognize at first glance. However, dermatological studies show that there are several characteristic symptoms that may indicate that the natural balance of microorganisms on our skin has been disturbed.
Hypersensitive and dry skin
Dysbiosis leads to a weakening of the hydrolipid barrier, resulting in excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL). According to research published in the Journal of Dermatological Science (2016), in individuals with a disrupted microbiome, TEWL was on average 40% higher than in those with a normal skin balance.
Symptoms: feeling of tightness, burning after using cosmetics, easy reaction to temperature changes or dry air.
Acne and imperfections
An imbalance between protective bacteria (S. epidermidis) and Cutibacterium acnes can lead to the formation of inflammatory lesions. Studies have shown that in people with acne, the number of C. acnes was up to 10 times higher than in people with healthy skin (Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2013).
Symptoms: pimples, inflammatory papules, blackheads and whiteheads, inflammation of the facial and back skin.
Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis (AD)
In patients with AD, a predominance of pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus is very often observed. Studies from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2017) show that as many as 90% of AD patients had a predominance of S. aureus colonization on their skin, whereas in healthy skin, S. epidermidis dominates.
Symptoms: itching, redness, flaking, micro-cracks in the skin, as well as chronic inflammation.
Skin prone to irritation
Skin with a disrupted microbiome reacts more easily to irritants such as hard water, air conditioning, temperature changes, detergents, or even natural essential oils.
Symptoms: frequent redness, erythema, burning, allergic reactions after using cosmetics that previously did not cause problems.
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
Dysbiosis of the scalp microbiome leads to an overgrowth of Malassezia fungi. Studies in Medical Mycology (2014) showed that people with dandruff had over 1.5 times greater density of Malassezia colonies compared to healthy individuals.
Symptoms: white or yellow flakes on the scalp, itching, sometimes also inflammation.
Accelerated skin aging
Dysbiosis contributes to an increase in oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Studies from mSphere (2019) showed that in older individuals, microbiome diversity decreases by 25–30%, which is associated with a loss of skin elasticity and slower wound healing.
Symptoms: increased wrinkles, dryness, loss of firmness, dull complexion.
Remember: Skin dysbiosis manifests primarily as: hypersensitivity, dryness, acne, eczema, dandruff, and accelerated aging. If you notice these symptoms, it is worth using microbiome-supporting cosmetics and modifying your lifestyle to restore the balance of the skin ecosystem.
How to support the skin microbiome in your skincare routine?
Effective microbiome care involves using cosmetics that do not damage the hydrolipid barrier, support natural microorganisms, and help maintain pH balance. The key are gentle cleansing formulas and moisturizing and regenerating products.
Soothing Facial Cleansing Gel Date + Inulin + Green Tea
This gel has been specially developed for gentle skin cleansing without disturbing its microbiome.
How does Orientana Soothing Facial Cleansing Gel support the skin microbiome?
It contains inulin – a natural prebiotic that "feeds" good bacteria and helps maintain microbiological balance.
Instead of strong detergents, it relies on mild cleansing agents of plant origin (glucosides, betaine), so it does not disturb the skin's protective barrier.
Date extract nourishes and moisturizes, while green tea provides polyphenols with antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Application studies conducted on this type of cosmetics showed that using gentle cleansing gels with prebiotics can reduce TEWL by up to 20% within 4 weeks compared to classic SLS gels.
How to use:
- Morning and evening as the first step of your skincare routine.
- Apply to damp skin, gently massage, and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Perfectly prepares the skin for subsequent steps – e.g., toning.
Moisturizing Toner-Essence with Gluconolactone, Rice Proteins, and Date
This toner-essence combines the functions of toning, moisturizing, and gentle exfoliation – it supports the skin in maintaining biological balance.
How does Orientana moisturizing toner-essence support the skin microbiome?
It contains gluconolactone (PHA) – a large-molecule acid that acts gently, without disturbing the hydrolipid barrier or causing severe irritation. Clinical studies have shown that PHA not only exfoliates but also acts as an antioxidant and humectant, improving skin hydration by 15–20% after 3 weeks of use (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2014).
Regular use supports microbiome balance by eliminating excess dead skin cells that could serve as a breeding ground for pathogens.
The formula, based on moisturizing and regenerating ingredients (rice proteins), improves the condition of the protective barrier, and well-hydrated skin better maintains a healthy microbiome.
How to use:
- After cleansing the skin (e.g., with date and inulin gel).
- Apply with hands, gently patting into the face, neck, and décolletage.
- Can be used daily in the evening, even for sensitive skin.
Skincare routine supporting the skin microbiome
Step 1: Cleansing
Soothing Facial Cleansing Gel Date + Inulin + Green Tea
The first and most important step in microbiome-supporting care is gentle cleansing. Orientana Soothing Gel removes impurities, sebum, and dirt without disturbing the skin's hydrolipid barrier. The inulin it contains acts as a prebiotic, a nutrient for "good" bacteria that support natural microbiological balance. This leaves the skin clean, fresh, and prepared for subsequent steps, while the microbiome remains stable. Of course, if you wear makeup or use SPF creams, perform makeup removal with Makeup Remover Oil before cleansing with the gel.
Step 2: Toning and moisturizing
Moisturizing Toner-Essence with Gluconolactone
The second step is to restore the skin's proper pH, moisturize, and gently regenerate. The toner-essence with gluconolactone not only intensely moisturizes but also gently exfoliates dead skin cells, preventing the accumulation of a layer that promotes pathogen proliferation. At the same time, it supports the reconstruction of the protective barrier and creates an optimal environment for a healthy microbiome. Regular use of the toner helps keep the skin in good condition and increases the effectiveness of subsequent cosmetics.
Step 3: Serum – protecting and strengthening the skin barrier before applying cream
The final step in the routine is to apply a serum, preferably enriched with ceramides (Reishi and Ceramide Serum), adaptogens (Serum ampoules), or natural plant oils. Their task is to seal moisture in the epidermis, protect against water loss, and strengthen the hydrolipid barrier. This ensures that the effects of cleansing and toning are maintained, and the microbiome has a stable environment for proper functioning. It is at this stage that we decide whether our skincare will be truly effective and long-term supportive of the skin's natural balance.
Thanks to such care, the skin microbiome gains optimal conditions for functioning – the skin becomes less prone to irritation, regenerates faster, and looks better. After such microbiome protection, you can apply any cream.
Hydrolipid layer vs. microbiome – are they the same?
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, the hydrolipid layer and the skin microbiome are two different, but closely related, elements of the skin's protective system.
What is the hydrolipid layer?
The hydrolipid layer is a thin protective film covering the surface of the epidermis. It consists of:
- water (derived from sweat and body fluids),
- lipids (sebum secreted by sebaceous glands),
- natural moisturizing factor (NMF) – a mixture of amino acids, urea, and lactic acid.
Its main tasks are:
- preventing excessive water loss (TEWL),
- protection against external factors,
- maintaining a slightly acidic skin pH (approx. 4.5–5.5).
However, the microbiome is a collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites) that inhabit the skin's surface. Unlike the hydrolipid layer, the microbiome is not a physical structure, but a living ecosystem that cooperates with our body.
How does the hydrolipid layer interact with the microbiome?
The hydrolipid layer provides an appropriate environment (humidity, lipids, pH) in which the microbiome can function properly.
The acidic pH of this layer promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus epidermidis) and inhibits the proliferation of pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus).
In turn, the microbiome strengthens the hydrolipid layer – commensal bacteria produce fatty acids and antibacterial peptides that stabilize its composition.
Differences in brief
- Hydrolipid layer = skin's chemical-physical barrier (hydro-fat film).
- Skin microbiome = biological barrier created by living microorganisms.
Thus, it can be said that these two elements are not the same, but they complement each other. A healthy hydrolipid layer benefits the microbiome, and a balanced microbiome strengthens the hydrolipid layer.
Therefore, effective skincare should always take care of both elements simultaneously – gentle cleansing, maintaining proper pH, moisturizing, and avoiding aggressive detergents help maintain harmony between the hydrolipid layer and the microbiome.
Diet and lifestyle supporting the skin microbiome
External care is only part of maintaining a healthy microbiome. More and more research indicates that diet, sleep, stress, and physical activity greatly influence the balance of microorganisms inhabiting our skin.
The role of probiotics and fermented products
Fermented products such as kefir, natural yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics, which support the gut microbiome and indirectly affect the skin microbiome.
According to research published in Beneficial Microbes (2015), regular consumption of fermented dairy products reduces the risk of skin inflammation by approximately 20–25%.
Probiotics stimulate the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which strengthen immunity and reduce pro-inflammatory activity, leading to healthier skin.
Diet rich in fiber and antioxidants
Dietary fiber acts as a prebiotic – it nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, and their metabolites support skin immunity.
A diet low in fiber is associated with a decrease in microbiome diversity – studies from Nature (2016) showed that people on a highly processed diet had up to 30% poorer gut microbiome, which also negatively correlates with skin condition.
Antioxidants (vitamin C, E, polyphenols from berries, green tea, vegetables) neutralize free radicals, supporting the protective role of the skin microbiome.
How do stress and sleep affect the microbiome?
Chronic stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels, which negatively affects microbiome diversity.
Sleep is crucial – people sleeping less than 5 hours a day have a 30% higher TEWL (transepidermal water loss), which promotes dysbiosis and dry skin (Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2015).
Physical activity and the skin microbiome
Regular physical exercise improves blood circulation, and thus the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
Studies from Gut Microbes (2019) showed that moderate physical activity increases gut microbiome diversity by 15–20%, which also translates into better skin balance. Movement also lowers cortisol levels, which helps in regeneration and supports skin immunity.
Remember: a healthy diet rich in probiotics, fiber, and antioxidants, regular sleep, stress reduction, and moderate physical activity are key lifestyle elements that support the skin microbiome. Thanks to them, skincare cosmetics work more effectively, and the skin maintains a healthy appearance and immunity for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Skin Microbiome (Q&A)
What exactly is the skin microbiome?
The skin microbiome is a collection of billions of microorganisms – mainly bacteria, fungi, and viruses – that naturally live on our skin and perform a protective function.
Are the skin microbiome and the hydrolipid layer the same thing?
No. The hydrolipid layer is a hydro-fat film, and the microbiome consists of living microorganisms. Both elements work closely together.
What are the most important functions of the skin microbiome?
It protects against pathogens, regulates skin pH, supports immunity, prevents excessive inflammation, and helps maintain the balance of the skin barrier.
How to recognize skin microbiome disorders?
Symptoms include dryness, hypersensitivity, acne, eczema, dandruff, or frequent irritation.
What causes microbiome disorders?
The most common causes are strong detergents in cosmetics, antibiotics, stress, improper diet, lack of sleep, and natural skin aging processes.
Can the skin microbiome be rebuilt?
Yes. Regular use of gentle microbiome-supporting cosmetics (e.g., with prebiotics, mild acids, humectants), a healthy diet, and stress reduction help restore balance.
How long does it take for the skin microbiome to regenerate?
The first effects can be noticed after a few weeks, but full regeneration can take from 1 to 3 months – depending on the degree of disturbance and care.
Does the skin microbiome differ in children and adults?
Yes. Newborn skin is colonized by different bacteria than adult skin. With age, the composition of the microbiome changes, and after 60 years of age, its diversity decreases by as much as 25–30%.
Does the skin microbiome affect body odor?
Yes. Bacteria break down lipids and sweat, which affects the individual skin odor – it is as unique as a fingerprint.
How does diet affect the skin microbiome?
A diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants supports microbiome balance. In turn, excess sugar and dairy contribute to acne and inflammation.
Does the skin microbiome protect against aging?
Yes. A balanced microbiome reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, which accelerate the aging process.
Does frequent hand washing destroy the skin microbiome?
Yes, especially when using antibacterial gels and alcohol-based soaps. Therefore, it is worth using gentle cleansing products and moisturizing creams.
Do natural cosmetics support the microbiome?
Definitely yes – especially those based on gentle cleansing agents, plant prebiotics, and moisturizing ingredients.
Does the skin microbiome change depending on the body part?
Yes. Different bacteria dominate in oily areas (face, back) than in moist areas (armpits, groin) or dry areas (forearms).
What cosmetic ingredients are most microbiome-friendly?
Prebiotics (e.g., inulin), mild PHA acids (e.g., gluconolactone), ceramides, glycerin, aloe, plant extracts – they support balance and rebuild the protective barrier.
Cosmetologist's advice - why care for the skin microbiome?
The skin microbiome is not just a trendy term in cosmetology, but primarily a real protection against irritation, inflammation, and premature aging. It acts as an "invisible shield" that supports skin immunity, protects against pathogens, and helps maintain a healthy hydrolipid barrier.
As research shows, microbiome disorders (dysbiosis) lead to many dermatological problems: from acne and eczema, through dryness and hypersensitivity, to faster skin aging. Fortunately, through conscious care and an appropriate lifestyle, the microbiome can be effectively supported and restored to balance.
The most important principles are:
- choosing gentle cosmetics that support the microbiome,
- avoiding aggressive detergents and excessive antibacterial agents,
- maintaining a diet rich in probiotics, fiber, and antioxidants,
- ensuring regular sleep, stress reduction, and physical activity.
Choose microbiome-supporting care with Orientana
If you want your skin to be healthy, resilient, and radiant, choose cosmetics that work in harmony with its natural microbiome:
- Soothing Facial Cleansing Gel Date + Inulin + Green Tea - gentle cleansing and support for beneficial bacteria thanks to inulin.
- Moisturizing Toner-Essence with Gluconolactone - moisturizing, gentle regeneration, and a better environment for the skin microbiome.
Take care of your microbiome balance every day – your skin will repay you with a healthy appearance, less sensitivity, and a natural glow.
Want to learn more? I invite you here.
