The Skin Microbiome: Questions You Didn’t Know You Needed to Ask

Your skin isn’t just a covering—it’s a busy, living surface that plays host to billions of microbes. These tiny organisms are not just harmless—they’re actually helpful. Let’s explore what this all means for your skin.

What is the skin microbiome?

The skin microbiome is the mix of bacteria, fungi, viruses and tiny mites that live on your skin. They’re mostly invisible, but they do a lot of important work. Instead of being something you need to scrub away, many of these microbes actually keep your skin healthy and strong.

Is it normal to have bacteria on your skin?

Yes—absolutely. Everyone has bacteria on their skin. In fact, it’s a good thing. These helpful microbes:

Keep harmful bacteria out
Support your immune system
Help your skin heal
Keep your skin barrier healthy

What can mess with my skin’s microbiome?

Many things we do every day can upset the balance of microbes on our skin. These include:

Using antibacterial soaps or harsh cleansers
Over-washing or scrubbing the skin too much
Exposure to UV rays and pollution
Taking antibiotics (especially often or long-term)
Using a lot of skin care products with preservatives or alcohol
Poor diet and stress

All of these can lead to an imbalance, where the good bacteria are reduced and bad ones take over.

What are the signs that something is wrong?

When your microbiome is out of balance, your skin might let you know. You could notice:

More pimples or breakouts
Dry, itchy patches
Redness or irritation
Flare-ups of eczema, psoriasis or rosacea
Slow healing when your skin is damaged

This imbalance is called dysbiosis, and it’s more common than you might think.

Can I fix my skin microbiome?

Yes, in many cases, you can help your microbiome recover. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Be gentle with your skin
Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid scrubbing too hard.

2. Don’t overwash
Daily showers are fine, but you don’t need to wash your face multiple times a day unless it’s dirty.

3. Moisturise
Moisturising helps keep your skin barrier strong, which supports a healthy mix of microbes.

4. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics
Only take antibiotics when needed. They affect both your gut and skin bacteria.

5. Eat well
A balanced diet with fibre, fruit, veggies and fermented foods helps your gut—and your skin.

6. Try microbiome-friendly skin products
Some products now include probiotics (live microbes) or prebiotics (ingredients that feed good bacteria). They might be helpful, especially for sensitive or dry skin.

Are probiotics for skin care worth trying?

Early research suggests that some probiotic and prebiotic skin products may help reduce inflammation, improve hydration, and support barrier repair. But they don’t work for everyone, and more studies are needed.

Is there a link between my gut and my skin?

Yes—what happens in your gut can affect your skin. A healthy gut microbiome can help reduce skin problems, while a poor diet or digestive issues may show up as breakouts or irritation. This connection is called the gut–skin axis.

What’s the future of skin microbiome science?

It’s an exciting area of research. Scientists are working on:

Skin tests that check your microbiome balance
Personalised skin care based on your unique microbes
New treatments for eczema, acne and other conditions using good bacteria

We’re only beginning to understand how powerful these microbes really are.

Final takeaway?

The skin microbiome is like a tiny army working quietly on your behalf. When it’s balanced, your skin is stronger, calmer and better protected. You don’t need fancy products—just smart, gentle habits that support your skin’s natural health.

References

Grice EA, Segre JA. The skin microbiome. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2011;9(4):244–253.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21407241/
Kong HH, Segre JA. Skin microbiome: looking back to move forward. J Invest Dermatol. 2012;132(3 Pt 2):933–939.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21763983/
Byrd AL, Belkaid Y, Segre JA. The human skin microbiome. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2018;16(3):143–155.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31013709/
Grice EA, Kong HH, Conlan S, et al. Topographical and temporal diversity of the human skin microbiome. Science. 2009;324(5931):1190–1192.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535073/