What Is the Skin Microbiome?

The skin microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms that live on the surface of your skin. These microbes include bacteria, fungi and viruses that exist in a delicate balance with the body.

Scientific studies have shown that one square centimetre of skin can host up to one million microorganisms. Across the entire body, the number of microbial cells living on the skin is enormous.

Far from being harmful, many of these microbes play an important role in maintaining healthy skin.

Different areas of the body support different microbial communities. For example:

• Oily areas such as the face and scalp tend to host Cutibacterium species
• Moist areas such as the armpits often contain Staphylococcus species
• Certain fungi, such as Malassezia, are common residents of healthy skin

Together, these organisms form a living ecosystem that interacts closely with the skin barrier and the immune system.

How the Skin Microbiome Protects Your Skin

A balanced skin microbiome helps support skin health in several ways.

First, beneficial microbes help protect against harmful pathogens by occupying space on the skin and producing antimicrobial compounds that prevent unwanted organisms from taking over.

Second, the microbiome interacts with the skin’s immune system. These interactions help the body recognise what is normal and what represents a threat.

Third, the microbiome helps maintain the skin barrier — the outer layer of the skin that prevents water loss and protects against environmental damage.

When the microbiome is stable and diverse, skin is generally more resilient.