Knowledge Treasures
Skin Microbiome: The Invisible Protective Shield of the Skin
Key facts at a glance
The Most Natural Protection for Your Skin
The skin microbiome is a highly sensitive ecosystem made up of millions of microorganisms. They inhabit the skin and play a central role in the skin barrier and the immune system.
A healthy skin microbiome protects against pathogens, regulates inflammation and supports wound healing. In contrast, an imbalance can lead to dysbiosis and thus to skin problems such as acne or atopic dermatitis. With microbiome-friendly natural cosmetics, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, however, the skin microbiome can be specifically protected, strengthened and regenerated.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Skin Microbiome
- What is the skin microbiome?
- Which microorganisms make up the skin microbiome?
- How does the skin microbiome develop?
- What role does pH play for the skin microbiome?
- What functions does the skin microbiome fulfill?
- Why is colonization resistance so important for the skin?
- Which factors influence the skin microbiome?
- What does dysbiosis mean and which skin problems are associated with it?
- Which skincare supports the skin microbiome?
- What are prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics in skincare?
- Which plant oils are particularly microbiome-friendly?
- What role does the gut-skin axis play for the skin microbiome?
- How does nutrition support the skin microbiome?
- What role does stress play in the health of the skin microbiome?
What is the skin microbiome?
The skin microbiome is the sum of all microorganisms that colonize our skin surface.
Our skin is not a sterile organ – on the contrary: millions of microbes live on every square centimetre. They form a unique and protective ecosystem. Different skin regions provide different habitats. The microbiome is like a city on our skin: with inhabitants living in peaceful coexistence—provided the balance is maintained.
The microbiome is shaped by our genetics, our age, our skin type, our lifestyle and various environmental factors. Therefore, it is as individual as a fingerprint. Not to be confused: the skin microbiome is not the skin barrier, but it is an essential part and functional partner of it.
Which microorganisms make up the skin microbiome?
The skin microbiome consists of bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea:
- Bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms which regulate metabolic processes, break down lipids and produce protective substances. Some are beneficial (e.g., Staphylococcus epidermidis), others can promote skin problems when out of balance.
- Fungi: Fungi are multicellular or unicellular organisms. They are a natural part of the skin flora. However, if they overgrow, they can cause irritation or flaking.
- Viruses: Viruses are tiny particles that reproduce only in host cells. On the skin, bacteriophages are especially relevant: viruses that infect bacteria and thereby regulate the microbial balance.
- Archaea: Archaea are ancient microorganisms with some similarity to bacteria. It is believed that they play an important role in the stability and regeneration of the skin flora. However, they have been less researched so far.
How does the skin microbiome develop?
The skin microbiome forms at birth and evolves throughout life.
Already during passage through the birth canal, babies are colonised by a variety of microbes. During puberty, hormones especially influence the bacterial composition. In adulthood, by contrast, the environment and our skincare habits become highly significant. Even in advanced age the skin flora remains dynamic and adapts to external changes. It is therefore never too late to begin good care.
What Role Does pH Play for the Skin Microbiome?
The pH value of the skin is crucial for the balance of the microbiome.
In the slightly acidic range of 4.5–5.5 it forms an ideal acid mantle on the skin. Sounds technical, but this is one of the most important protective factors.
The pH value acts like a biological filter: it promotes useful and healthy microbes and makes it harder for germs and other pathogens to penetrate. Many believe frequent cleansing is particularly healthy for the skin. In fact, excessive cleansing can weaken the acid mantle and throw the microbiome out of balance.
Our expert tip:
When the pH value rises due to alkaline soaps or aggressive cleansing, beneficial bacteria can lose their habitat. Therefore, always choose mild, pH-neutral products. These are the foundation of microbiome-friendly skincare.
Products like the Delicate Hand Wash are gentle and preserve the natural balance of your skin flora with every hand wash. For the sensitive intimate area, we have also developed our particularly gentle Sensitive Comfort Intimate Wash for intimate care.
What Functions Does the Skin Microbiome Fulfill?
The skin microbiome protects the skin, supports the skin barrier and regulates inflammatory processes.
It acts like an active protective shield: beneficial microbes block harmful pathogens, aid wound healing and strengthen the immune system. Its effect is amplified by antioxidants — for example vitamin E or secondary plant compounds. These support the microbiome in its fight against free radicals.
Furthermore, a healthy skin flora contributes to retaining moisture reserves. The same applies to the skin’s antioxidant defence. Numerous studies also show that a balanced skin flora is associated with healthier and slower skin ageing (Ratanapokasatit et al., 2022).
The Microbiome as Part of the Skin Immune Organ
The skin is our largest immune organ and the microbiome makes it strong: the microbes train the immune system, fend off pathogens and ensure a healthy balance. Without this interplay the skin’s defensive power would be significantly weaker.
Why is Colonization Resistance so important for the skin?
The skin’s colonization resistance describes its ability to displace disease-causing germs: bacteria occupy binding sites and produce antimicrobial substances. By doing so they prevent the growth of dangerous microbes. That is exactly the role of the skin microbiome.
Our expert tip:
A diverse skin flora (as the skin microbiome is commonly called) can be supported through gentle care and a conscious routine. Aggressive products can disturb this important balance. Always reach for microbiome-friendly cosmetics that actively strengthen your skin’s colonization resistance.
Which Factors Influence the Skin Microbiome?
The skin microbiome is influenced by our individual skincare, by environmental factors and by our lifestyle.
Frequent showering, aggressive cleansers or excessive disinfection disturb the microbiome’s balance. Stress, lack of sleep and an unhealthy diet can also have a strong impact. In addition, medications such as antibiotics can significantly impair the microbiome and favour dysbiosis.
Dos and Don’ts for a Healthy Skin Microbiome
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What Does Dysbiosis Mean and Which Skin Problems Are Associated with It?
Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance that promotes skin problems.
Typical symptoms of dysbiosis are redness, itching or dryness. Also recurrent skin irritations, increased sensitivity to skincare products or a tendency to infections can be signs of a disturbed skin microbiome.
The Consequences of a Damaged Skin Microbiome
A damaged skin microbiome often shows itself through dryness, redness, itching or increased susceptibility to inflammation and infections. Acne, atopic dermatitis or rosacea may also be aggravated by an imbalance. A weakened microbiome can also make the skin more prone to allergies because the natural protective function is reduced.
A widespread misconception: antibacterial products might literally “wash away” skin problems or “etch out” the bad bacteria. In reality they may also displace beneficial bacteria – thereby weakening the natural protective shield.
Dry skin, for example, benefits from our Silky Renewal Body Elixir. This is a nourishing body oil that strengthens the skin barrier and supplies moisture. For impure skin our Purifying Cleansing Gel and Deep Purifying Serum ensure optimal cleansing and sustainable recovery without drying out the skin.
How Does the Skin Microbiome Influence Acne or Atopic Dermatitis?
If the skin microbiome is unbalanced, it can significantly worsen skin problems such as acne and atopic dermatitis.
In acne certain skin bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes multiply excessively. These cause inflamed pimples, clogged pores and increased sebum production.
In atopic dermatitis harmful germs such as Staphylococcus aureus take over. The consequence is a weakened skin barrier, intensified itching and an inclination to acute flares.
*For skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, we recommend consulting a dermatologist. This ensures that the treatment can be tailored to your individual needs and potential triggers can be professionally identified.
Did you know?
Even skin ageing can be accelerated by a disrupted skin microbiome. The reason: the skin is less well protected, loses moisture more easily and responds more sensitively to environmental influences. Often wrinkles and a dull complexion are the result.
The good news: issues like these can be addressed specifically with the right care. Our Skin Calming Mask soothes the skin and supports regeneration, the Age Repair Miracle Drops provide youthful glow and the Hyaluronic Repair Booster Cream contributes to a smooth complexion.
Which Skincare Supports the Skin Microbiome?
Gentle, rich care made from high-quality ingredients can specifically support the skin microbiome.
PH-skin-neutral cleansers, microbiome-friendly creams with plant oils and natural cosmetics without aggressive surfactants are recommended. Ingredients such as strong emulsifiers, high concentrations of alcohol or synthetic fragrances should be avoided. The reason: they can irritate the skin’s protective barrier and disturb the balance of the skin flora. And: More products do not automatically mean more protection. Too many ingredients can irritate the skin barrier and disturb the balance.
What Are Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics in Skincare?
Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics are key active ingredients for a healthy skin flora.
Prebiotics serve as food for beneficial microbes, probiotics deliver active microorganisms or extracts and postbiotics act anti-inflammatorily:
- Prebiotics in skincare: promote the growth of good bacteria
- Probiotics in skincare: introduce bacteria to the skin
- Postbiotics in skincare: stabilise the skin environment
Which Plant Oils Are Particularly Microbiome-Friendly?
There are many plant oils that resemble the skin’s natural lipids, provide moisture and protect from dehydration:
- Jojoba oil resembles the skin’s natural lipids, moisturises and protects from dryness
- Almond oil is particularly mild, soothes sensitive skin and strengthens the skin barrier
- Squalane retains moisture and makes the skin smooth
- Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, regenerates skin and has anti-inflammatory effects
- Chamomile oil soothes irritated skin, eases redness and acts anti-inflammatorily
- Rosehip oil promotes cell renewal, smooths fine lines and supports skin elasticity
- Rosemary oil has mild antimicrobial effects, stimulates circulation and supports the balance of the skin flora
- Tea tree oil can have antimicrobial effects in low dosage, but should be used sparingly
- Lavender oil supports the balance of the skin flora, soothes and relaxes
What Role Does the Gut-Skin Axis Play for the Skin Microbiome?
The gut-skin axis plays a central role because the internal microbiome in the gut directly influences the skin microbiome.
If the gut flora falls out of balance, the skin flora can also be disrupted. This can favour and intensify skin problems such as acne, atopic dermatitis or rosacea. Conversely, a healthy gut with diverse bacteria supports the skin’s defensive power. It stabilises the skin barrier and promotes clear, resilient skin. For this reason, a balanced diet with fibre, fermented foods and healthy fats is regarded as an important foundation for a stable skin microbiome.
How Does Nutrition Support the Skin Microbiome?
Our diet influences the skin via the gut-skin axis.
Fibre, fermented foods and omega-3 fatty acids promote balance and act anti-inflammatorily. In addition, sugar should be avoided because it promotes the growth of unfavourable microbes.
A varied, plant-based diet ensures diversity in the internal and external microbiome. The following vitamins are particularly important:
- B-vitamins (e.g., biotin, niacin) and vitamin A (retinol) help to maintain healthy skin. Some B-vitamins are also involved in important metabolic processes in the body.
- Vitamin C supports normal skin and immune system function.
- Vitamin E protects against oxidative stress.
- Vitamin D plays an important role in cell division
What’s good for your skin microbiome:
- Fermented foods (e.g., kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir)
- Fibre from whole grains, legumes, vegetables
- Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., from flaxseed, walnuts, algae oil)
- Vitamins B, D and E
What Role Does Stress Play in the Health of the Skin Microbiome?
Stress throws hormones and immune reactions out of balance and thereby weakens the skin flora. Especially chronic stress promotes inflammation and makes the skin more susceptible to dysbiosis.
Our expert tip:
Be conscious of small breaks in everyday life, sufficient sleep and regular movement. Even short routines like breathing exercises or walks can help reduce stress and thus positively influence the skin’s appearance.
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