Skin & the Microbiome

When we talk about the microbiota, we refer to all those small, one-celled organisms we have in and on our bodies—bacteria, viruses, archaea and fungi. The microbiome is the collective number of genes present in those microbes, which we measure by sequencing.

There has never been a time in human life when we existed without microbes. They’ve been on the planet long before us, and we co-evolved in very tight synergy.

They help us digest food, protect us from infection, train our immune system and even produce vitamins we can’t make ourselves. We, in turn, offer them food and a place to live—so it’s a mutually beneficial relationship.

You’ll find microbes in the mouth, gut and skin. Any membrane in contact with the outside environment hosts its own microbiome, all playing a role in protecting against infections.

The gut microbiome is the most important because it weighs around 1–1.5 kg—similar to brain tissue—so it’s essentially a distinct organ. It’s extremely metabolically active, producing small molecules that circulate throughout the body.

A balanced gut microbiome supports every organ, including the skin. When there’s an imbalance, it can contribute to inflammation that shows up as eczema, psoriasis or acne.

Diet is key. Eat a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains—these provide prebiotics (fiber) that feed good bacteria. Include fermented foods—yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut—to introduce probiotics directly.

On the skin side, avoid harsh skincare that strips away protective microbes: skip antibacterial soaps, strong detergents and fragranced products unless necessary. Finally, use antibiotics only when absolutely needed, since they disrupt microbial balance.

Above all, be gentle. Avoid antibacterial and antifungal compounds unless prescribed. Use mild cleansers rather than harsh soaps or detergents.

Products with high lipid content help maintain a healthy barrier, keeping beneficial bacteria in place. Vitamins and emollients can support skin health, but the real focus should be on not washing away your natural microbiome.

You’ll first notice dry, irritated skin. Over time, a disrupted microbiome can lead to conditions like eczema or acne, because you’ve lost the protective balance of microbes that keep inflammation and pathogens in check.

The biggest myth is that we need to keep bacteria away from our skin. In reality, bacteria protect us from disease. Preserving your natural skin microbiome—through diet, gentle cleansing and spending time in nature—is essential for healthy skin.