The Skin Microbiome

Scientific Definition

The skin microbiome is the community of symbiotic microorganisms that live on the surface of the skin. It consists of:

• Bacteria (the vast majority)
• Fungi
• Viruses
• Microscopic mites

These organisms are not necessarily harmful; most of them are beneficial or neutral and together they form a balanced ecosystem.

Main Components of the Skin Microbiome

1. Bacteria (most abundant)
2. Fungi
3. Viruses
4. Microscopic mites (live in hair follicles)

Biological Functions of the Skin Microbiome

1. Defensive barrier

• Competition with harmful microbes: they consume nutrients and release substances that inhibit pathogens
• Immune stimulation: they “train” the immune system to distinguish friend from foe

2. Metabolic functions

• Breakdown of oils and sweat
• Production of natural moisturizing substances
• Maintenance of skin acidity (pH 4.5–5.5)

3. Physical barrier

• Formation of a protective biofilm

Factors Affecting Skin Microbiome Diversity

• Anatomical site: oily, dry, or moist areas
• Age: differs in infants, adults, and the elderly
• Sex: influenced by hormones
• Climate and geography: humidity, temperature, ultraviolet radiation
• Diet: affects the skin through the gut–skin axis
• Hygiene and cosmetics: soaps, antiseptics, moisturizers
• Genetics: skin type, sebum (oil) production

Health Importance

The skin microbiome plays a role in:

1. Acne
2. Eczema
3. Wound healing
4. Antibiotic resistance

Modern Medical Applications

1. Topical probiotics

Products containing beneficial bacteria, such as certain strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis, which help prevent acne-related inflammation.

2. Prebiotics

Substances that selectively nourish beneficial bacteria, such as specific oligosaccharides.

3. Microbial transplantation

Transferring microbes from healthy skin to diseased skin — currently under clinical research.

4. Precision diagnostics

Analysis of the skin microbiome may help diagnose skin diseases and some systemic diseases (such as diabetes).

Common Myths That Need Correction

1. “Skin must be sterile” ❌
   Wrong — beneficial microbes are essential.
2. “All bacteria are harmful” ❌
   Wrong — about 99% of our microbes are harmless or beneficial.
3. “Antiseptics are always better” ❌
   They may also kill beneficial microbes.

Tips to Maintain a Healthy Skin Microbiome

1. Avoid excessive washing — over-cleansing disrupts balance.
2. Choose gentle products — avoid harsh chemicals.
3. Pay attention to nutrition — fiber and dietary probiotics help.
4. Reduce stress — it affects immunity and the microbiome.
5. Consult a specialist for persistent skin problems.

The skin microbiome is a virtual organ with vital functions, not just transient microbes.

Understanding it reshapes:

• Skin health: not the absence of microbes, but their balance
• Treatment: from killing microbes to modulating the microbial community
• Prevention: by preserving microbial diversity

This concept fundamentally changes how we approach skin care and skin diseases and opens new therapeutic horizons based on coexistence with our microbes rather than fighting them.

The Role of the International Health Organization in the Field of the Skin Microbiome

The International Health Organization (IHO) plays a central role in supporting scientific research and developing health policies related to the human microbiome, including the skin microbiome. Through its programs on antimicrobial resistance, non-communicable diseases, and preventive health, the organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining microbial balance rather than indiscriminately eliminating microorganisms. The IHO also supports the development of evidence-based therapeutic strategies, such as the use of probiotics and prebiotics, and promotes the rational use of antiseptics and antibiotics to minimize disruption of the skin microbiome. In addition, the organization contributes to establishing global guidelines for hygiene and skin care in hospitals and communities in order to protect the natural microbiome and reduce infections, thereby enhancing both skin health and overall public health.

Caring for the skin microbiome may be a key to improving public health and can foster new collaboration between dermatology, pharmacy, and public health.

Prepared by:
Dr. Sara Adnan Ismael
Pharmacist, Medico Pharmaceutical Laboratories

مراجعات شاملة عن النبيت الجلدي (Skin Microbiome)

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   – المرجع الأساسي والأكثر شهرة في المجال

2. Byrd, A. L., Belkaid, Y., & Segre, J. A. (2018). The human skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology , 16(3), 143-155. 

   – تحديث شامل للثورة في فهم النبيت الجلدي

3. Chen, Y. E., Fischbach, M. A., & Belkaid, Y. (2018). Skin microbiota-host interactions. Nature , 553(7689), 427-436. 

   – التفاعلات بين الميكروبات والجهاز المناعي الجلدي

  العلاقة بين النبيت الجلدي والصحة الجهازية

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   – محور الأمعاء-الجلد وتأثيراته الجهازية

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   – تطبيقات في أمراض الحساسية

  الصيدلة التجميلية والبروبيوتيك الموضعي

6. Lolou, V., & Panayiotidis, M. I. (2019). Functional role of probiotics and prebiotics on skin health and disease. Fermentation , 5(2), 41. 

   – تطبيقات البروبيوتيك في العناية بالبشرة

7. Krueger, J. G., & Brunner, P. M. (2018). Interleukin-17 alters the biology of many cell types involved in psoriasis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology , 138(4), 731-735. 

   – الأساس المناعي لعلاجات جديدة

  التفاوت الجغرافي والاجتماعي

8. Gupta, V. K., et al. (2019). Geography, ethnicity or subsistence-specific variations in human microbiome composition and diversity. Frontiers in Microbiology , 10, 116. 

   – تأثير الجغرافيا والعرق على النبيت الجلدي

9. Ying, S., et al. (2015). The influence of age and gender on skin-associated microbial communities in urban and rural human populations. PLoS ONE , 10(10), e0141842. 

   – دراسات مقارنة بين المناطق الحضرية والريفية

  التطبيقات العلاجية والوقائية

10. Kober, M. M., & Bowe, W. P. (2015). The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology , 1(2), 85-89. 

    – البروبيوتيك في الأمراض الجلدية الشائعة

11. Dagnelie, M. A., Corvec, S., Saint-Jean, M., & Khammari, A. (2018). Decrease in diversity of Propionibacterium acnes phylotypes in patients with severe acne. European Journal of Dermatology , 28(4), 442-456. 

    – التطبيقات في حب الشباب

  المنظور العالمي والصحة العامة

12. WHO. (2020). Global report on the epidemiology of skin diseases . World Health Organization. 

    – تقرير منظمة الصحة العالمية عن عبء الأمراض الجلدية عالمياً

13. Hay, R. J., et al. (2014). The global burden of skin disease in 2010: an analysis of the prevalence and impact of skin conditions. Journal of Investigative Dermatology , 134(6), 1527-1534. 

    – عبء الأمراض الجلدية على الصحة العالمية

  المراجع الحديثة (2020-2024)

14. Boxberger, M., et al. (2021). Challenges in exploring and manipulating the human skin microbiome. Microbiome , 9(1), 125. 

    – تحديات وتقنيات حديثة في البحث

15. Ferguson, F. M., & Gray, N. S. (2023). Skin microbiome modulation for disease prevention. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery , 22(3), 205-223. 

    – منظور اكتشاف الأدوية والوقاية