Your skin is home to trillions of microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other organisms that live on and within it. This community is called the skin microbiome, and a healthy, diverse microbiome is one of the hallmarks of well-functioning skin.
Certain species of bacteria help defend against pathogens by producing antimicrobial compounds and competing for space, crowding out the opportunistic bacteria that cause harm. Others help regulate the immune response and support the skin's ability to repair itself. A healthy barrier supports a diverse microbiome, and a diverse microbiome supports a healthy barrier.
When the microbiome is disrupted, often called dysbiosis, protective species decline, opportunistic bacteria take over, and the skin's ability to defend itself weakens. This is part of what drives conditions like acne, where Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) becomes overrepresented, or eczema, where Staphylococcus aureus can dominate the skin's surface and worsen inflammation. The microbiome is not the only driver of these conditions, but it is a significant one.
What disrupts the skin microbiome
- Antibacterial cleansers and wipes, which do not distinguish between harmful and beneficial bacteria
- Products with a high pH, which alter the environment the microbiome depends on
- Synthetic fragrances and preservatives in skincare
- Frequent exfoliation, which removes the outer layers of skin that microorganisms inhabit
- Oral antibiotics, which affect the microbiome throughout the body
- Stress, poor sleep, and dietary factors
Most cosmetic skincare does not account for the microbiome. Corneotherapy does. Where conventional products often disrupt the skin's microbial balance without consideration, the products used in corneotherapy are formulated to work in harmony with the skin's biology rather than against it. Supporting the microbiome is not a trend. It is honouring how the skin is designed to function.