Jakarta, 13 March 2026 – Human skin is a complex ecosystem that hosts diverse communities of microorganisms. A community of microorganisms forms an invisible ecosystem beneath the skin, called the skin microbiome. These microorganisms aren’t always harmful bacteria; rather, their diversity can help maintain the skin’s balance.

What is the Skin Microbiome? 

The skin is a vast ecosystem covering approximately 1.8 m², including folds and pores, making it a suitable habitat for various microorganisms. The skin microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that live naturally on the skin’s surface. The microbiome is not dirt that must be completely cleaned from the skin; rather, it is part of the skin’s biological system.

The skin microbiome must be balanced to protect the skin from the growth of pathogenic microbes. If this balance is disturbed, the skin can become irritated or infected. 

The composition of the skin microbiome can vary depending on the location of the skin. In addition, factors such as skin care, skin moisture, sebum levels, hormones, and even age can affect the type and amount of microbiome that lives on the skin. For example, oilier skin areas, such as the face and back, tend to be dominated by Cutibacterium acnes, which thrives in sebum-rich environments. Meanwhile, more moist areas like skin folds tend to be dominated by bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. The skin microbiome is dynamic because its quantity and type can change in response to changes in the body’s condition and environment. This balance plays a crucial role in maintaining overall skin health. 

Function of the Skin Microbiome 

The primary function of the microbiome is to act as a protective layer to maintain a strong skin barrier. Microorganisms interact with skin cells to help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier structure. A balanced microbiome can protect the skin from various external factors, such as pollution, chemicals, and pathogenic microorganisms that can cause skin disorders.

Furthermore, the microbiome plays a role in regulating the skin’s oil balance. Bacteria utilize sebum as a nutrient source to produce various metabolites, such as fatty acids, that help maintain a more acidic skin pH. This is important because a stable pH can create an environment less conducive to the growth of microorganisms that are harmful to the skin.

The microbiome can also support the skin’s immune system. The microbiome can interact with immune cells and help regulate the body’s immune response in the skin. This interaction helps the immune system recognize harmful microorganisms while maintaining tolerance to harmless microorganisms. The microbiome can also support wound healing and skin regeneration.

Certain microorganisms can stimulate the activity of cells involved in skin tissue repair, helping accelerate recovery when skin is damaged.

Finally, other functions include the ability of some bacteria, such as Corynebacterium, to metabolize sweat into compounds that contribute to body odor, particularly in the underarm area. Furthermore, the microbiome can produce B vitamins such as biotin and riboflavin. Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria can produce compounds that inhibit the growth of UV-damaged skin cells, and the S. Epidermidis microbiome can produce succinic acid, which can help inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

Dysbiosis 

Dysbiosis is a condition in which the balance of the skin microbiome is disrupted. Disruptions can take the form of decreased microbial diversity, microbial imbalance (dominance of certain species), and changes in interactions among microorganisms. In acne, there are changes in the composition of bacteria, such as Cutibacterium acnes, which is more pathogenic, and Staphylococcus bacteria, which are commonly found in inflamed follicles. In atopic dermatitis, the diversity of microorganisms on the skin decreases, accompanied by overgrowth of 

Staphylococcus aureus and a reduction in beneficial bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. This pattern of microbiota imbalance is also found in other skin diseases such as psoriasis, rosacea, chronic wounds, and seborrheic dermatitis, which are often associated with damage to the skin’s protective layer, biofilm formation, and changes in immune response. 

Factors that Disrupt the Skin Microbiome 

Microbiome imbalance can be influenced by environmental factors and daily habits. The use of certain cosmetics can alter the composition of skin microorganisms. This can be due to the presence of preservatives, strong surfactants, and pH levels incompatible with the skin’s pH. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, pollution, and microplastic particles can also trigger inflammation and disrupt the skin’s microbial balance. 

Furthermore, excessive antibiotic use, certain dermatological procedures, and excessive exfoliation can eliminate the beneficial bacteria that help protect the skin. In addition to external factors, internal factors such as aging and hormonal changes can affect the microbiome’s balance and increase the risk of dysbiosis. 

How to Maintain Skin Microbiome Balance 

Maintaining skin microbiome balance is key to maintaining healthy skin. One way to do this is by using microbiome-friendly skincare products, such as those with a pH that matches the skin’s natural pH and gentle cleansers. Additionally, incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics into your skincare routine can support the growth of beneficial bacteria that help maintain microbial balance on the skin and inhibit the growth of microorganisms that may cause skin issues. Lastly, skincare practices such as maintaining skin hydration, avoiding overly aggressive products, and protecting the skin from harmful environmental exposure can help maintain microbiome balance.