What Disrupts the Skin Microbiome?

The skin microbiome is an intricate ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that protect and maintain skin health (Smythe & Wilkinson, 2023). It acts as a defence against harmful pathogens, regulates inflammation, and supports the skin’s overall barrier function. However, disruptions to this microbiome can eventually lead to skin issues like acne, eczema, and various skin infections (Wallen-Russell, 2019). Understanding these disruptions is key to making informed choices about skincare, diet, and lifestyle to promote healthy skin.

1. Harsh Skincare Products

Personal care products like soaps and lotions can disrupt the skin microbiome by removing natural oils and beneficial microbes. Many contain harsh chemicals, such as preservatives and fragrances, which reduce microbial diversity and promote the growth of harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. A study by Wallen-Russel (2018) found that synthetic ingredients generally lower the positive effects on skin biodiversity. Using essential, pH-balanced skincare products is recommended to maintain a healthy skin microbiome.

2. Antibiotics and Medications

The use of antibiotics is a major disruptor of the skin microbiome. While antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, their overuse or misuse can eliminate beneficial bacteria alongside harmful pathogens. This disruption can lead to a decrease in microbial diversity and the dominance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which may contribute to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Studies have shown that prolonged antibiotic use can have lasting effects on the skin's microbial communities, making it more prone to dysbiosis and related diseases (Byrd et al., 2018).

3. Environmental Factors

Environmental exposures are a major cause of skin microbiome disruption. Pollution, particularly airborne particulate matter and toxins, weakens the skin barrier and alters microbial diversity by causing oxidative stress and inflammation. This imbalance favours harmful microbes while reducing beneficial ones. Araviiskaia et al. (2019) found that chronic inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis tend to worsen in individuals, including children, when exposed to high pollution levels.
While moderate sun exposure is beneficial, excessive UV exposure can cause acute and chronic skin damage, including inflammation, premature ageing, and increased cancer risk. Patra, Sérézal & Wolf (2020) highlights how UV radiation disrupts the skin microbiome, potentially leading to dysbiosis and compromised skin health.

4. Diet and Lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle choices can also direct the overall health of the skin microbiome. Ghosh, McMahon & Lappin (2021) revealed that a plant-based diet can positively influence the skin microbiome, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby supporting overall skin health. Conversely, diets high in processed foods and saturated fats can negatively impact the microbiome and lead to health issues, including skin conditions.

5. Stress and Hormonal Changes
Stress can significantly impact the skin microbiome, primarily through hormonal and behavioural changes. Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to increased production of cortisol and other stress hormones. This hormonal response can cause inflammation and immune dysregulation, which may exacerbate various skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Additionally, stress can lead to changes in behaviour, such as neglecting skincare routines or engaging in unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking, poor diet) that further disrupt the skin microbiome (Holmes et al., 2015).