Skin Microbiome: What It Is and How to Support It

Last Reviewed: July, 2026

The skin microbiome is the community of microorganisms that naturally live on the skin's surface and is an important part of skin health. As research into the skin microbiome continues to evolve, scientists are gaining a better understanding of its role in maintaining healthy-looking skin¹. In this guide, we explain what the skin microbiome is, what can affect it, and how simple, consistent skincare habits can help support healthy-looking skin.

Present on everyone's skin, the skin microbiome varies from person to person and is influenced by factors such as age, environment and the area of the body. It works alongside the skin barrier to help maintain healthy-looking skin², but the two differ: the microbiome refers to the microorganisms living on the skin¹, while the skin barrier is the outer layer of the skin that helps protect it from external influences and reduce moisture loss³.

There is no simple way to determine whether your skin microbiome is unbalanced. However, changes in your skin’s appearance or how it feels may indicate that it needs additional support. These changes can have a range of different causes and do not necessarily mean that the skin microbiome has been disrupted.

Signs that your skin may benefit from additional support include:

• Dryness or tightness: Skin may feel dry, tight or less comfortable than usual.
• Increased sensitivity: Skin may become more reactive to certain skincare products or environmental factors.
• Blemish-prone skin: Changes in the skin microbiome may be associated with blemish-prone skin.
• Changes in skin appearance: Skin may appear less healthy-looking or feel less balanced overall¹.

These signs can be influenced by a range of factors, from your skincare routine to environmental exposure. Understanding what can affect the skin microbiome can help you make skincare choices that support your skin's natural balance.

Many everyday factors can influence the skin microbiome, including skincare habits, environmental exposure and certain skin conditions. Understanding these factors can help you make informed choices about your skincare routine.

Cleansing is an essential part of caring for your skin. However, cleansing too frequently, using harsh products or overusing active ingredients may affect the skin's microbiome and barrier function¹.

Factors that can influence the skin microbiome include:

• Washing the skin more often than needed
• Using harsh cleansing products
• Overuse of active ingredients
• Excessive exfoliation

Choosing gentle skincare products and maintaining a consistent routine can help support the skin’s natural balance.

Your skin is exposed to environmental influences every day, which can affect how it looks and feels over time. While these factors cannot always be avoided, suitable skincare can help care for skin exposed to everyday stressors.

Factors that can influence the skin include:

• UV exposure: Sun exposure can contribute to visible changes in the skin over time¹.
• Pollution: Environmental pollutants may affect the skin's surface⁴.
• Weather changes: Changes in temperature and humidity can influence how skin feels³.
• Lifestyle factors: Daily habits, including stress, may also influence overall skin health¹.

Using skincare that's suitable for your skin type alongside daily sun protection can help support healthier-looking skin.

Some skin concerns, including blemish-prone skin and atopic dermatitis, may be associated with changes in the skin microbiome. Research into this relationship is ongoing, helping scientists better understand the role of the skin microbiome in overall skin health⁵.

Supporting the skin microbiome starts with a consistent skincare routine that helps maintain your skin's natural balance. Simple everyday habits, such as choosing suitable skincare and avoiding unnecessary disruption, can help care for your skin over time.

Cleansing removes excess sebum, impurities and other build-up from the skin's surface. Choosing a gentle cleanser that's suitable for your skin type can help cleanse the skin effectively without leaving it feeling dry or uncomfortable.

To help support your skin microbiome:

• Choose a cleanser suitable for your skin type.
• Avoid over-cleansing.
• Look for products that leave your skin feeling comfortable after cleansing.

For blemish-prone skin, Eucerin DERMOPURE Clinical Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid gently cleanses the skin while helping to remove dead skin cells and reduce clogged pores.

Moisturising is an important step in helping maintain moisture balance and comfort. Ingredients such as Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid are commonly used in skincare formulations to help support hydration, while barrier-supporting ingredients such as⁶ Ceramides can help care for the skin’s natural barrier⁷. Applying a moisturiser that’s suitable for your skin type can help keep skin hydrated, comfortable and cared for as part of your daily skincare routine.

Exfoliation can help improve the appearance of skin texture by removing dead skin cells. However, exfoliating too often or combining multiple exfoliating products may leave skin feeling dry or uncomfortable⁸.

When exfoliating:

• Follow the product instructions carefully.
• Introduce active ingredients gradually.
• Avoid using multiple exfoliating products at the same time.

For blemish-prone skin, Eucerin Dermopure Clinical Purifying Scrub is a fragrance-free physical and chemical exfoliator recommended by dermatologists. Formulated with Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid (AHAs), Gluconolactone (PHA) and bio-based soft beads, it is clinically proven to help reduce excess oil and blemishes, unclog pores and gently refine skin texture without drying out the skin.

There is no instant way to "reset" the skin microbiome. Instead, supporting its natural balance involves following a consistent skincare routine that suits your skin's needs over time. Gentle cleansing, regular moisturising, avoiding over-exfoliation and protecting your skin from everyday environmental stressors can all help support healthy-looking skin. Researchers are also continuing to explore microbiome-focused skincare, including probiotic skincare, to better understand how it may support different skin concerns¹.

The skin microbiome is present across the entire body¹, but it varies depending on factors such as the area of skin, environment and individual skin needs. While facial and body skin share the same overall microbiome concept, different areas of the body can have different requirements. Body skin, for example, may be exposed to factors such as frequent washing, friction and environmental stressors, which can affect how it looks and feels.

The Eucerin pH5 range includes gentle cleansing and moisturising products, such as shower gels, shower oils, body lotions and gel creams, formulated for sensitive skin to help support the skin barrier as part of a daily body care routine.

Supporting the skin microbiome involves maintaining simple, consistent skincare habits that work with your skin’s natural balance. The skin microbiome and skin barrier play different but connected roles in supporting skin health, and factors such as cleansing habits, environmental exposure and certain skin conditions can influence them.