Skin microbiome composition

"Skin microbiome composition" refers not to a single molecule or receptor but rather to the **complex community structure**—the types and proportions—of microorganisms living on human skin. This includes bacteria (*Staphylococcus*, *Cutibacterium*, *Corynebacterium*), fungi (*Malassezia* spp.), viruses, archaea, mites (*Demodex* spp.), among others. The composition is shaped by host genetics, age, body site topography, environment/exposures, hygiene practices, immune status and more. A balanced ("healthy") composition supports barrier integrity and immune defense while preventing colonization by pathogens. Disruption ("dysbiosis") is linked with various inflammatory diseases including acne vulgaris (overgrowth/pathogenic strains of C. acnes), atopic dermatitis (loss of diversity/increase S. aureus), psoriasis/rosacea/seborrheic dermatitis/wounds/autoimmune conditions—all associated with characteristic shifts in microbial communities. Therapeutically manipulating this ecosystem using probiotics/prebiotics/postbiotics/phages/transplants represents an emerging strategy for managing these disorders but "skin microbiome composition" itself is not a druggable molecular target—it describes an ecological state rather than a discrete entity amenable to direct pharmacologic intervention. > Imbalances in the skin microbiota composition are associated with several pathological conditions... therefore... approaches which preserve or restore the natural individual balance represent a novel target not only for dermatologists but also for skincare applications. In summary: "Skin microbiome composition" is **not** a canonical molecular target like an enzyme or receptor but rather describes an ecological feature relevant both diagnostically and therapeutically across multiple dermatological diseases.

Other names

Skin microbiota compositionCutaneous microbiome profileMicrobial community of the skin

Drugs or interventions targeting the skin microbiome act by restoring microbial balance (eubiosis), suppressing pathogenic species through competitive exclusion or bacteriophage activity, enhancing beneficial microbe growth with prebiotics, or modulating immune responses via postbiotic metabolites.