Microbiome – Importance, balance and care of the skin flora

The skin microbiome describes the entirety of microorganisms that colonize the skin's surface. It includes bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in symbiosis with the skin barrier. A balanced microbiome protects against pathogenic germs, stabilizes the pH value, and supports the skin's immune system.

Structure and function

Up to one million microorganisms exist per square centimeter on healthy skin. Dominant genera include Staphylococcus epidermidis , Cutibacterium acnes, and Corynebacterium . These form an ecological balance influenced by moisture, temperature, sebum production, and pH level. If this balance is disrupted, irritation, dryness, or acne can result.

Factors influencing the microbiome

• Environment: Air pollution and UV radiation alter microbial communities.
• Personal care products: Aggressive surfactants or alcohol destroy the protective microflora.
• Lifestyle: Diet, stress and sleep influence bacterial diversity.
• pH value: A slightly acidic environment (pH 4.5–5.5) promotes beneficial germs.

The microbiome and the skin barrier

The microbiome works closely with the lipid barrier. It supports the production of antimicrobial peptides and strengthens the immune system. If the barrier is weakened, microorganisms lose their balance. According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2022), disrupted microbiome diversity leads to increased sensitivity and inflammatory response ( PubMed 35764244 ).

Probiotic and prebiotic skincare

Probiotic cosmetics contain inactive microorganisms or their metabolites that support the natural flora. Prebiotic formulations provide nutrients such as inulin or alpha-glucan oligosaccharides that promote beneficial skin bacteria. Both approaches have improved barrier function and reduced skin redness in clinical studies ( PMC 9148535 ).

Natural care for microbiome balance

Products with gentle lipids and antioxidant plant extracts support the balance of the skin flora. NATURFACTOR®'s Blue Crystal Drops facial oil, with bioactive phytosterols and vitamin C derivatives, strengthens the skin barrier and creates a stable environment for the microbiome. Its gentle, non-comedogenic formula preserves natural bacterial diversity and protects against oxidative stress.

Link between nutrition and skin microbiome

A diet rich in fiber and polyphenols can positively influence the skin microbiome. Foods such as green tea, berries, and fermented products contain phytochemicals that have antioxidant properties and modulate inflammatory processes. A healthy gut flora is closely linked to the microbial balance of the skin (the "gut-skin axis").

Practical care recommendations

• Gentle cleaning with pH-neutral or slightly acidic products.
• Avoid alcohol and synthetic fragrances.
• Integration of probiotic or prebiotic agents into routine practice.
• Combination with moisturizing lipids such as squalane.

Conclusion

The skin microbiome is a complex yet essential ecosystem. Caring for it means keeping skin more resilient, balanced, and healthy in the long term. Products like Blue Crystal Drops naturally support the skin barrier and promote a stable microbial balance.

Sources

1. Byrd AL et al. (2022): Cutaneous Microbiome and Barrier Interaction – J Invest Dermatol
2. Lee H et al. (2022): Prebiotics and Probiotics in Cosmetics – Front Microbiol
3. Nakatsuji T et al. (2021): Antimicrobial Peptides and Microbiome Equilibrium – J Am Acad Dermatol
4. Front Cell Infect Microbiol (2023): Gut-Skin Axis and Microbiome Health Review

Tags: microbiome, skin flora, probiotic care, blue crystal drops, skin barrier, prebiotics