The microbiome and skin health: Emerging roles in dermatological therapy

The human skin hosts a diverse array of microorganisms, collectively referred to as the skin microbiome. This complex ecosystem, composed primarily of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health by modulating immune responses, protecting against pathogenic invasion, and contributing to the integrity of the skin barrier. Recent advancements in metagenomic sequencing and microbial pro ling have shed light on the dynamic interactions between host skin and its resident microbiota, revealing signi cant implications for both health and disease. Alterations in the composition or function of the skin microbiome, referred to as dysbiosis, have been increasingly associated with various dermatological conditions, including acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea. These ndings suggest that microbial imbalance may not only re ect but also actively drive in ammatory and immune-mediated skin disorders. Gaining insight into these interactions presents promising opportunities for developing new therapeutic approaches. New therapeutic strategies focused on restoring microbial balance involve the application of topical probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and microbiome transplantation. Such approaches are designed to enhance bene cial microbial populations, suppress pathogenic strains, and support skin homeostasis with minimal side e ects compared to conventional therapies. Furthermore, personalized dermatological treatments based on individual microbiome pro les represent a promising avenue for future clinical practice. Despite growing enthusiasm, signi cant challenges remain, including the standardization of sampling techniques, interpretation of metagenomic data, and regulatory frameworks governing live microbial products. Nonetheless, the integration of microbiome science into dermatology holds great potential to revolutionize the management of chronic skin diseases.