The Skin Microbiota: A Sentinel of Health and A New Frontier for Disease Indication

The skin microbiome contains a rich and complex ecosystem of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi as well as viruses which are essential in maintaining skin health and the homeostasis of the human. The skin microbiome changes with body site, and the atmosphere (temperature, humidity and sunlight), etc., contribute to its diversity. Imbalance of the skin microbiome is associated with different complexion disorders such atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, rosacea. Moreover, modifications of the skin microbiome have been related to systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease) via the gut-skin axis. The skin microbiome also plays a critical role in the regulation of immune homeostasis and pathogen defense. The skin microbiota type can be used as a biomarker of the health of the skin, and has potential applications in early identification and personalized treatment. The current review deals with the information pertaining to the composition and dynamics of skin microflora, contribution of skin microbiota to systemic health status, the value of skin microbiome as a marker of human health, some perspectives new research avenues in psychodermatology, environmental and lifestyle influences on host-microbe interactions occurring on the skin (skinomic studies) and gut-skin cross-talk.