Patterns in the skin microbiota differ in children and teenagers between rural and urban environments

The skin protects from outer threats and this function is supported by commensal microbes. Alterations in skin microbiota are linked with common dermatological diseases. Thus, it is central to understand what drives these alterations. We show that the age and the living environment are associated with the composition of individual skin microbiota. The effect of living environment seems to be strongest in young children, which is notable as the first years of life are most chritical for immune system development in cross-talk with microbiota. Age-related skin physiology and lifestyle also importantly shape microbiota. In conclusion, children growing-up in contrasting environments are exposed to different microbial environment, which may influence their future health through the altered development of microbiota.