Effect of skincare products on facial skin microbial structure and biophysical parameters: A pilot study. Skin microbiome community

OBJECTIVE: Daily use of cosmetics is known to affect the skin microbiome. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial community structure and skin biophysical parameters following daily application of skincare products on the face. METHODS: Twenty-five Korean women, who used the same skincare product for four weeks participated in the study. During this period, skin hydration, texture, sebum content, and pH were measured, and skin swab samples were collected on the cheeks. The microbiota was analyzed using the MiSeq system.RESULTS: Bacterial diversity in facial skin increased and the microbial community changed after four weeks of skincare product application. The relative abundance of Cutibacterium and Staphylococcus increased, significant changes in specific bacterial modules of the skin microbial network were observed, and skin hydration and texture improved.CONCLUSION: Daily use of skincare products affects both the facial skin microbial structure and its biophysical properties, suggesting a relationship between these two factors. These findings expand our understanding of the role of skincare products on the skin environment.