The Skin Microbiome: Composition, Dysbiosis, and Therapeutic Implications

This chapter provides an in-depth overview of the human skin microbiome — its structural diversity, site-specific composition, and dynamic relationship with host immunity and barrier function. It examines how microbial dysbiosis contributes to the pathogenesis of conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis, drawing on metagenomic and metabolomic evidence. The chapter concludes with a forward-looking discussion of microbiome-targeted therapeutics, including probiotic formulations, bacteriophage therapy, and microbiome restoration strategies.