Skin microbiome and mental well-being: an emerging connection.

The skin is not a simple physical barrier: it is a complex sensory organ, richly innervated and in constant communication with its environment, including with the central nervous system. The balance of the skin microbiome that inhabits it therefore plays an essential role in these interactions (1). An imbalance of the skin microbiome (dysbiosis) can promote the onset of skin diseases such as acne, dermatitis, or psoriasis. These skin conditions can have a significant impact on mental health and may lead to anxiety, depression, or reduced self-esteem (2).

Thanks to close interactions between cutaneous nerves, neuropeptides, immune mediators, and barrier components, the skin can both influence and be influenced by emotional stress, neuroinflammation, and microbial dysbiosis.

More specifically, the composition and diversity of the skin microbiome not only modulate barrier integrity and inflammatory responses but may also affect emotional states via the skin–gut–brain axis. Indeed, dysbiosis of the skin microbiome can activate systemic inflammatory pathways and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis responses, exacerbating mood disorders and cutaneous inflammation (1). Recent data suggest that certain postbiotics derived from commensal microorganisms, as well as short-chain fatty acids produced by the skin microbiome, contribute to the regulation of neuroinflammation and psychological stress (1).

A two-way link

This link is bidirectional: stress and psychological disorders can in turn disturb the balance of the skin microbiome, setting up a vicious cycle between skin and psyche (2).

Taking stress as a specific example, it acts directly on skin health and function through hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These stress mediators can also alter the composition of the skin microbiome, thereby contributing to dysbiosis (3). Emotional stress has indeed been shown to shift the composition of the skin microbiome, triggering a feedback loop that worsens both dermatological symptoms and emotional imbalances (1). This bidirectional connection between the skin and the brain relies on neurohormonal and sensory communication: the brain regulates certain skin functions via neurohormonal signals, while the skin transmits to the brain tactile information (itching), visual cues (lesions, acne), or biochemical signals (inflammation) (4).

Example of acne

Acne is a risk factor for mental health disorders, including anxiety, mood disturbances, negative body image, low self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, and even suicide attempts across all age groups. According to the literature, acne and stress share a bidirectional relationship. For instance, stress can worsen acne severity, while the challenges resulting from acne such as social isolation and lack of self-confidence, can in turn lead to depression (2).

Case study

A recent study highlighted a link between certain skin bacteria and psychological well-being. In 57 participants with an average age of 63, researchers analyzed the microbiome composition across different body sites (face, forearm, scalp, and armpit). They focused particularly on Cutibacterium acnes, the most abundant species in the human skin microbiome. The results showed that a higher abundance of Cutibacterium on the face and underarms was associated with reduced stress, and that its increase in the underarms correlated with improved mood. These findings suggest that certain skin bacteria may positively contribute to emotional well-being (4).

Conclusion

In summary, the close connections between the skin and gut microbiomes and psychological health open up new therapeutic perspectives. Restoring the balance of these microbiomes through diet, probiotics, prebiotics, or even microbiome transplantation could offer a promising strategy to address both skin disorders and their psychological impacts (2).

And what about BYOME LABS?

At BYOME LABS, we closely follow advances in microbiome research, convinced that its influence goes far beyond the skin barrier. The latest discoveries on the connections between the microbiome, skin, and psychological health reinforce our vision: the work we do doesn’t stop at the skin’s surface but is part of a holistic understanding of the interactions between microbiomes and well-being.

Although the development of skincare grounded in microbiome science is still in its early stages, each new study brings us closer to a deeper understanding of this complex, living ecosystem.

With over 20 years of expertise in the skin microbiome, we rely on the latest scientific data from multiple approaches (sequencing, culturomics, in vivo studies, etc.) to develop in vitro models representative of various dysbiosis conditions such as acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Through these models, we support brands in the scientific validation of their products, assessing their ability to respect or restore the balance of the skin microbiome.

Our ambition: to advance microbiome science while helping our partners design the skincare of tomorrow, more respectful of both the skin and its ecosystem.

Sources :

1. Haykal D, Berardesca E, Kabashima K, Dréno B. Beyond beauty: Neurocosmetics, the skin-brain axis, and the future of emotionally intelligent skincare. Clin Dermatol. 1 juill 2025;43(4):523‑7.

2. Borrego-Ruiz A, Borrego JJ. Microbial Dysbiosis in the Skin Microbiome and Its Psychological Consequences. Microorganisms. sept 2024;12(9):1908.

3. Duarte M, Pedrosa SS, Khusial PR, Madureira AR. Exploring the interplay between stress mediators and skin microbiota in shaping age-related hallmarks: A review. Mech Ageing Dev. août 2024;220:111956.

4. Tyson-Carr J, Leng J, Scott M, Adams S, Hoptroff M, Murphy B, et al. Body-site specific associations between human skin microbiome composition and psychological wellbeing. Br J Dermatol. 26 mai 2025;ljaf177.