THE SKIN MICROBIOME

Fostering balance for optimal skin health.

In recent years, attention has turned to a lesser-known element of skin health: the skin microbiome. This living layer, composed of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, works in tandem with the body to protect, regulate, and restore. When in balance, it helps maintain hydration, support immune function, and protect against environmental stressors. Disruption, on the other hand, can contribute to irritation, dryness, or imbalance.

Understanding how to care for this ecosystem is becoming as important as any topical routine. And it begins with reconsidering not only what we put on our skin, but what we wear against it.

What is the skin microbiome

The skin’s microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms that naturally inhabit its surface. Far from being something to avoid, these microbes serve a protective function: they defend against invasive pathogens, help maintain the skin’s barrier, and support overall resilience. A balanced microbiome allows skin to function at its best—calm, hydrated, and clear.

Supporting the skin’s natural ecology

Supporting the skin’s natural ecology begins with daily habits that either uphold or unsettle its delicate balance. Gentle, pH-balanced cleansers help preserve moisture and maintain microbiome diversity, avoiding the disruption caused by harsh, oil-stripping formulas. Hydration—both internal and topical—is essential; skin thrives on moisture and benefits from nourishing, fragrance-free ingredients that support its barrier rather than masking its needs. A skin-conscious diet, rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and plenty of water, quietly reinforces skin integrity from within. Limiting exposure to environmental irritants, such as pollution, UV rays, and overly reactive skincare products, helps maintain microbial harmony. Just as importantly, managing stress through rest, movement, and moments of stillness can restore equilibrium throughout the body, including its most visible expression—the skin.

The skin we live in

While most conversations around skin health begin and end with topical treatments—creams, serums, cleansers—we often overlook the first layer that touches our body each day: clothing. Fabric sits in near-constant contact with our skin, making its texture, breathability, and composition just as vital to skin wellness as any skincare ritual. The two materials that form the foundation of our wardrobe—canapa (hemp) and cashmere—offer qualities that nurture and support the skin on a foundational level. Derived from the stalk of the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, canapa is a centuries-old textile revered for its drape and durability, but it is also remarkably skin-aware. Its hollow fibres allow for excellent airflow and moisture regulation, helping to prevent both excessive dampness and dryness while supporting the skin’s natural balance. Naturally resistant to bacterial and fungal growth, canapa creates a stable, hygienic environment against the skin, especially in warm or active conditions. It also offers intrinsic UV protection without chemical additives and is hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for sensitive or reactive skin.

Cashmere, sourced from the soft undercoat of the cashmere goat, is known for its featherlight warmth, but its benefits go far deeper. Its superfine fibres reduce friction and glide gently across the body, minimising irritation and supporting the skin’s barrier function by reducing micro-damage. Naturally thermoregulating, cashmere insulates when cold and releases heat when warm, helping skin stay comfortable across changing environments. Like canapa, it also possesses light antimicrobial properties, contributing to a cleaner, more balanced microclimate next to the skin.

In rethinking skin health, we must expand our attention beyond what we apply to what we wear. The microbiome is not an isolated layer but part of a larger, living system shaped by our daily choices—how we cleanse, hydrate, rest, and dress. Natural fibres offer more than comfort or aesthetic value; they engage with the skin as collaborators, supporting its equilibrium through breathability, softness, and natural protective properties. When we treat clothing as an extension of skincare, we move toward a more holistic understanding of wellness—one that honours the skin not only as a surface, but as a living interface between the body and the world.