Seasonal Skin Microbiome Disruptions in Fall & Winter
Understanding Seasonal Disruptions to the Skin Microbiome in Fall & Winter
As the temperatures drop and humidity decrease in the fall and winter months, as clinicians, we often observe a seasonal uptick in concerns related to dryness, sensitivity and inflammatory conditions. A key, but often under-discussed, factor contributing to these presentations is disruption of the skin microbiome.
Our skin microbiome is a dynamic and protective ecosystem comprised of bacteria, fungi, viruses and mites – who all play a pivotal role in barrier function, immune modulation and overall skin homeostasis. It acts as a biological shield – producing antimicrobial peptides, competing with pathogenic species and interacting directly with our keratinocytes and immune cells.
Fall and winter introduce several environmental stressors that can lead to dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) and compromised barrier function.
Decreased Humidity & TEWL Increase: low ambient humidity leads to an increase in trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), creating a drier stratum corneum that can be destabilizing to resident microbiota. This leads to a reduction of lipid production that is essential for habitat maintenance.
Reduced Sebum Production: Sebum serves as both a lipid source and a selective substrate for commensal species like Cutibacterium acne. In colder weather, these reduced sebum levels can inhibit microbial diversity and resilience.
Frequent Temperature Fluctuations: Shifting between cooler outdoor air and heated indoor environments can stress the skin barrier, promoting low-grade inflammation which trigger shifts in microbial populations.
Overcompensation in Skin Care: Increased use of occlusives, exfoliants, or actives during seasonal transitions and the cooler months may further destabilize those that already experience compromised barrier function.
A symbiotic skin microbiome during the colder months can exacerbate conditions such as atopic dermatitis and eczema, rosacea and perioral dermatitis and acne eruptions. We recommend that you support microbiome integrity and barrier resilience during seasonal shifts.
Encourage microbiome-friendly cleaning protocols – ensure your client is using a non-stripping cleanser and reduce cleansing to once per day (evening).
Promote moisturizers rich in ceramides & fatty acids – to support barrier repair and microbial habitat restoration.
Introduce topical pre-pro and post biotics to reinforce microbial diversity and immune signaling.
If extreme dryness and increased sensitivity, advise the client to limit the overuse of exfoliants and actives.
Recommend environmental controls, such as introducing a humidifier in indoor settings and turn down the temperature on the water used when cleansing/showering.
Consider offering precision recommendations through the LaFlore Skin Health Test.
As skin health professionals, recognizing the impact of seasonal environmental factors on the skin microbiome enables more targeted and preventative care. Educating patients on how fall and winter conditions affect their skin at a microbial level can improve compliance and outcomes, especially for those with chronic skin conditions.