Skin hydration assessment traditionally relies on well-established biophysical measurements. However,
investigating the role of the cutaneous microbiome in this context represents an emerging research area,
which may contribute in the future to a more comprehensive evaluation of skin hydration and barrier function.
The skin microbiome closely interacts with its surrounding environment, particularly with the epidermal
barrier and its lipid components. Scientific data suggest interactions between microbial communities,
barrier organization, and key epidermal lipids such as ceramides, which play an important role in limiting
transepidermal water loss and maintaining hydration. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be
fully elucidated, these interactions may indirectly influence skin hydration status.
In parallel, moisturizing products are not neutral toward the skin microbiome. Data generated from in vitro
tests conducted in our microbiology laboratory indicate that certain hydrating formulations can modulate
microbial populations, highlighting the importance of considering microbiome-related parameters during
product development and evaluation.
In this context, BYOME DERMA is introduced as an innovative tool designed to characterize and
monitor cutaneous microbiome profiles. This approach enables the establishment of microbial profiles
associated with different skin conditions and may, in the future, support the identification of microbiome
patterns linked to specific hydration states, including dry skin contexts.