Work

Microbial diversity as a proxy for skin health: an ecological framework misapplied

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The assumption that greater microbial diversity signals a healthier skin microbiome, now deeply embedded in clinical and research practice, represents a foundational category error. Drawing on decades of macroecological theory, we propose a three-tier framework distinguishing habitat conditions, community structure and ecosystem services. Taxonomic diversity reflects community structure alone, whereas skin health outcomes belong to the domain of ecosystem services. Applying this distinction rigorously offers a clearer lens through which microbiome data can be interpreted and intervention strategies can be more rationally designed.

Source: British Journal of Dermatology

DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljag251

Authors: Jingjing Xia, Yakov Kuzyakov, Jean Krutmann

Institutions: Leibniz Institute of Environmental Medicine, University of Göttingen

Language: English

Topic: Dermatology and Skin Diseases

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,920