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Discover the microbiome on you

Explore your skin's hidden ecosystem with UC San Diego researchers. Contribute to scientific discoveries in skin health.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and contains communities of tiny microorganisms that play a vital role in maintaining skin health and function. When the communities are balanced, this ecosystem acts as a natural protector, regulator, and repairer, helping to keep your skin in its best condition. Microbiome research offers insights into the broader impact on skin health, but our understanding is limited by the amount of data available for analysis – which is where you come in!

Your skin microbiome is uniquely yours. It differs from others based on factors like where you live, sun exposure, lifestyle, skincare habits, pollutants, and your diet, creating a one-of-a-kind “microbial fingerprint.” Scientists are just beginning to gain deeper insights – from treating skin conditions to creating personalized skincare products. By participating, you can help unlock the full potential of the skin microbiome.

The research initiative

Based at the University of California San Diego’s Center for Microbiome Innovation (CMI), this initiative researches the skin microbiome to further understand the diverse microorganisms on human skin and their impact on skin health. CMI is a hub of innovation, fostering collaborations between UC San Diego experts and industry partners.

Our focus is not just on understanding microbial composition but also on deciphering the functions these microorganisms serve. By harnessing advanced research methods and technologies, we are committed to translating our findings into practical applications that will revolutionize skin health.

Why your participation matters

Your contribution to microbiome research is crucial for advancing the future of skin health. The more data we collect, the better we can identify patterns and uncover new insights about how the skin microbiome functions across diverse populations.

By submitting a skin swab using our at-home collection kit and completing our surveys, you help scientists gather the large-scale data needed to make new discoveries.

Every participant’s contribution to our project brings us closer to a fuller understanding of skin health and wellness.

Interested about how you can contribute?

See if you're eligible to take part in one of our ongoing studies

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