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Advancing the understanding of skin health.

Based at the University of California San Diego’s Center for Microbiome Innovation (CMI), the Skin Biome Initiative (SBI) aims to advance the understanding of skin health by studying the interactions between the skin and its microbiome across various populations. 

Vision

SBI envisions a future where innovative solutions can be created to nurture and support skin health. In-depth research is pivotal to this development because understanding the intricate relationship between the skin and its microbes requires the collection of data from large and diverse populations. More data allows for deeper insights into how microbial communities differ across individuals and environments. By building a strong foundation of data, researchers can identify patterns, address gaps in current knowledge, and accelerate better health outcomes for everyone.

Published research

SBI builds on foundational studies conducted by its scientific team, including landmark works such as Bacterial Community Variation in Human Body Habitats Across Space and Time (2009), which revealed that the skin isn’t just one ecosystem but a patchwork of distinct microbial communities individual to each person. 

These investigations paved the way for recent explorations into how the skin microbiome influences aging. Our study, Human Skin, Oral, and Gut Microbiomes Predict Chronological Age (2020) provided evidence that the skin microbiome can predict chronological age, offering new perspectives on how our microbial communities change over time. Expanding on these findings, our recent study published in Frontiers in Aging, confirmed the link between microbial composition and wrinkles, representing an exciting development in understanding the skin’s intricate ecosystem. SBI continues to advance research into the relationship between the skin microbiome and human health, providing insights for future studies.

Approach

Established framework

SBI utilizes The Microsetta Initiative (TMI) collection kits and online platform to streamline its study collection and operations.

Accessibility

Over the coming years, this ambitious initiative intends to establish a rich pilot skin database. From there, participation options will expand, broadening the knowledge base and options for monitoring an individual’s skin health throughout the aging process.

Advanced analytical technology

SBI employs state-of-the-art instrumentation, technologies, and constantly improving methodologies. This approach allows for analysis of all microorganisms present, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, providing a broad view of the microbiome's composition and potential functions.

Collaboration

SBI advances skin health research by fostering collaborations with academic, government, public, private, and commercial partners. SBI leverages expertise in microbiology, dermatology, and bioinformatics to enable global access to skin health data resources. Our commitment to innovation through research places SBI at the forefront of skin microbiome studies, contributing to the understanding of improved health outcomes in the future.