Exploring development and evolution of the maternal and infant skin microbiome

Human skin faces constant external challenge. While skin has evolved to combat insults such as infection and pollution a key element of its defence is the human microbiome, the first layer of protection. Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of the skin microbiome health there has been little investigation of the baby skin microbiome, and almost no investigation of the longitudinal development of that microbiome after birth.
This project seeks to investigate the development and evolution of the human skin microbiome while gaining a greater understanding of the impact that microbial disturbances in early years can have on skin health. These insights will be essential to the formulation of the next generation of skin care products to maintain skin health across the life course.