Studies of the cutaneous microbiome (microbial and genomic components) across different age groups have highlighted the dynamic nature of the skin microbial communities (the microbiota), beginning during the very early stages of life following initial exposure to the maternal microbiome and continuing with shifts in community structure and diversity through to old age.

Beyond the first few weeks of life, body site is a major determinant of skin microbiome structure and diversity, but many other factors that influence these site-specific communities during the different stages of life have been identified, with some alterations potentially being associated with skin disease.

Understanding the skin microbiome at all stages of life is important for determining the impact of early alterations in the microbiome on future health, gaining a better understanding of the pathophysiology of skin diseases, and aiding the development of age-adapted treatments.