What is the skin microbiome?

The skin microbiome is the community of microorganisms living on and in your skin — around 1,000 bacterial species. They maintain your skin's protective acid pH (4.5–5.5), compete with pathogens, and regulate skin immunity.

Does shower chlorine damage the skin microbiome?

Yes. A 2018 study in the journal Microbiome found that residual chlorine in tap water significantly reduces skin bacterial diversity after repeated exposure. Beneficial species like Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus epidermidis — key in preventing eczema — were particularly affected.

How can I protect my skin microbiome in the shower?

The most effective measures: (1) filter shower water to reduce chlorine before it contacts your skin, (2) avoid daily antibacterial soaps, (3) keep temperature below 38°C, (4) moisturise within 3 minutes of showering to restore the hydrolipidic film.

Your Shower Water Is Disrupting Your Skin Microbiome — Here's the Science

Your skin is a living ecosystem

Your skin hosts approximately 1.8 million bacteria per cm². This isn't a hygiene failure — it's a sophisticated protective system. Your skin microbiome:

Maintains a protective acid pH (4.5–5.5) that inhibits pathogen growth
Competes with harmful bacteria for nutrients and space
Stimulates the skin's immune system
Produces antimicrobial peptides that protect against infection

This ecosystem is disrupted by many factors — and your daily shower is one of the most significant.

What chlorine does to your skin flora

Chlorine is a biocide. That's exactly its role in the distribution network: killing pathogens. The problem: it cannot distinguish beneficial skin bacteria from harmful ones.

A 2018 study in Microbiome journal analysed skin microbiome composition before and after repeated exposure to chlorinated tap water:

30–45% reduction in cutaneous bacterial diversity after repeated chlorinated showers
Significant decrease in Lactobacillus species — key in eczema prevention
Relative increase in chlorine-resistant species with fewer protective benefits

The "clean paradox": heavily chlorinated water creates an impression of intense cleanliness while systematically depleting the natural defence system of your skin. Scientists refer to this as the hygiene hypothesis applied to skin health.

The links between chlorinated water and skin conditions

Atopic eczema: a 2016 meta-analysis in the British Journal of Dermatology associated hard, chlorinated water with higher rates of atopic dermatitis in children
Acne: chlorine can disrupt sebum balance and promote C. acnes overgrowth by depleting the protective microbiome
Psoriasis: chlorinated water can exacerbate symptoms through skin barrier disruption and drying

Source filtration — protect your skin and microbiome

Activated carbon + KDF: removes chlorine, chloramine, disinfection by-products.

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How to protect your skin microbiome in the shower

Filter at source: an activated carbon shower head removes 97% of chlorine before it contacts skin — the single most effective measure
Moderate temperature: max 38°C — excessive heat dehydrates and disrupts the protective film
pH-neutral soap: alkaline soaps (pH 9+) disrupt the protective acid pH (4.5–5.5) of skin
Moisturise immediately: apply moisturiser within 3 minutes of showering to lock in moisture and restore the skin barrier
Reserve antibacterials: antibacterial soaps should be reserved for when clinically needed, not used daily

The Limpéa addresses the root cause: by removing chlorine before it reaches your skin, it preserves the diversity of your skin microbiome — the foundation of long-term skin health.