Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) continues to evolve into one of the most significant global health concerns. While often associated with systemic infections, AMR increasingly influences the outcomes of topical dermatological therapies as well.
During AMR Awareness Week 2025, it is essential for the skin science community to reflect on the ways resistance shapes clinical decisions, formulation strategy, and the future landscape of topical innovation.
AMR Through a Dermatological Lens
The skin is home to a dynamic microbial ecosystem. When topical antimicrobials such as antibiotics or antiseptics are used repeatedly, improperly, or over extended durations, microorganisms can adapt in ways that diminish the effectiveness of these treatments. In dermatology, this shift influences multiple areas of practice, including acne management, wound care and soft-tissue healing, post-procedure recovery, the management of superficial bacterial infections, and the widespread use of over-the-counter antimicrobial products.
As AMR continues to rise globally, the dermatology community must carefully balance antimicrobial effectiveness with microbiome integrity and long-term therapeutic sustainability.
Why AMR Matters for Topicals
1. Decreasing Effectiveness of Certain Topical Agents
Prolonged or frequent exposure to antimicrobials can reduce responsiveness in common skin pathogens. This may lead to slower symptom improvement, reduced therapeutic success, or reliance on alternative treatment pathways.
2. Challenges in Wound and Infection Management
Resistance complicates the management of skin and soft-tissue infections, especially when rapid healing is essential. As microorganisms become less susceptible, treatment courses may lengthen or require more complex interventions.
3. Implications for the Skin Microbiome
Topical antimicrobials can alter microbial diversity and disrupt the balance of the skin microbiome. Responsible formulation and usage patterns help preserve this equilibrium, supporting barrier function, recovery, and inflammation control.
4. The Shift Toward Non-Antibiotic and Low-Resistance-Risk Formulations
Growing AMR pressures have accelerated the adoption of advanced strategies in topical innovation. These include non-antibiotic antimicrobial technologies, hydrogels and polymeric matrices with controlled release, nanoparticulate and lipid-based delivery systems, adjunctive molecules that support efficacy while reducing antimicrobial load, and microbiome-supportive design philosophies.
These approaches aim to retain therapeutic benefits while minimising selective pressure on the skin’s microbial community.
The Cymbiotics Approach: Responsible, Forward-Looking Topical Innovation
A. Advanced Delivery Systems
Contemporary delivery platforms allow for improved precision and penetration, reducing the need for high antimicrobial concentrations or repeated application while maintaining therapeutic value.
B. Microbiome-Conscious Formulation Philosophy
By preserving beneficial microorganisms, Cymbiotics supports long-term barrier health and reduces resistance pressures. Microbiome-conscious design remains central to sustainable dermatological care.
C. Commitment to Evidence-Informed Stewardship
Stewardship in dermatology involves optimising antimicrobial frequency and duration, prioritising non-antibiotic options when suitable, integrating adjunct technologies to reduce reliance on antibiotics, and educating both practitioners and consumers on responsible choices.
These principles guide Cymbiotics’ commitment to effective, future-ready topical solutions that align with global AMR priorities.
AMR Week 2025 underscores the importance of re-evaluating how antimicrobial strategies are applied in modern dermatology.
As resistance trends evolve, the future of topical care depends on innovative delivery technologies, microbiome-aligned formulation principles, and responsible stewardship.
Cymbiotics remains committed to advancing solutions that reflect scientific responsibility and an evolving understanding of skin health.
References
- “Antimicrobial resistance associated with topical antimicrobial preparations” – Blackburn J., Ousey K., Patton D., Moore Z., Avsar P.; Wound Practice & Research, 2023.
- “Medical applications of hydrogels in skin infections” – Teng Y., Li S., Tang H., Tao X., Fan Y.; Infection and Drug Resistance, 2023.
- “Antimicrobial resistance in bacterial wound, skin, soft tissue and surgical site infections in Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis” – Monk E.J.M., Jones T.P.W., Bongomin F., et al.; PLOS Global Public Health, 2025.
- “Impact of dermatologists’ perceptions about antibiotic resistance on antibiotic prescribing for acne” – Abdelmalek S.M.A., Alowaissi J., Hamadi S.A., Akkash L.; Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy, 2016.
