Abstract: Provided are formulations that interact with the skin microbiome of a human patient such that when applied topically in therapeutically effective amounts at prescribed intervals, the formulations cause an increase in skin firmness, density, smoothness, elasticity and thickness resulting in a skin appearance that reflects overall skin health. In exemplary embodiments formulations include, without limitation, the following active components acting in concert with each other: a prebiotic component, a peptide component, a matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitor component; and an antioxidant component; all present in a carrier base. The exemplary embodiments may be in the form of a cream, a lotion, a serum, or a hydrogel that facilitates delivery of these active components into the skin.