  Human skin is a region of high metabolic activity where a rich variety of
biomarkers are secreted from the stratum corneum. The skin is a constant source
of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from skin glands and resident
microbiota. Skin VOCs contain the footprints of cellular activities and thus
offer unique insights into the intricate processes of cutaneous physiology.
This review examines the growing body of research on skin VOC markers as they
relate to skin physiology, whereby variations in skin-intrinsic and microbial
metabolic processes give rise to unique volatile profiles. Emerging evidence
for volatile biomarkers linked to skin perturbations and skin cancer are
examined. Microbial-derived VOCs are also investigated as prospective
diagnostic markers, and their potential to shape the composition of the local
skin microbiota, and consequently cutaneous health, is considered. Finally, a
brief outlook on emerging analytical challenges and opportunities for skin
VOC-based research and diagnostics is presented.
