The human skin microbiota is a complex community of bacteria that plays a critical role in health and disease. This study analyzed the skin microbiota of five healthy individuals using 16S rRNA gene sequencing from the inner elbow region. The analysis revealed 113 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at 97% similarity, with Proteobacteria being the dominant division. Three sampling methods—swab, scrape, and punch biopsy—were used to capture microbial communities at different skin depths, and all methods captured similar dominant phylotypes. The study found that the skin microbiota is highly conserved across individuals, with strong similarities between human and mouse skin microbiota. The results suggest that the skin microbiota is a shared core community, with interpersonal variation comparable to intrapersonal variation. The study also highlights the importance of considering the skin's diverse niches and the potential role of the microbiota in skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. The findings provide a foundation for future research on the role of the skin microbiota in health and disease, and for metagenomic studies of the complex interactions between the skin and its microbial inhabitants. The study underscores the need for comprehensive sampling methods and the importance of understanding the skin microbiota's role in both health and disease.The human skin microbiota is a complex community of bacteria that plays a critical role in health and disease. This study analyzed the skin microbiota of five healthy individuals using 16S rRNA gene sequencing from the inner elbow region. The analysis revealed 113 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at 97% similarity, with Proteobacteria being the dominant division. Three sampling methods—swab, scrape, and punch biopsy—were used to capture microbial communities at different skin depths, and all methods captured similar dominant phylotypes. The study found that the skin microbiota is highly conserved across individuals, with strong similarities between human and mouse skin microbiota. The results suggest that the skin microbiota is a shared core community, with interpersonal variation comparable to intrapersonal variation. The study also highlights the importance of considering the skin's diverse niches and the potential role of the microbiota in skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. The findings provide a foundation for future research on the role of the skin microbiota in health and disease, and for metagenomic studies of the complex interactions between the skin and its microbial inhabitants. The study underscores the need for comprehensive sampling methods and the importance of understanding the skin microbiota's role in both health and disease.