Can Probiotics Help with Eczema? Here’s What the Science Says

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is more than just dry skin. It's an inflammatory condition that affects millions of people—causing redness, itching, and flare-ups that can be hard to manage. While moisturizers and topical treatments can offer temporary relief, there’s growing interest in how probiotics—yes, the “good” bacteria—can support the skin from the inside and out.

So how do probiotics help with eczema? Let’s break it down.

The Skin Microbiome: Your First Line of Defense

Your skin is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. This community, called the skin microbiome, plays a crucial role in protecting your skin barrier, regulating inflammation, and keeping bad bacteria in check.

In people with eczema, the skin microbiome is often out of balance. Harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus can overgrow, damaging the skin barrier and triggering immune reactions. Probiotics help by restoring balance—encouraging the growth of beneficial microbes and crowding out the bad ones.

How Probiotics Work for Eczema

Probiotics can support eczema relief in two ways:
1. Topically, through skincare products
2. Internally, via supplements or probiotic-rich foods

Topical Probiotics

Probiotic skincare introduces beneficial bacterial strains (or their derivatives, called lysates) directly to your skin. These ingredients help:

• Strengthen the skin barrier
• Reduce itching and irritation
• Calm inflammation
• Prevent flare-ups by restoring microbiome balance

At Dr. Lili Fan Probiotic Skincare, we use bio-fermented ingredients and probiotic actives that support the skin's natural defenses—ideal for those with eczema-prone skin.

Oral Probiotics

Several clinical studies show that taking probiotic supplements—especially strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis—can help reduce the severity and frequency of eczema symptoms, particularly in children. These probiotics support gut health, which is closely connected to skin health via the gut-skin axis.

Real Results, Naturally

While probiotics aren’t a “cure” for eczema, they offer a promising, holistic approach to managing symptoms and improving skin resilience over time. Whether used in your daily skincare routine or incorporated into your diet, probiotics can help bring your skin back into balance—gently, naturally, and effectively.

Interested in trying probiotic skincare for eczema-prone skin?
Explore our Probiotic Recovery Cream, Probiotic Defense Toner, and other dermatologist-formulated products that support sensitive skin and restore calm from the inside out.