Eczema Skin Barrier: Fewer Good Bugs Mean Weaker Protection

If you’re dealing with eczema, you know how frustrating it can be. Just when you think your eczema skin barrier is finally healing, another flare-up appears.

ContentsWhat researchers discovered about the eczema skin barrierWhat disrupts your eczema skin barrier?Excessive washing and aggressive soapsAntibacterial productsTo scratchExposure to allergens and irritantsEnvironmental factorsTensionGeneticsHow to strengthen your eczema skin barrier naturally1. Be careful when cleaning2. Moisturize to strengthen your eczema skin barrier3. Avoid excessive disinfection4. Think about your diet5. Don’t scratch if you can help it!6. Take local treatments into account7. Try a humidifierWhy supporting your microbiome heals the eczema skin barrier

The itching, redness and dry patches that crack and weep are exhausting.

Here’s something you might not know: a large part of what happens on your skin is made up of tiny living creatures that you can’t even see. We’re talking about the good and bad bacteria that live on the surface of the skin.

Before you get angry, understand that these are part of everyone’s skin, and together they are called the skin microbiome. If the balance between good and bad bacteria is disrupted, your eczema can become much worse.

A recent study published inAllergy, asthma and immunological researchfound that people with atopic dermatitis (the medical term for eczema) have much less diversity in their skin microbiome compared to healthy skin. This means that there are not enough different types of bacteria to keep the skin healthy.

The researchers also discovered that eczema skin shows an overgrowth of harmful (bad) bacteriaStaphylococcus aureusin the affected areas. Even more interesting, they found that they like beneficial (good) bacteriaStaphylococcus epidermidisAndRoseomonas mucosacan protect the skin by inhibiting harmful bacteria and helping regulate immune responses.

In other words, having more “good bugs” on your skin helps keep the “bad bugs” under control. When the balance turns the other way, your skin barrier weakens and eczema flares up.

Here’s what you need to know about it and how you can use that awareness to help reduce eczema flare-ups in the future.

What researchers discovered about the eczema skin barrier

The scientists discovered that they are bad bacteriaS. aureuslives on the eczema skin, both on the red, itchy spots and on the skin that looks normal. These bad bacteria bully the good bacteria, pushing them out and taking over the space.

.ua349870ce648885afbf3cd491fbff864 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .ua349870ce648885afbf3cd491fbff864:active, .ua349870ce648885afbf3cd491fbff864:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .ua349870ce648885afbf3cd491fbff864 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .ua349870ce648885afbf3cd491fbff864 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .ua349870ce648885afbf3cd491fbff864 .postTitle { color:#9B59B6; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .ua349870ce648885afbf3cd491fbff864:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } See alsoRashes, hives and redness: how to deal with COVID skin sensitivity

While there, these bad bacteria release toxins that punch holes in your skin’s protective barrier, increasing inflammation and making skin infections more likely.

Your skin is your first line of defense against the outside world, protecting you from germs, chemicals, allergens and more. But if you have eczema, your skin barrier can become weakened this way, leading to a cycle of uncomfortable dryness, irritation and inflammation. Symptoms that in themselves can contribute to even further breakdown of the skin barrier, worsening the problem.

Meanwhile, certain good bacteria (S. epidermidis and R. mucosa) try to fight back against the bad bacteria. You can see them as the guardians of your skin. Scientists are now investigating whether placing more of these beneficial bacteria on eczema skin could work as a treatment. This would be similar to the way we take beneficial bacteria in the form of pills or in food to help improve the balance of bacteria in the gut.

The researchers also found that when the microbiome becomes out of balance, the skin stops producing enough of certain protective chemicals called short-chain fatty acids. These chemicals keep your skin slightly acidic, which is good because it acts as a force field against bad bacteria. Without enough of these chemicals, the skin becomes less acidic, making your skin much more resistant to bad bacteria.

The end result? Your skin is like a garden. When lots of beneficial bacteria thrive, they crowd out the weeds (harmful bacteria) and help maintain a strong, healthy barrier. When that diversity disappears, the weeds take over and your eczema gets worse.

What disrupts your eczema skin barrier?

So what actually causes these bad bacteria to multiply? There are several options:

Excessive washing and aggressive soaps

When you use harsh cleansers, they not only remove dirt, but also beneficial bacteria and natural oils that support the skin.

Antibacterial products

Overuse of antibacterial soaps and disinfectants can kill the good bacteria alongside the bad, leaving room for harmful species to take over.

.u5d05fc9da43d7d2febffda4b8ab7b0d8 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .u5d05fc9da43d7d2febffda4b8ab7b0d8:active, .u5d05fc9da43d7d2febffda4b8ab7b0d8:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u5d05fc9da43d7d2febffda4b8ab7b0d8 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u5d05fc9da43d7d2febffda4b8ab7b0d8 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u5d05fc9da43d7d2febffda4b8ab7b0d8 .postTitle { color:#9B59B6; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u5d05fc9da43d7d2febffda4b8ab7b0d8:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } See alsoHow time in nature benefits your skin

To scratch

When you scratch those irritating eczema patches, you damage the skin barrier, making it easier for bad bacteria to get in and harder for good bacteria to survive.

Exposure to allergens and irritants

Dry air, dust, pet dander, pollen, smoke, certain chemicals and irritants in skin care and personal care products, fragrances and even fabrics like wool and polyester can cause an eczema outbreak which in turn weakens the skin barrier. This is where the cycle of compromised skin barrier to worsening symptoms kicks in. The more the skin barrier is weakened, the more irritants enter and cause problems.

Environmental factors

Pollution and some skin treatments can further disrupt the microbiome by interfering with the skin’s natural processes. Dry indoor air is another culprit, because when humidity drops too low, moisture evaporates from surfaces more quickly, which can destabilize the microbiome.

Tension

Hormonal and immune changes related to stress can shift the balance of good and bad bacteria in your skin. One study found that stress, anxiety and other psychological states can disrupt the skin microbiome, leading to dermatitis and poor barrier function.

Genetics

Some people have genetic factors that weaken the skin barrier and make it easier for harmful bacteria to multiply and take over.

How to strengthen your eczema skin barrier naturally

The good news is that you can do something about this skin imbalance. The key is to take steps that support a healthier, more balanced microbiome.

1. Be careful when cleaning

Skip harsh, stripping cleansers and choose gentle, pH-balanced options. Look for products that cleanse without disrupting the skin’s natural acid mantle.

2. Moisturize to strengthen your eczema skin barrier

A hydrated barrier is always a stronger barrier because it provides the right environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive. Use rich, nourishing moisturizers that support barrier repair.

CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture has been specially developed for sensitive, eczema-prone skin and is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. It also contains ingredients that help restore and protect the skin barrier without disrupting the microbiome. Clinically proven to calm immune responses such as inflammation, irritation and redness with non-irritating and non-toxic ingredients.

3. Avoid excessive disinfection

Unless you are in a medical environment or handle food, you do not need to use antibacterial products regularly. Regular gentle washing with water and a mild cleanser is enough to get your skin clean without eradicating beneficial bacteria. If you need to wash often, use a creamy moisturizing soap and apply moisturizer immediately after each wash.

.ubc77a7b04e570d9492d56f4e3fbc58ac { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .ubc77a7b04e570d9492d56f4e3fbc58ac:active, .ubc77a7b04e570d9492d56f4e3fbc58ac:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .ubc77a7b04e570d9492d56f4e3fbc58ac { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .ubc77a7b04e570d9492d56f4e3fbc58ac .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .ubc77a7b04e570d9492d56f4e3fbc58ac .postTitle { color:#9B59B6; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .ubc77a7b04e570d9492d56f4e3fbc58ac:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } See alsoIs Your Exfoliation Routine Damaging Your Skin?

4. Think about your diet

Research shows a connection between gut bacteria and skin health through what scientists call the ‘gut-skin axis’. Eating foods rich in fiber and fermented foods can promote beneficial bacteria in your gut, which can indirectly support your skin microbiome. Omega-3-rich foods such as salmon, flaxseed and walnuts, along with fermented foods containing probiotics, can help your body produce beneficial compounds that reduce inflammation and support skin hydration.

5. Don’t scratch if you can help it!

It’s hard to resist, but scratching damages your skin barrier and disrupts the bacterial balance. When the urge to scratch strikes, try applying a cold compress or spritzing a bit of our moisturizing and soothing Rescue + Relief Spray on the area. Both help soothe the itch, while our spray contains ingredients designed to soothe the itch.

6. Take local treatments into account

While medications like topical steroids have a role in controlling severe eczema flare-ups, overuse can affect your skin microbiome. Work with your dermatologist to find the right balance and consider microbiome-friendly skincare products like those from CV Skinlabs for daily maintenance between breakouts.

7. Try a humidifier

If you live in a dry climate, a humidifier can go a long way in reducing your flare-ups. At the very least, use one in your bedroom so your skin doesn’t have to fight dryness as it tries to heal overnight. Keep your indoor air at about 40-50 percent to make a difference in your skin.

Why supporting your microbiome heals the eczema skin barrier

Eczema is not just about dry skin, but about missing microbes. By nourishing your skin’s living ecosystem with gentle care, balanced hydration and barrier-free products, you can gradually rebuild that invisible layer of defense. Over time, see if you notice less frequent flare-ups and more hydrated skin. If you do, it means you are taking the right steps.

Did you know that your eczema is linked to good and bad bacteria?

Featured image by Freepik.