Sometimes antibiotics are exactly what's needed to treat an infection.
Because they target bacteria rather than distinguishing between "good" and "bad" species, they can temporarily alter the communities of microorganisms that naturally live in and on our bodies. This includes both the gut microbiome and the skin microbiome.
Understanding these changes can help explain why some people notice temporary digestive or skin changes after a course of antibiotics.
What do antibiotics actually do?
Antibiotics work by killing bacteria or preventing them from multiplying.
While they're designed to treat harmful bacteria causing an infection, they can also affect beneficial bacteria that normally live throughout the body.
Exactly how much the microbiome changes depends on several factors, including:
- the type of antibiotic
- how long it's taken
- the dose
- your existing microbiome
- your overall health
For many people, the microbiome begins recovering naturally once the course of antibiotics has finished, although recovery can vary between individuals.
The gut microbiome after antibiotics
The gut contains trillions of microorganisms that play important roles in digestion, immune function and maintaining the intestinal barrier.
After antibiotics, it's common for the diversity of these microbial communities to decrease temporarily.
Researchers continue to study exactly how long recovery takes, but current evidence suggests that while many bacterial populations begin recovering within weeks, some changes may persist for months depending on the individual and the antibiotic used.
Importantly, this doesn't mean the microbiome is permanently damaged. It's a dynamic ecosystem that continually responds to diet, environment, medications and lifestyle.
What about the skin?
Your skin has its own microbiome too.
Millions of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms live on the skin's surface, where they help support the skin barrier, interact with the immune system and compete with potentially harmful microbes.
Antibiotics—particularly those taken over longer periods or prescribed specifically for skin conditions—may temporarily alter this microbial balance.
Researchers are still investigating exactly how these changes influence skin health and recovery.
Can antibiotics affect your skin?
Some people notice changes in their skin during or after taking antibiotics, while others notice no difference at all.
Possible changes may include:
- increased dryness
- temporary sensitivity
- skin that stings more easily
- changes in oil production
- alterations in breakouts
- a feeling that previously well-tolerated products are suddenly irritating
These changes don't happen to everyone, and they don't necessarily mean the antibiotics themselves have damaged the skin.
Often, they're the result of several factors occurring together, including illness, inflammation, medication, stress and temporary changes to the microbiome.
The gut-skin connection
The gut and the skin communicate through what researchers call the gut-skin axis.
The gut microbiome helps regulate immune function, produces beneficial compounds such as short-chain fatty acids, and contributes to maintaining the intestinal barrier.
Because the immune system, gut and skin are closely connected, researchers continue to investigate how changes within the gut microbiome may influence skin function.
This is an exciting area of research, but it's also important not to overstate what we currently know. The gut is one factor among many that influence skin health.
Supporting recovery after antibiotics
For most people, recovery isn't about dramatically changing their routine—it's about supporting overall health while the microbiome naturally adapts.
Nourish your microbiome with food
As your gut microbiome recovers, providing it with a varied and nourishing diet can help support its natural resilience.
Dietary fibre is an important fuel source for many beneficial gut bacteria, but recovery looks different for everyone. If your digestion feels settled, gradually including a variety of plant foods, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help support microbial diversity over time.
If your gut feels irritated after antibiotics, however, it may be more comfortable to reintroduce higher-fibre foods gradually, choosing foods that you tolerate well rather than making sudden dietary changes.
Include fermented foods if they're suitable for you
Foods such as yoghurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and miso may contribute beneficial microorganisms to the diet.
Not everyone tolerates fermented foods well, so they aren't essential, but they can form part of a balanced eating pattern.
Prioritise protein and nutrient-rich foods
Healthy skin depends on a consistent supply of nutrients, including:
- protein
- vitamin C
- zinc
- essential fatty acids
- vitamin A
- B vitamins
These nutrients support normal skin structure, barrier function and renewal.
Keep skincare simple
If your skin feels more sensitive than usual after illness or a course of antibiotics, consider simplifying your skincare routine for a while.
Focus on products that support the skin barrier rather than multiple active ingredients.
A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser can help remove sunscreen, excess oil and impurities without disrupting the skins natural barrier. Follow with a moisturiser containing barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, squalane, or panthenol (provitamin B5) to help replenish lipids and improve hydration.
If your skin feels dry, tight or more reactive than usual, ingredients such as niacinamide and colloidal oatmeal may also help support the skin barrier and reduce visible redness.
During this time, it can be helpful to temporarily pause potentially irritating active ingredients—such as retinoids, exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs), and stronger vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) formulations—particularly if your skin is stinging or feels unusually sensitive.
Finally, protect your recovering skin with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher each morning. Protecting the skin from unnecessary ultraviolet (UV) exposure gives the barrier the best opportunity to recover.
Should everyone take probiotics after antibiotics?
Not necessarily.
Research into probiotics is ongoing, and their effects depend on the specific strains used, the dose and the individual.
Some evidence supports particular probiotic strains for certain situations, but there isn't one probiotic that's appropriate for everyone after every course of antibiotics.
If you're considering probiotic supplements, discussing them with your healthcare provider or an appropriately qualified practitioner can help determine whether they're suitable for your circumstances.
Recovery takes time
The microbiome is constantly changing.
It's influenced by what we eat, our environment, medications, illness, stress, sleep and many other factors.
For most healthy people, recovery isn't something that happens overnight—but it also isn't something that requires perfection.
Supporting your body with nutritious food, adequate sleep, appropriate skincare and patience gives both your gut and your skin the opportunity to return to their usual balance.
The takeaway
Antibiotics play a vital role in treating bacterial infections, but they can temporarily influence both the gut microbiome and the skin microbiome.
Rather than looking for quick fixes, the most evidence-based approach is to support your body with a balanced diet, appropriate skincare, good sleep and time—allowing the bodys remarkable ability to adapt and recover to do what it does best.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace advice from your doctor, dietitian or other qualified healthcare professional. Always take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about side effects or ongoing symptoms.