Background Inflammatory skin diseases include a variety of skin diseases, such as seborrheic dermatitis, acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and so on, which are more common and tend to have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Inflammatory skin diseases often result in physical or psychological distress; however, the pathogenesis of these diseases have not been clearly elucidated. Many factors are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases, including heredity, environment, immunity, epidermal barrier, mental disorders, infection and so on. In recent years, skin microbiota has been shown to play an important role in inflammatory skin diseases. Aims To elaborate on the specific mechanisms of inflammatory skin diseases induced by microbiota dysbiosis. Methods We introduce the function and influence of skin microbiota in inflammatory skin diseases from the following aspects: Immunity, epigenetics, epidermal barrier and treatment. Results Skin microbiota can affect many aspects of the host, such as Immunity, epigenetics, epidermal barrier, and it plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases. Conclusion Skin microbiota is extremely important for maintaining the health of skin and the dysbiosis of skin microbiota is an important pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases.