The connection between your gut and skin might not be obvious. However, there’s a growing body of research suggesting that what happens in your digestive system has a direct impact on your skin health. This relationship is the gut-skin axis. It illustrates the powerful connection between the bacteria in your gut (the microbiome) and various skin conditions. Read on to find out how your gut microbiome affects your skin health.

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What Is the Gut Microbiome?

Your gut microbiome is the ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, that live in the digestive tract. Everyone has a unique gut microbiome. It is inherited at birth and influenced by factors such as diet and environmental exposures throughout life.

Why Is The Gut Important?

These gut microbes play a critical role in overall health, influencing everything from digestion to immunity, and even mental health. A healthy, diverse microbiome helps maintain balance in the body. An imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can trigger inflammation, chronic disease, and skin issues.

The Gut-Skin Axis

The gut-skin axis refers to the bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome and skin health. When your gut is out of balance, it can send distress signals to other areas, particularly your skin. As the relationship is bidirectional, it works both ways. Therefore, skin inflammation can send signals back to the gut, perpetuating the cycle of imbalance.

How Gut Health Affects Skin Health

The connection between the gut and skin can have detrimental effects on skin health.

Inflammation

One of the primary ways the gut microbiome influences skin health is through inflammation. Poor gut health can increase intestinal permeability (also known as leaky gut), allowing partially digested food, toxins, and bugs to penetrate the tissues beneath it and enter the bloodstream. This ‘leaking’ triggers an immune response, which can result in systemic inflammation (inflammation affecting the whole body). For the skin, this means flare-ups of conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. For example:

• Many people with acne have been found to have altered gut microbiota, and treating the gut with probiotics or dietary changes often results in clearer skin.
• People with eczema frequently exhibit gut dysbiosis, where the balance of bacteria in the gut is disrupted, and improving gut health can reduce eczema flare-ups.

Hormone Balance

The gut microbiome influences the levels of circulating hormones in the body. Gut bacteria help metabolise hormones like oestrogen. When the gut is imbalanced, it can lead to fluctuations in hormones that may cause skin issues, particularly acne. Hormonal imbalances often trigger excess oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation, all of which contribute to breakouts.

Nutrient Absorption

Your gut is responsible for absorbing the nutrients your body and your skin need to thrive. Poor gut health reduces your ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are crucial for skin repair, hydration, and the production of collagen, which keeps your skin firm and youthful. For example:

• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps combat free radical damage, which can lead to premature signs of ageing. If your gut isn’t functioning optimally, you may not be absorbing enough of this vital nutrient, leading to dull or sagging skin.

Skin Hydration

A healthy gut microbiome plays a key role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function, which is essential for keeping the skin hydrated and protected from environmental stressors. Certain gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which help to regulate inflammation and support skin barrier function, by creating ceramides. An intact barrier helps retain moisture in the skin, preventing dryness, flakiness, and irritation.

How Your Gut Microbiome Affects Skin Health

Your skin reflects the health of your gut. If you’re dealing with persistent skin issues, consider focusing on improving your gut health. By focusing on maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, you can improve skin conditions, enhance your complexion, and support your overall wellbeing.