Gut Health & Skin: Are They Linked?

Could it be that good gut health is linked to clearer skin? Science says yes.

The conversation around gut health and skin conditions has been gathering momentum in recent years.

And as more studies take place, it’s becoming clearer and clearer that the gut microbiome plays a big hitting role in skin health and preventing dermatologic issues like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne.

Could it be that diet, exercise, and skincare products aren’t the only factors affecting our skin? 

But what links gut health and skin? Can you get glowing skin by treating your gut well? 

Let's take a deep dive into the gut-skin connection and get clear about your skin.

All about the gut microbiome

To understand the relationship between gut health and skin problems, we need to look inside the gut. It's an amazing place with a bustling metropolis of activity.

Inside the gut you find the gut microbiome, which is a complex and diverse community of bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms residing in the digestive tract.

The gut microbiome, also known as gut flora, is crucial for overall health. It affects immune function, digestion, and even skin health. 

The gut microbiome plays some big roles in the gut, aiding in the digestion of food, producing essential vitamins, and regulating the immune system.

When the gut microbiome is balanced and healthy, it can positively influence the skin, leading to a clearer and more vibrant complexion. 

A healthy gut microbiome helps protect against harmful pathogens and maintains the integrity of the gut lining, preventing toxins from entering the bloodstream.

This is backed up by recent research that has highlighted the significant gut-skin connection, showing that a balanced gut microbiome can actually lead to clearer, healthier skin.

What is the gut-skin axis?

The "gut-skin axis" is the physical and biochemical link between the gut microbiome and skin health.

They influence each other's conditions in a few ways. These are immune responses, microbial translocation (when bacteria or their components cross from the gut into the bloodstream, potentially triggering systemic inflammation and affecting your health, including the skin), and neuroendocrine pathways (communication and interaction between the nervous system (neuro) and the endocrine system (hormonal system).

This connection means that the state of your gut can directly impact your skin and vice versa.

Could that skin rash be down to your gut? Does happy bacteria mean a happy, glowing you?

Let's explore the specific ways in which gut health impacts the skin.

How gut health affects skin

Let's find out more on how your gut affects your skin.

We'll cover how an unbalanced gut microbiome—such as an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or a reduction in beneficial bacteria—affects you on the inside and then the outside.

Inflammation

An imbalanced gut microbiome can trigger chronic inflammation, a common factor in various skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Immune system

 A significant part of the immune system is found in the gut (yes, really). A healthy gut microbiome helps regulate immune responses, preventing overreactions that contribute to skin flare-ups.

Nutrient absorption

The gut plays an essential role in absorbing nutrients essential for healthy skin. Ideal nutrient absorption supports skin health by providing vitamins and minerals your body needs for its maintenance.

Barrier function

The gut lining acts as a barrier, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. When compromised, this barrier can lead to systemic inflammation and impact skin health negatively.

The gut-skin connection

The intricate connection between gut health and skin is mediated through a load of sciencey things that we’ll decode for you here.

• Immune System. Changes in gut bacteria can trigger immune responses that affect the skin, causing issues like acne or eczema.

• Metabolism. Alterations in gut microbes can impact how nutrients are processed, which can indirectly influence skin health.

• Inflammation. Imbalanced gut flora may produce inflammatory substances that can worsen skin conditions.

One example you may know is the phenomenon known as "leaky gut," where a compromised intestinal barrier permits toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and as a result, skin issues. 

Now we'll look at specific gut health skin issues you or those close to you might have —and why they come about.

Acne

You might have dealt with acne during your teenage years thanks to a flood of hormones, or maybe it's stuck around into adulthood.

It is estimated that up to 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience acne at some point, so it's really common.

But did you know that an imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to systemic inflammation, which often manifests as acne, too?

This imbalance disrupts skin homeostasis (the balance and stability of the skin, keeping it healthy and functioning properly) and affects the skin microbiome, which then has a knock on effect on your skin and likelihood of breakouts.

So, acne happens when hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, blackheads, and inflammation.

Chronic gut inflammation weakens the skin's immune system, making it more susceptible to acne-causing bacteria.

The link between gut dysbiosis and acne

Increasingly, acne is becoming linked to gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation.

Gut dysbiosis occurs when harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial ones. This leads to leaky gut, which allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

This systemic inflammation can weaken the skin's immune system, making it more susceptible to acne-causing bacteria.

Who knew acne could come from the gut? It's yet another reason for those that suffer with the condition to treat your gut as you would your skin with care and attention.

Eczema

Another example of gut health and skin issues is the forming of eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis).

Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin. It's common— you may have it or someone you know.

This imbalance also disrupts skin homeostasis and has an effect on the skin microbiome, increasing the likelihood of flare-ups.

Chronic gut inflammation weakens the skin's immune system, making it more susceptible to eczema triggers.

Psoriasis

Got psoriasis? You're not alone. This skin condition affects millions all over the world.

This skin issue is a further example of how gut health impacts the skin, causing red, scaly patches that itch or feel uncomfortable. It's a common condition that can affect anyone.

When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it disrupts skin health and can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Chronic gut inflammation weakens the skin's immune system, making outbreaks more likely and severe.

Taking care of your gut health may help reduce the frequency and intensity of psoriasis symptoms.

Rosacea

Know rosacea? It is a really common skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness and visible blood vessels.

It often starts after age 30 and is more common in women, although men may experience more severe symptoms.

Just so you can see how common it is—it's estimated that over 16 million Americans are affected by rosacea. Symptoms range from facial redness and flushing to bumps and visible blood vessels.

Great! Now we know all about how the gut-skin connection works from the inside and outside. Let’s look at actionable ways for you to learn how to make and keep your gut (and skin) happy.

How diet and lifestyle help digestive health

Now you know all about the gut skin axis, skin issues related to gut health and why they come about, let's talk about the effects of diet

We'll include actionable tips for you to apply to your everyday lives, right now.

Diet matters

We're sure you know that a healthy, balanced diet rich in fibre, fruits, and vegetables is ideal for your gut.

Fibre is particularly beneficial for beneficial gut bacteria, as it promotes their growth and diversity. To nourish your microbiome, include whole grains, nuts, seeds, and plenty of leafy greens.

Fact: Did you know that a high-fibre diet can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria by up to 40%? That’s right—feed those good bugs!

Fermented foods are friends

Including probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (food for these bacteria) in your diet can help to support your gut health.

Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, while prebiotics are abundant in foods such as garlic, onions, bananas, and whole grains.

Don't forget Omega-3 fatty acids too, and aim to include fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts in your diet too. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit both gut and skin health.

How do probiotics do it?

They help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria by increasing the population of beneficial bacteria. This balance is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and your general gut health.

And prebiotics?

These are non-digestible fibres that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) already present in your gut.

They help stimulate the growth and activity of these bacteria, promoting their success.

Prebiotics essentially provide fuel for probiotics to thrive and perform their beneficial functions.

There's a huge list of foods that contain prebiotics! Try to incorporate some into your diet today.

Probiotics food list

Here's a big list of foods rich in probiotics, which can help boost your gut health and support your overall wellbeing. 

Give them a go!

Vegetables

• Garlic

• Onions

• Leeks

• Asparagus

• Jerusalem artichokes

• Chicory root

Fruits

• Bananas (especially slightly underripe)

• Apples (with skin)

• Berries (like strawberries)

Whole grains

• Oats

• Whole wheat

• Barley

• Quinoa

Legumes

• Lentils

• Chickpeas

• Kidney beans

• Black beans

Nuts and seeds

• Flaxseeds

• Chia seeds

• Almonds

• Pistachios

What a list! Why not make them the focal point of some meals this week?

Watch out for vital vitamins

There are certain vitamins that only support digestion but also contribute to maintaining healthy skin. So which are they?

• Vitamin A: This vitamin is essential for skin repair and maintenance, as well as supporting the immune system.

• Vitamin D: It plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and modulating the immune response.
• Vitamin E: Known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin E helps protect the skin from oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body.

Move your body

Get moving! Physical activity stimulates gut motility, helping food move through your digestive system more efficiently. 

Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week to keep things flowing smoothly.

Prioritise sleep

Did you know? Quality sleep is crucial for gut health.

It allows your body to repair and regenerate, including the cells lining your digestive tract. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night to support optimal gut function.

Manage stress

Stress is a factor that can affect your body and mind without you even realising. And the digestive system is no different.

Stress can disrupt gut flora balance and increase inflammation in your digestive system.

Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to keep stress levels in check. Don't wait for stress to hit you—do some relaxation techniques regularly as a preventative measure.

Around 70% of your immune system resides in your gut? So, keeping your gut healthy with diet and lifestyle supports overall immune function, too.

Best probiotic for skin and gut health

Okay, so you're interested in probiotics as a way to aim for clear, glowing skin. But which strains should you look for and which brands are best?

Strains to look for

Look out for Lactobacillus which is known for its benefits in both gut and skin health and Bifidobacterium which supports gut health and is linked to improvements in skin conditions.

Saccharomyces boulardii is also a good one to go for as it is effective against diarrhoea and gut infections.

Choosing the right probiotic

A mix of different probiotic strains can provide more benefits, helping various aspects of gut and skin health rather than just one.

We have 10 energetic strains in each of our capsules.

Proven results

Look for products that have been tested in clinical studies. These are more likely to work as promised. Science never lies.

Customer reviews

See what other users are saying. Their experiences can give you a good idea of how well the product works.

What YourBiology can do for you

We truly believe our solution to happy guts can help alleviate all kinds of gut-related issues, so it’s smooth sailing from here on out.

Our premium probiotic formula Gut+ features diverse strains of good bacteria, delivering 20 billion CFUs of friendly flora and added vitamins.

At YourBiology, we use only clinically-backed bacterial strains that support both your health and skin. Get back to glowing with our powerful strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus fermentum, which aid digestion and boost your immune system.

The result? Happy, radiant skin.

If you’re tired of struggling with skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, improving your gut health with YourBiology can hold the key. Tackle your gut issues head-on today and flip the script for a natural, glowing you.

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