Gut Health & Skin: Why Your Complexion Starts in Your Stomach

You may have been asked by a dermatologist or healthcare professional about your digestive health while visiting them for a skin problem, and may have wondered how that is relevant. It is because your skin reflects what is going on inside the body, and your digestive health can very well affect your skin glow, complexion, and overall skin health. But what is the connection between gut and skin health? Let’s find out.

This blog includes information about the gut-skin connection, signs your digestive issues may be affecting your skin, and lifestyle and dietary changes that may help support gut and skin health. Keep reading to learn more.

The Gut-Skin Axis

The gut-skin axis is a biological highway that establishes a connection between these two different systems. It makes bidirectional communication possible between the digestive and integumentary systems. The digestive system contains trillions of microorganisms, which make up the gut microbiome. These microbes are responsible for breaking down food, synthesizing nutrients, and they influence everything from immunity to skin appearance. When there is an imbalance (dysbiosis) in the gut microbiome, it can affect hormones and weaken the skin barrier, resulting in various skin problems.

Various researchers found evidence that gut inflammation triggers systemic inflammation, which manifests visibly on the skin. Some gut conditions have also been correlated with specific dermatological issues. Various studies have found that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be common in people with rosacea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be associated with increased rates of psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease may be tied to skin flare-ups, etc.

Signs Your Digestive Health is Impacting Your Skin

Wondering how gut health affects skin? If you observe one or more of the following symptoms, there are chances that your digestive issues are affecting your skin health:

• Recurring episodes of acne or breakouts: Frequent acne, specifically around the jaw line or cheeks, may be due to gut inflammation or imbalance in microbiota.
• Dry, flaky skin: Gut inflammation or inadequate nutrient absorption may lead to dry, flaky, or dull skin even after using moisturisers.
• Unusual skin rashes or redness: You may not have applied anything topically or have used only your usual skincare products. But imbalanced gut bacteria, food intolerances, or digestive inflammation may contribute to persistent skin redness, rashes, or hives.
• Unexplained skin flare-ups: Leaky gut syndrome or dysbiosis may lead to flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis. Sometimes the topical treatments may also become less effective.
• Skin sensitivity: The skin repair function depends on vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, which need a healthy gut for absorption. Poor digestion may make the skin more sensitive or slow down the wound healing process.

Ways to Support Gut Health for Healthy Skin

Now that you know there is a connection between gut and skin health, let’s find out how to keep the tummy happy and improve skin through gut health. Here are some ways you can support both your digestive health as well as your skin health:

• Sleep well: Inadequate sleep may damage the diversity of gut bacteria and disrupt the gut microbiome, resulting into skin problems, like puffiness or dullness. An uninterrupted, quality sleep of 7-8 hours may help support the gut and skin regenerative processes.
• Stay hydrated: Water is important for digestion and skin health. Hydration may help support nutrient transport and keep the skin clear and vibrant by flushing out toxins.
• Say goodbye to stress: Chronic stress may impact gut health and cause digestive issues as well as skin problems. Opt for meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to support relaxation.
• Eat gut-friendly foods: Add fibrous fruits and vegetables, and fermented foods, such as kombucha, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, and yoghurt to your diet. They work as natural resources for supporting gut health. Also, avoid consumption of over-processed foods and foods with added sugars, as they may cause gut irritation and lead to inflammatory skin responses.
• Include gut health supplements in the diet: Your healthcare professional may suggest adding a supplement to your diet, to support your gut and, thus, skin health. Some of the popular gut and skin health supplements are:
  • Inner Health Skin Shield Probiotic: Made with 26 billion live probiotics, this dietary supplement may help reduce the occurrence of symptoms of acne and eczema, supporting skin health.
  • J S Health Skin + Digestion Tablets: Inspired by the skin/gut connection, this formula may help relieve symptoms of acne while supporting gastrointestinal health.
  • Inner Health Skin Rejuvenate Postbiotic: Made with postbiotics, hyaluronic acid, and selenium, this dietary supplement may help support skin health, hydration, and elasticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions regarding the gut and skin health:

Q. What are the signs of an unhealthy gut?

A. Some common signs are food intolerances, constipation or diarrhoea, bloating, and recurring skin issues. If these symptoms persist, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Q. Are probiotics really good for skin?

A. Several studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may be helpful in improving skin conditions by supporting gut health. However, not all probiotics are equal, and it is best to include any probiotics for skin in your diet under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Q. Can exercise help improve gut health?

A. Regular, moderate exercise may help improve gut transit time and reduce inflammation. However, a gym routine may not be needed. A daily walk of around 30 minutes may also help support gut function and skin radiance. You can talk to a healthcare provider for further guidance.

In The End

The body’s gut and skin are connected in more ways than we think. When the tummy is not happy, your skin mirrors the feeling by showing signs, like acne, redness, etc. Supporting your gut health helps when you are trying to reduce skin dullness and improve skin health. The addition of GP-recommended gut health supplements to your diet may help support both gut and skin health.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. If you have health conditions or take medication(s), talk to a healthcare professional before starting to take new supplements.