The Gut-Skin Connection: How Healing Your Gut Can Heal Your Acne
Struggling with persistent acne despite trying every skincare product out there? The missing piece of the puzzle might not be on your skin — but in your gut.
You may have heard of the "gut-skin axis". This refers to the bidirectional relationship between the gastrointestinal system and the skin, primarily influenced by gut microbiome (the community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in the gut). In simple terms, your gut and your skin are connected.
As the gut microbiome is a key regulator for the immune system, imbalances in the gut (known as dysbiosis) can lead to an altered immune response and subsequently promote the development of skin disorders such as acne. In other words… an unhappy gut = unhappy skin.
If you’re looking to banish acne and get clear skin, read below to understand how your gut may be the key to improving your symptoms.
How can we know there is a link between acne and gut health?
Probiotics (supplements which boost beneficial bacteria in the gut) have been shown to improve acne symptoms compared to placebo: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38751177/
When probiotics are given alongside antibiotics for acne treatment, outcomes are better than using antibiotics alone: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39410868/
Specific groups of gut microbiota have been linked with acne symptom development. Whilst certain microbial groups (such as lactobacillus) are protective against acne: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378176120_Revealing_the_Impact_of_Gut_Microbiota_on_Acne_Through_Mendelian_Randomization_Analysis
How can we explain this relationship?
When the gut microbiome is imbalanced (dysbiosis), it can lead to systemic inflammation, increased intestinal permeability, and immune dysfunction, all of which may contribute to acne.
When we have gastrointestinal issues like dysbiosis or reduced digestive capacity, this can lead to impaired nutrient absorption which may in turn impact the absorption of acne-fighting nutrients like zinc, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
The gut microbiome also plays a significant role in hormone balance; regulating and metabolising hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone and cortisol. Fun fact, there is even a section of the gut microbiome called the "Estrobolome" (a specific subset of bacteria that metabolises oestrogen). Subsequently, an imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to imbalanced hormones (such as excess androgens) which can then also result in acne.
So what does this mean for how we treat acne? How can we get clear skin?
The core premise at Gut & Glow is all about working on your gut in order to glow. I know this sounds cheesy - but it’s true! Understanding how your gut influences your skin means we can specifically target effective and sustainable solutions for acne.
As part of a Gut & Glow nutritional therapy plan, we can assess your unique gut health, identify potential triggers, and create a personalised nutrition plan tailored to heal your gut and, in turn, improve your skin. Unlike generic skincare routines, a gut-focused approach addresses the root cause of breakouts rather than just masking the symptoms, leading to long term sustainable results.
If you are ready to see changes in your skin and eliminate acne for good, book in for a free 15-minute introductory consultation today.
Click here to book a free 15 minute introductory consultation
Useful links:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916842/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2022.2096995
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X21001930