Gut and Skin: How They Are Related?

Did you know that your gut and skin are connected? The gut-skin axis is the relationship between the microorganisms in your gut and your skin health. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and acts as a barrier to protect you from harmful bacteria. When your gut is out of balance, it can show up on your skin as redness and itchiness.

How Gut Health Impacts Skin Conditions

Your gut has millions of microorganisms that are important for keeping your skin healthy. Here’s how it works:

• Acne: Too much of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes on your skin can cause pimples. Changes in gut bacteria can also contribute to acne¹. Research shows that having fewer Firmicutes bacteria and more Bacteroidetes bacteria in the gut might contribute to acne development².
• Atopic Dermatitis: Overgrowth of certain bacteria like Clostridium and Escherichia in your gut can cause inflammation. People with atopic dermatitis often have lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria³.

Signs That Gut Health May Be Affecting Your Skin

Gut bacteria is mainly responsible for maintaining skin health by interacting with the immune system and subsequently, reducing inflammation.³ In other words, an unhealthy gut can lead to skin problems. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Digestive Problems: Frequent bloating, abdominal pain, gas, constipation, and diarrhea can indicate gut imbalance, affecting your skin.
• Recurring Acne: Persistent acne around your chin, jawline, and neck might suggest gut issues.
• Redness and Swelling: Conditions like eczema or rosacea may flare up when your gut is unhealthy.
• Food Intolerances and Allergies: If your skin worsens after eating dairy, gluten, or sugar, it might mean your gut is inflamed.

Ways to Improve Gut Health for Clearer Skin

Here are simple ways to keep your gut healthy and improve your skin:

• Eat More Fiber: Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes in your diet.
• Add Probiotics: Eat foods like yogurt and kimchi or consider a probiotic supplement⁴.
• Drink Water: Stay hydrated to flush out toxins and keep your skin fresh.
• Limit Processed Foods and Sugar: Cut down on sugary snacks and processed foods.
• Reduce Stress: Engage in relaxing activities such as yoga or meditation.

By taking care of your gut, you can improve both your digestion and skin health. Start with small changes today and see the positive effects on your overall well-being. If you need any assistance or advice, our Caring pharmacists are here to help you. Visit us today to learn more about maintaining a healthy gut and glowing skin!

Reference:

1. Acne, Microbiome, and Probiotics: The Gut–Skin Axis. Sánchez-Pellicer et al. (2022). Gut Microbes.
2. Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions. De Pessemier, B., Grine, L., Debaere, M., et al.(2021) Microorganism.
3. Impact of gut microbiome on skin health: gut-skin axis observed through the lenses of therapeutics and skin diseases. Mahmud, Md. R. et al. (2022) Gut Microbes.
4. World Allergy Organization-McMaster University Guidelines for Allergic Disease Prevention (GLAD-P): Probiotics. Alessandro et al. (2015) World Allergy Organization Journal.