Introduction
This article summarizes the connection between gut health and skin conditions, pointing to research demonstrating that gastrointestinal disorders often manifest as skin concerns (in the skin microbiome) and that the gut microbiome plays a role in inflammatory skin conditions. Researchers are still learning to understand the full scope of the gut-skin axis, but there is no doubt that the health of the microbiome can impact the appearance of the skin.
Imbalanced Gut Microbiome and Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Inflammatory skin diseases, such as dermatitis and psoriasis, are linked to an imbalanced gut microbiome. This suggests that the gut microbiome may play an important role in a person’s inflammatory skin conditions. Altered immune responses associated with dysbiosis can manifest as a variety of skin disorders and even skin cancer. The connection between your gut and your skin is becoming clearer as scientists continue to research the role of the microbiome community in both gastrointestinal disorders and various skin concerns. The microbes that inhabit our body, both on our skin and in our gut, help to keep us healthy, but imbalances can lead to various disorders. By understanding how changes in the microbiome can affect both the gut and the skin, it may be possible to prevent or treat some of these disorders. [Sources: 2, 10, 14, 15]
The Connection Between Gut Health and Skin Conditions
The connection between gut health and skin conditions has been studied for decades, but there is still little evidence to support specific treatments. The microbiome of the skin can impact skin diseases, including psoriasis, and it can also influence many environmental factors that affect skin health. Additionally, microbiome diseases can influence the gut microbiome, which in turn can impact viruses and other microbiota that live in the intestines. [Sources: 2, 3, 15]
Gut Microbes and Physiology
Recent studies demonstrate that gut microbes can affect cutaneous physiology, including skin, and can disseminate gut microbes to distant organ systems. This process of the gut-skin axis has an impact on health and system pathology, as well as the appearance of the skin. Due to its complexity, researchers are still learning about how the immune system influences this relationship, however, a recent study on microbiology has shown that it is possible for microbiome diseases to have an impact on distant organ systems. The results of this study highlight how influences of the microbiome can have a profound effect on both physical and psychological health. [Sources: 2, 7]
The Link Between Gut Health and Skin Conditions
Gut health has a significant impact on skin conditions, as the gut microbiome is closely linked to the development of chronic skin conditions. Gut dysbiosis – an imbalance between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut – is thought to be a key factor in skin disease. This imbalance can lead to a damaged skin barrier, which can cause chronic systemic inflammation and presented skin impairment. Inflammatory cytokine secretion from activated effector T cells can then become skin conditions as these cells migrate from the gut microbiome. Animal studies have shown that restoring digestive balance through probiotic supplementation may reduce imbalances and systemic inflammation, thus improving various skin conditions. [Sources: 2, 6, 9, 15]
A set of full-body inflammation caused by experiencing inflammation can irritate your gut and spell trouble for your skin. When the inflamed gut starts to seep bacteria, other microorganisms and toxins into your body, it can set the stage for skin problems to appear. In fact, your body’s response to these foreign invaders may be what is causing the symptoms in the first place. [Sources: 1, 8]
Relationship with Leaky Gut and Skin Issues
Increasing intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut,” has been linked to a variety of skin complaints. Furthermore, gut stress-related conditions like depression and irritable bowel syndrome may also be linked to skin health. Scientists have identified the connection between gut health and skin conditions, known as the “gut-brain-skin axis.” It is believed that inflammation in the gut can alter emotional states and lead to states like depression and anxiety. [Sources: 11, 12, 14]
Impaired Intestinal Barrier and Psoriasis Flare-ups
In addition, autoimmune skin diseases and psoriasis flare-ups tend to be associated with an impaired intestinal barrier, suggesting that the gut microbiome could play a role in the development of skin conditions. The concept of a “gut-skin axis” implies that an imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to inflammatory mediators being released into the circulation, which can cause barrier damage and trigger a psoriasis flare. [Sources: 2, 5, 10]
A recent article published in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy in 2021 opened with a review of how gut health and skin conditions are connected. The authors noted that changes in the gut microbiome, such as an increase in bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes, can exacerbate inflammation and alter skin immune responses. This could potentially lead to increased levels of allergic rhinitis and food allergies. They also discussed how modifying the gut microbiota by changing dietary habits or introducing probiotics may be beneficial for managing or reducing skin inflammation. In a recent study published in the journal Microorganisms, researchers pinpointed specific metabolic pathways between certain foods and their impact on the growth of Acnes propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). When certain foods were removed from a person’s diet, there was a decrease in P.acne growth, which could potentially reduce acne flares. [Sources: 10, 14]
This is because certain types of bacteria and other unwanted compounds can be produced when food passes through the gut. The gut bacteria can influence the immune system and cause inflammation, infections and breakouts. The presence of a particular gut bug, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, could be associated with a decrease in acne flare-ups. It is believed that this bacteria colonizes the gut and produces substances called metabolites, which may help to reduce inflammation associated with skin conditions like acne. Additionally, stress can also cause inflammation, which can lead to skin conditions such as breakouts. [Sources: 4, 7, 11]
Unhealthy gut flora can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria, resulting in inflammatory skin conditions
Gut health is closely linked to skin health, as the gut microbiome is known to influence the skin’s appearance. Unhealthy gut flora can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria, resulting in inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea. Additionally, an unhealthy gut can lead to a breakdown in skin collagen, resulting in sagging and dry skin. Naturopathic doctors often advise patients with common skin concerns like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea to look at their gut health as it can be contributing to imbalances which cause the breakdown of their overall skin condition. [Sources: 4, 7, 9]
Improving your gut health can significantly reduce the symptoms of these conditions, as well as provide relief for other skin disorders such as acne. When your gut is unhealthy, it can cause many skin disorders, such as infections and inflammation, which can lead to unpleasant skin problems. You can improve your gut health by addressing the underlying cause of the problem, which could be an active infection or small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Treatment will depend on identifying the exact underlying cause and addressing it accordingly. This could include dietary changes, taking probiotics or prebiotics, and avoiding certain foods. [Sources: 6, 8, 9]
How to Heal Your Skin
Gut health is linked to many skin conditions, so restoring good bacteria in your gut is important for healthy skin. Taking oral probiotics and includes prebiotics can help improve your gut health and promote beautiful skin. A balanced diet that includes prebiotics and probiotics can also improve gut health and your overall wellness routine. Adopting a high fiber diet, avoiding food items that can cause gut problems, and limiting your sugar intake are all great ways to help restore good bacteria in your gut. [Sources: 6, 7]
Conclusion
The connection between gut health and skin conditions has become increasingly clear as researchers have begun to uncover the complex relationship between the two. Chronic skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema may be linked to skin microbiome dysbiosis. Additionally, several skin cancers are thought to be caused by inflammation in the body, which can be initiated by gut issues. Dermatologists now recognize that intestinal comorbidities may play a role in impacting your skin health and incite inflammation. Consuming probiotics helps restore the balance of good bacteria in your intestines and keeps unwanted gut contents from entering your body. These good bacteria help support a healthy immune system, which is essential for keeping inflammatory diseases at bay, including those which manifest on the surface of your skin, like dermatitis or rosacea. Sugars which are found in processed foods can also cause irritation and inflammation of your gastrointestinal system; this can lead to an imbalance of gut bacteria that then impacts your immune system, resulting in dermatological issues like acne or psoriasis. A healthy diet will not only help keep you feeling good, but it will also be beneficial for keeping your skin looking great too! [Sources: 0, 13, 15]
Sources:
[0]: https://cdhf.ca/en/how-does-your-gut-health-affect-your-skin/
[1]: https://www.newlifenutrition.com.au/gut-and-bowel-health/how-does-gut-health-affect-the-skin/
[2]: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/10/5/1037
[3]: https://thesecretlifeofskin.com/2019/09/23/gut-skin-axis/
[4]: https://fldscc.com/2019/10/05/the-connections-between-the-gut-microbiome-and-skin-conditions/
[5]: https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/gut-bacteria-linked-to-inflammatory-skin-disease
[6]: https://www.foreo.com/mysa/connection-between-gut-and-skin/
[7]: https://aedit.com/aedition/relationship-between-unhealthy-gut-microbiome-skin-conditions
[8]: https://chriskresser.com/gut-health-and-skin-connection/
[9]: https://www.gameelaskin.com/skincare-blog/how-gut-health-affects-the-skin
[10]: https://www.livescience.com/does-gut-health-affect-skin
[11]: https://joinzoe.com/learn/the-gut-skin-axis
[12]: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-heal-your-skin-issue-by-healing-your-gut
[13]: https://www.marthastewart.com/8136711/skin-conditions-poor-gut-health
[14]: https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/how-to-get-clear-skin-gut-connection/
[15]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7916842/
