Discover how gut health affects your skin. Explore the gut skin connection, inflammation, and nutrients for a clear, radiant complexion.
Vibrant, clear skin has long been the holy grail of beauty, but what if the secret wasn’t found in surface-level rituals? For years, the gut’s role in digestion and immunity was its defining narrative but emerging research suggests that what happens in the twists and turns of the digestive tract may ripple outward, influencing everything from breakouts to premature ageing. Scientists refer to this as the gut-skin axis, a complex relationship that may explain that an imbalanced gut microbiome, heightened systemic inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption could all manifest on our most visible organ — our skin.
While the gut-skin connection remains an evolving field, scientists are uncovering intriguing parallels between microbial diversity and complexion clarity. Could the key to a calm, resilient and luminous complexion lie not just in what we apply on top, but in how we nurture our inner ecosystem?
How your gut talks to your skin
Beneath the surface of our skin lies an intricate biological conversation — one that extends far beyond our skincare routines. More than digestion, the gut plays a far-reaching role in regulating the body’s immune and inflammatory responses — two critical factors in skin health. Researchers exploring the gut-skin axis suggest that imbalances in the gut microbiome may not just disturb internal health but could also influence skin conditions.
“The gut is connected to so many facets of our wellbeing. Around 70-80 per cent of the immune system resides in the gut, and it also plays a role in serotonin production, our feel-good hormone,” explains Jessica Sepel, wellness expert and founder of JSHealth Vitamins. “The microbiome plays a foundational role in our overall health, so it’s no surprise that now we’re seeing compelling research linking gut health to skin health as well.”
Researchers agree that at the centre of this connection is the gut microbiome — a vast network of trillions of bacteria that shape immune responses, influence oxidative stress and regulate inflammation. When this delicate ecosystem is thrown off balance, a phenomenon known as dysbiosis, the effects may be systemic and show up on the surface with increased skin reactivity, breakouts and accelerated ageing.
“Evidence suggests that issues such as acne, psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema could stem from a disrupted gut microbiome, which is the catalyst for immunemodulated inflammation,” says Sepel.
Another key player is intestinal permeability, a condition where the gut lining becomes compromised. The gut lining acts as a protective barrier, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. But when weakened, it may allow toxins and inflammatory molecules to circulate throughout the body, triggering immune responses that amplify skin inflammation. Some researchers propose that this could contribute to persistent redness, irritation and inflammatory skin conditions.
“This interconnectedness is particularly evident in research examining gut disorders and inflammatory skin conditions,” says Sepel, citing a 2018 study that found that individuals with acne had a less diverse gut microbiome than those without, reinforcing the idea that gut microbial balance influences skin inflammation.
A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Microbiome Research in 2022 highlighte