On social media, you may have heard influencers promote the idea that having a healthy gut is the most crucial factor for healthy skin, more so than a skincare routine. I decided to investigate the gut microbiome’s correlation with the skin, measure the impact of the microbiota on skin conditions, and how to improve your gut health.
What is the gut microbiota?
The gut microbiota is the collection of microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi – located in the gastrointestinal tract. This means that the intestines are strongly connected with the health of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiota facilitates several of the body’s functions, including protection against pathogens – disease-inducing agents -, strengthening the immune system, metabolism, the health of the gut barrier, etc.
How does the gut microbiota relate to the skin?
The skin’s health is largely determined by the immune system, as it provides the skin protection from the external environment. The skin contains various immune cells that are populated with microorganisms. The community of these microorganisms inhabiting the skin’s cells is referred to as the skin microbiome, which is interconnected with the gut microbiome. These immune cells rely on the gut microbiome for regulation, enabling them to protect the skin from pathogens and inflammation. An unhealthy gut microbiome – otherwise referred to as dysbiosis – can lead to various skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, skin cancer, etc.. The relationship between the gut and the skin is often called the gut-skin axis.
How does dysbiosis cause skin conditions?
As the gut microbiome is strongly correlated with the skin, dysbiosis can lead to various conditions. Inflammation from dysbiosis can trigger the body to excessively release cytokines – proteins that regulate inflammation. When cytokines are excessively released into the bloodstream, they start to irritate the skin, causing skin conditions like rosacea. Atopic dermatitis – or eczema – can be caused by dysbiosis as well, as an imbalance in the gut is linked with a weakened immune system, thus making the skin more sensitive to environmental factors. When the skin is more vulnerable and sensitive, it’s more susceptible to developing inflamed, itchy rashes – a common symptom of eczema. In general, an imbalanced gut microbiome is detrimental to the proper physiological functioning of the body, ultimately leading to skin conditions.
Improving gut health with diet
Several dietary modifications are linked with improved gut health, including probiotics, lemon, ginger, and an increased intake of dietary fiber. These modifications all are linked with the production of butyrate – a short-chain fatty acid produced in the gut. Butyrate serves a valuable role in the gut microbiome, an essential component for a healthy gut. supporting its function and regulation, providing energy for gut cells, and reducing inflammation. The large intestine relies on butyrate as an energy source for its colonocytes – cells that support the large intestine’s function – and thus, a healthy gut. In general, it’s best to avoid excessively processed foods and refined sugars, as these foods can inflame the gut microbiota.
In brief, the gut microbiome is strongly correlated with skin health. An imbalance in the gut microbiome – dysbiosis – hinders the proper functioning of the body, particularly the immune system. When the body fails to function and support the skin barrier properly, the skin barrier deteriorates. For this reason, following a healthy diet is essential to a healthy gut and ultimately, healthy skin.
Works Cited
“Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions.” National Library of Medicine, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916842/#:~:text=The%20microbiome%20plays%20an%20important,by%20an%20altered%20gut%20microbiome. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.
“Introduction to the human gut microbiota.” National Library of Medicine, 16 May 2017, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5433529/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
“Signs of an Unhealthy Gut and What to Do About It.” Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/gut-health. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.