Introduction

In recent years, the relationship between gut health and skin conditions has become a significant focus in the field of dermatology. This complex connection, often termed the "gut-skin axis," reveals that many skin conditions like eczema, acne, and rosacea can have underlying gastrointestinal root causes. But how exactly does our digestive system influence the health of our skin?

In this blog article we will investigate the fascinating ways in which our gut health impacts our skin health. We’ll explore the mechanisms, root causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies that will enable a well-balanced and diverse gut microbiome to have a positive impact on skin health and appearance.

What is the Gut-Skin Axis? [1]

The gut-skin axis is the term used to describe the direct biological relationship between our gastrointestinal health and skin health. Unlike external factors such as air pollution and UV exposure, gut-related skin issues often stem from internal imbalances and/or irritations within the digestive tract. Today, some dermatologists even prioritize treating gut health when addressing stubborn skin conditions.

While no one is immune when it comes to experiencing gut-related skin issues, these types of issues are especially prevalent amongst people with autoimmune conditions, chronic digestive conditions (like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease), and allergies. People with joint hypermobility (a.k.a., being double jointed), for instance, are at increased risk of leaky gut and gluten sensitivity, which can exacerbate skin issues. This is because of the shared characteristic of weakened connective tissue throughout the body, including the intestinal lining, which can lead to increased permeability and potential digestive issues, i.e., “leaky gut”.

Causes of Gut-Skin Conditions [2]

The gut-skin axis involves several factors that have been shown to disrupt the biological balance between the gut and skin. These include:

• Dietary Triggers: Food intolerances, especially gluten and dairy, are common contributors. These foods can irritate the gut lining in people with sensitivities, resulting in the triggering of conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• Microbiome Imbalance: The gut microbiome—a diverse ecosystem of bacteria and microorganisms—plays a critical role in maintaining immune and skin health. When “bad” bacteria overtake “good” bacteria, a condition known as dysbiosis, this phenomenon promotes inflammation within the gut/body, which in turn can negatively impact existing skin conditions.
• Parasites and Infections: Though often overlooked, parasites in the gut can trigger intense chronic inflammation and lead to skin issues. For example, small intestinal parasites or bacteria like Helicobacter pylori can worsen symptoms of acne, eczema, and even cystitis (bladder infections).
• Gluten Sensitivity: For those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten can lead to inflammation and “leaky gut,” allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream and affect the skin. Symptoms like keratosis pilaris, a condition where tiny bumps appear on the skin, are linked to gluten intolerance.
• Chronic Stress: Stress affects both gut and skin health, often leading to poor digestion and skin problems. The gut-brain-skin axis highlights how stress can worsen gut inflammation, disrupting the microbiome and causing skin flare-ups.

Symptoms and Identification [3]

Recognizing skin conditions whose root cause may stem from poor gut health can be tricky, as their symptoms oftentimes resemble other skin issues. Below are some symptoms that may indicate a gut-skin connection:

Persistent Acne: Acne that persists despite traditional treatments may be tied to gut health, especially if it worsens with hormonal fluctuations.

Chronic Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis: Those with persistent eczema often see improvements after dietary changes, such as removing gluten or dairy, pointing to gut health as a potential underlying cause.

Keratosis Pilaris: This common skin condition—characterized by small bumps on the upper arms, thighs, or cheeks—can be an indicator of gluten intolerance and/or gut imbalance.

Fissured Hyperkeratosis: Rough, scaly patches on the elbows or knees, also known as “fissured hyperkeratosis”, represent another possible sign of gluten sensitivity affecting skin health.

Treatment Options

Addressing gut-related skin conditions calls for a comprehensive approach involving dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and at times medication.

• Dietary Modifications: Removing irritants like gluten, dairy, and processed foods can reduce gut inflammation. Adding prebiotics (fiber-rich foods) and probiotics (like yogurt and fermented foods) supports a balanced gut microbiome, thereby improving gut health for skin benefits.
• Probiotic Supplements: High-quality probiotics help restore healthy gut bacteria, improving both gut and skin health. Strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium support skin health through gut balance.
• Parasite and Infection Treatment: If parasites (ex. pilori) are suspected, healthcare providers may prescribe anti-parasitic treatments, while infections can sometimes require antibiotics.
• Topical and Oral Medications: In severe cases, dermatologists may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and/or topical treatments to help manage symptoms while underlying gut issues are being addressed.
• Stress Management: Practicing mindfulness, yoga, and/or meditation can reduce stress and its negative impact on the gut-skin axis.
• Gluten and Dairy Elimination: Eliminating gluten and dairy from one’s diet oftentimes yields noticeable improvements in skin health, especially for people who suffer from these types of sensitivities.

Prevention Strategies

Maintaining good gut health positively impacts both skin conditions and overall wellness. Below are some practical prevention tips you may wish to practice:

• Balanced Diet: Eat whole, unprocessed foods to foster and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Fiber-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats all help to support gut and skin health.
• Limit Antibiotic Use: Avoid unnecessary antibiotics which end up killing beneficial bacteria residing in the gut microbiome. If antibiotics are needed, consider taking a probiotic supplement in conjunction with the antibiotic in order to help support gut health.
• Stay Hydrated: Water aids digestion and helps to flush out toxins, thereby promoting clearer skin.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can lead to a “leaky gut” by weakening the intestinal barrier which allows toxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger an inflammatory response by the body.
• Incorporate Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha are rich in probiotics that can balance gut bacteria while helping to support skin health and appearance.

Myths and Facts

There are several misconceptions floating around the ether when it comes to the connection between gut health and skin health. Let’s clarify some common myths:

• Myth 1: “Only people with celiac disease need to avoid gluten.” Fact: Even non-celiac gluten sensitivity can impact gut health and lead to skin issues.

• Myth 2: “Dairy is only a problem for people with lactose intolerance.” Fact: Some people react to the proteins in dairy, which can contribute to both poor digestion and skin problems.

• Myth 3: “Topical treatments alone are enough to fix skin problems.” Fact: While helpful, topical treatments may not address the root cause if skin issues are due to gut imbalances.

FAQ

What are the signs of poor gut health on skin? Common signs include persistent acne, eczema, rosacea, and keratosis pilaris—conditions often linked to gut inflammation or dysbiosis.

What naturally kills bad bacteria in the gut? Natural remedies like garlic, ginger, and fermented foods (e.g., sauerkraut, yogurt) help balance the microbiome by promoting beneficial bacteria.

What foods are bad for gut health? Processed foods, sugars, gluten, and dairy can disrupt gut bacteria, causing inflammation that may impact skin health.

What are the three superfoods for your gut? Fermented foods (like kefir), leafy greens (like spinach), and prebiotic-rich foods (like bananas) are excellent for gut health and, by extension, skin health.

What skin conditions are caused by the gut? Conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis may all stem from gut health issues like dysbiosis, inflammation, or food sensitivities.

Conclusion

The gut-skin axis highlights the profound connection between digestive health and skin appearance. By paying attention to diet, managing stress, and incorporating the regular use probiotic dietary supplements, we can support both gut and skin health. For those struggling with persistent skin issues, considering the impact of poor digestion and skin problems through a gut-focused approach may be beneficial.

Call to Action

Here at Codex Labs, we have embarked on a paradigm shifting approach to addressing inflammatory skin disorders which utilizes our “inside-out” treatment regimen for synergistically managing chronic skin disorders. What we have discovered is that the daily use of dietary supplements (“inside”) scientifically formulated to address specific skin disorders associated with poor gut health, when combined with our skin disorder-specific topical skincare products (“outside”) results in a synergistic improvement in skin health and appearance.

Our BIA® line of gut-skin supplements have been scientifically formulated to enhance the effectiveness of our topical treatments by addressing the connections between the gut microbiome and skin barrier health.  The goal of these supplements is to support the gut microbiome with key prebiotics and probiotic strains known to help reduce flare-ups, deliver key antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actives to combat the eczema inflammasome, and help fortify the skin barrier.

For example, our BIA® GUTBUILDER PREBIOTIC supplement contains a mixture of dietary fibers, amino acids, antioxidants & superfoods to keep the beneficial bacteria living in your gut well-fed, keeping your gut and skin barriers healthy and properly functioning. In addition, our BIA® CLEARSKIN SYNBIOTIC supplement contains a combination of the most effective probiotic species for treating eczema, as highlighted in both the medical and scientific literature. The unique blend has three key types of beneficial bacteria that are known to reduce gut inflammation and dysbiosis, as well as increase skin ceramide production, together with a pinch of blueberry powder that serves as a prebiotic and antioxidant.

Yet another example of our “restore from the core” strategy for effectively managing skin disorders is our recently patented SHAANT® CLEARSKIN PROBIOTIC DIETARY SUPPLEMENT, when used in combination with our SHAANT® COLLECTION of topical acne-specific treatment products, provides up to a 300% improvement in acne-related symptoms. It’s what we call “the power of synergy”. How do we know? Because we have the clinical results to prove it!

Keep your body’s gut and skin barriers strong and healthy with Codex Labs’ integrative, “inside-out” approach to managing inflammation. Your skin deserves cutting-edge treatment options like this!

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35625774/
2. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/gut-health-and-its-impact-on-the-skin
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8969879/