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Did you know that your gut health and your skin are linked? Current scientific evidence shows that there are significant interactions between the two, called the Skin-GM axis, and that a balanced or disrupted gut environment will show on your skin.⁽¹⁾ Basically, this means: healthy gut, healthy skin. Although the intricacies are still not fully understood, researchers believe that the role of gut microbiota is important in human ageing. So, your digestive health and nutrition are fundamental to supporting a healthy, glowing complexion. It’s all about achieving balance. Let’s take a closer look.

What is the Skin-GM axis?

Eating for Radiance How Gut Health Impacts Your skin

We’ve mentioned the gut microbiota (GM), but what exactly is it and what does it do? Think of a microbiota as a community of micro-organisms that live in harmony with their “host”. They could be bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts and even minuscule parasites like mites. In humans, the most common micro-organisms are bacteria, and some are “good” but others harmful. It’s the right balance that enables them to work in synergy with our bodies. One of the key roles of GM and skin microbiota is to act as natural defence mechanisms and boost our body’s immunity. In fact, 70% of our immune system is housed in the gut.⁽²⁾

Does gut health affect skin? Everyone’s skin and gut “host” microbiota are unique. The Skin-GM axis is like a constant conversation between the skin and the gut.

So what can go wrong?

An imbalance in the GM can lead to inflammation, which can spread through the Skin-GM axis, causing visible symptoms on the skin. They can vary, depending on your skin type and genes, but may include redness, irritation, blemishes, and flaking skin. Gut health and skin are interrelated, and the state of the skin can be an early indicator of issues in the gut.

Nourish your skin from within.

Given the close connection between the skin and the gut, taking care of your gut health will positively impact your skin. It’s really important to avoid foods that could cause inflammation. So, steer well clear of processed foods, too much sugar and unhealthy fats. If you are concerned about your diet and general gut health or want to know more about how to support it with foods that are good for your skin, talk to your doctor about healthy eating.

The idea is to encourage as much microbial diversity as possible, nurturing your natural gut microbiota and keeping the balance in favour of “friendly” bacteria. Fibre, for example, is one of the best foods for skin. It literally “feeds” the good bacteria in our gut, producing anti-inflammatory compounds that support metabolic, brain and immune health, and, yes, you guessed it, skin health too.

We’re surrounded by tempting and not always healthy food choices, which can eventually affect the skin. So now that you are aware of the links between them, why not set a goal to make more conscious nutritional choices? By consuming foods that are good for your skin and promote a healthy gut microbiome, you’ll enhance your skin’s health and radiance from the inside out.

But did you know that you can also support the skin microbiota through your daily skincare routine? Here’s how.

Skincare can support the microbiota.

As we have seen, GM and skin microbiota contribute to our natural defences and immunity. Although GM doesn’t come into direct contact with the outside world, our skin microbiota does. It is essential for the health of our protective skin barrier, as it produces enzymes and proteins that help stop harmful organisms, called pathogens, from thriving on the skin or invading it.

Skin moisture has a significant impact on the growth of microorganisms. Keeping it well hydrated is important for maintaining a balance in the microbiota and, as a result, the skin barrier function. Gentle exfoliation also helps the cell renewal process, but over-cleansing is not a good idea for the microbiota as it can remove protective bacteria.

The good and bad bacteria that live on the skin each need different conditions to flourish: moisture, oiliness, dryness… Dermatologically tested products are important to ensure minimum disruption to the “friendly” bacteria. Some harmful bacteria thrive in high-pH environments, so it’s important to choose products with a pH level close to that of the skin (about 5.5).

Gut health and skin, Does gut health affect skin, Skin microbiota

In line with their mission to promote healthy skin, FILLMED has developed skincare products that are specifically designed to work in synergy with the skin and its microbiota. The SKIN PERFUSION range truly embodies this approach, providing meticulously researched and effective formulas at precise doses for the highest affinity with the skin. Ask your skin care professional for recommendations.

Follow your gut.

Never a truer word said! The close connection between the gut and the skin means we should take good care of our gut health for a healthy, glowing complexion. If “we are what we eat”, you can choose foods that are good for your skin’s radiance and boost your immunity at the same time.