The Gut-Skin Axis: How your gut health affects your skin

Beyond the skincare products lining our shelves, the foods we consume and the way we live play an intricate role in determining the health of your skin. What if i told you that your journey to healthy skin lies not only in your vanity but also your gut? Yes thats right, your gut and your skin are like two peas in a pod, they work together to either give you the best skin of your damn life, or, when one or the other is not functioning properly, it can wreak havoc on your skin and cause a whole host of skincare concerns.

The Gut-Skin Connection: Understanding The Gut Microbiome 

The gut, often referred to as the "second brain," is home to trillions of bacteria that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. These bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome, influence various bodily functions, including digestion, immunity, and even skin health. 

Just like your gut, your skin plays host to an incredible and diverse community of microorganisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome or skin flora. As the largest organ of the human body, these diverse species serve as a physical barrier to prevent invasion of pathogens. When your skin barrier is compromised or when there is an imbalance between commensals and pathogens, skin diseases can result. (1)

An example of one noteworthy study that was published looked at the gut-skin connection in the context of acne vulgaris. There was compelling evidence that the an imbalance in the gut microbiome, particularly an overgrowth of a specific bacteria played an important role in the development of acne. (2)

 

Maintaining a healthy and happy gut for glowing skin

Now that we have understood the gut-skin connection, here are some practical tips that will keep you glowing from the inside out. 

 

1. Load Up on Gut-Loving foods

First things first, let's talk about what you should be putting on your plate. To keep your gut in shape, load up on foods that are rich in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. These fiber-filled goodies help to keep things moving smoothly in your digestive system, and support a diverse and robust gut microbiome. A diet that consists of mainly processed foods, excess sugar and unhealthy fats will disrupt the delicate balance of the good and bad bacteria that live in your gut, causing a leaky gut and potential skin repercussions. 

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Your skin is basically a thirsty sponge, and it needs plenty of H2O to stay plump and hydrated. So, make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your skin looking its best. You can consider adding some hydrating snacks like cucumber and watermelon. 

3.  Fuel your gut with probiotics

Probiotics are basically the good guys (bacteria) that live in your gut and help to keep everything in balance. You can find these friendly bacteria in foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Alternatively, you can take a probiotic supplements to keep your gut and skin in check. So go ahead and get your probiotic fix, and your gut (and skin) will thank you for it. 

4. Get moving 

Exercise. When you get moving, it helps to stimulate your digestive system, keeping things running smoothly. So, whether you're hitting the gym, or going for a run, just remember that you're doing your gut (and your skin) a world of good.

5. Sleep your way to healthier skin

Getting enough sleep is not just important for reducing your under eye-bags but its also important for maintaining a healthy gut and glowing skin. When you sleep, your body has a chance to repair and regenerate, So, aim for those 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night, and wake up looking and feeling like a million bucks.