Studies suggest your gut health affects your skin health, from contributing to skin conditions to benefitting from probiotics. Discover tips for a happy tum and healthy skin!

In recent years, gut health has become a major wellness focus; from your digestive health to your mental health, it seems that everything comes back to the bacteria living inside your tummy– and according to recent studies, it seems your skin is no exception! 

At Mazillo, we believe good skin comes from the inside out. While we’re passionate about sharing high-quality and natural products to go on your skin, we know that’s just a small part of the big picture: there are so many lifestyle factors that go into a healthy, glowing complexion.

In this post, we’ll dive into the science of the gut-skin connection, and share some practical tips to keep your tummy happy and your skin healthy. 

The Gut-Skin Connection 

The impact of gut health on the skin is often called the ‘gut-skin connection’ or ‘gut-skin axis’: it all comes down to the trillions of bacteria (known as the gut microbiome) that live in our gut to maintain balance in our body.

Research shows that these microorganisms help regulate digestion, mood, immune function, and even inflammation. When gut bacteria become imbalanced, inflammation can increase throughout the body, which can contribute to various skin issues. 

But it works both ways: just as poor gut health can manifest on the skin, a healthy gut can support a healthier complexion. Researchers believe this is due to several factors, including improved nutrient absorption, better regulation of inflammatory responses, and a strengthened skin barrier (which we’re all about here!). 

In other words, you can use the gut-skin connection to hack your way to a healthy complexion – see our tips! 

 

Can Good Gut Health Improve Acne And Other Skin Conditions?

Whatever your skin type, if there’s an imbalance in your gut, you’ll be more susceptible to skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. That’s because the imbalance – often caused by poor diet, stress, or antibiotic use – can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which shows up on the skin.

Several studies have even found that those who suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS), are more likely to experience inflammatory skin problems, which further shows the link between gut health and skin health. 

That might sound a bit ‘doom and gloom’, but on the flip side, it means that working towards a happier gut has the added bonus of healthier skin. Let’s dive into practical ways you can improve your gut health and skin health. 

Do Probiotics Improve Skin Health? 

If you’ve ever looked into improving your gut health before, you’ll have likely come across various probiotics – but what actually are they? And can they improve skin health? 

Just like you take ‘antibiotics’ to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the body, ‘probiotics’ introduce or support the growth of helpful bacteria in the body. Essentially, they’re live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for your health, especially for your digestive system.

The great thing about probiotics is they often come in tasty drink or food form or can be easily taken in a natural supplement. Popular options include…

Drinks

• Kombucha (our favourite alcohol alternative!) 
• Kefir 
• Probiotic-infused water

Foods 

• Pickles
• Sauerkraut (a great addition to your lunchtime salads!)
• Kimchi
• Miso

Natural supplements 

• Spirulina (you can add this to smoothies too!)
• Lactobacillus
• Bifidobacterium

When it comes to skin health, research suggests that probiotics strengthen the skin barrier, and may reduce signs of aging, improve moisture retention, and improve resilience to environmental stressors. Why not add them to your wellness routine? 

How To Improve Your Gut Health, For Better Skin 

As well as introducing probiotics, there are several other things you can do for your overall wellness and digestive health. Here are some tips to support your gut and, by extension, your skin:

1. Incorporate Fibre-Rich Foods In Your Diet
   such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. 
2. Add Fermented Foods to Your Diet
   Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. 
3. Limit Sugar and Processed Foods
   High sugar intake can disrupt gut balance and lead to increased inflammation, 
4. Stay Hydrated
   Water is essential for digestion and helps flush nasty toxins from the body. 
5. Manage Stress
   We know it’s easier said than done, but since chronic stress can negatively affect your gut microbiome, it’s even more important to schedule time for relaxation. Try meditation, yoga, walks, or listening to self-care podcasts. 

Final Thoughts: Does Gut Health Affect The Skin? 

While research on the gut-skin connection is still evolving, it’s clear that gut health affects skin health – which is yet another incentive to show your tummy some TLC! 

By focusing on nurturing your digestive system through diet, hydration, and stress management, you may experience a noticeable improvement in your skin. And, of course, you can always use your Mazillo skincare routine alongside these lifestyle practices to guarantee a naturally radiant complexion.

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