In recent years, research has continued to highlight the strong relationship between the gut and the skin - a concept known as the gut-skin axis. This growing area of study suggests that your digestive health doesn’t just influence how you feel on the inside, it can also show up on your skin.

Many common skin conditions such as eczema, acne, rosacea, and psoriasis have complex causes. While genetics, environment, and skincare routines all play a role, your gut health may also be a contributing factor.

 

What Is the Gut-Skin Axis?

Your digestive tract is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms known as the gut microbiome. This delicate ecosystem plays a vital role in digestion, immune response, nutrient absorption, and inflammation regulation.

When your gut is in balance, your skin is more likely to remain calm and clear. But when this balance is disrupted (a state called dysbiosis), it may trigger inflammation that can impact your skin, sometimes contributing to flare-ups, breakouts, or increased sensitivity.

Signs That Gut Health Might Be Affecting Your Skin

Your body often communicates internal imbalances through physical symptoms. Some signs that your gut health could be influencing your skin include:

• Recurring skin flare-ups (such as eczema, acne, or rosacea)

• Bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort

• Irregular bowel movements

• Food intolerances or sensitivities

• Fatigue or low energy

• Increased skin sensitivity or dryness

Everyone’s gut and skin are unique, but if you’re noticing both digestive and skin symptoms, the two could be linked.

 

How to Support Your Gut and Your Skin

While there’s no single solution for everyone, some simple lifestyle and dietary choices can help to support a healthy gut and, in turn, support your skin:

1. Eat a diverse, fibre-rich diet

Whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains feed beneficial gut bacteria and support digestion.

2. Reduce intake of processed foods

Highly processed foods, additives, and excess sugar can disrupt the microbiome and promote inflammation.

3. Include fermented foods (if tolerated)

Foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso naturally contain probiotics - beneficial bacteria that help maintain gut balance.

4. Stay hydrated

Water is essential for healthy digestion and helps the body flush out waste that could contribute to inflammation.

5. Prioritise stress management

The gut and brain are closely connected, and chronic stress can negatively affect both digestion and skin. Regular movement, mindfulness, and rest can help.

6. Sleep well

Quality sleep gives your body time to repair and regulate systems, including your immune and digestive systems.

While research is still evolving, there’s growing evidence that the health of your gut can directly impact your skin. Paying attention to what’s happening internally might be a missing piece in understanding persistent skin concerns.