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The skin-gut connection: how your digestive health impacts your skin

Our recent Instagram Live delved into the fascinating connection between gut health and skin wellness with founder of LIMINAL, Rebekah Brown. Known as the "skin-gut axis," understanding and nurturing this relationship is key to achieving. a healthy, radiant complexion. If you have sensitive or stressed skin, supporting your digestive system alongside your skincare routine can bring visible improvements. In this article, we’ll explore how gut health influences skin and share easy, effective tips to get the most out of your skincare journey.

What is the skin-gut axis?

The “skin-gut axis” describes the interaction between our digestive system and skin. Scientists have found that our gut microbiome - the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in our intestines - plays a major role in regulating our immune system, hormonal balance, and inflammatory responses. When the gut microbiome is imbalanced, often referred to as “dysbiosis,” it can lead to skin issues such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.

How does gut health affect your skin?

Research shows that the skin and gut communicate through immune, hormone, and nervous systems, creating a network that links internal and external health. Gut bacteria influence the release of neurotransmitters, immune markers, and hormones that can trigger skin inflammation. This means our gut health is directly tied to how our skin looks and feels.

How does the immune system impact skin health?

Approximately 70% of the body’s immune cells are housed in the gut, making it a vital hub for regulating immune responses. These immune cells produce cytokines, molecules that send signals to different parts of the body, including the skin. When the gut microbiome is healthy and diverse, it helps the immune system to recognise and appropriately respond to the bad bacteria and viruses. However, an imbalanced microbiome can lead to overactive immune responses, causing the skin to become more sensitive and reactive.

Can probiotics and prebiotics help with skin sensitivity?

Emerging research suggests that specific gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, play a beneficial role in moderating immune responses and reducing inflammation. Studies highlight that probiotic-rich diets can enhance the body's anti-inflammatory response and promote skin healing.

Alongside probiotics, it's important to make sure both your skin and gut contain the nutrients needed to feed the good bacteria: the prebiotics. A great example of a prebiotic is inulin, which is a key ingredient found in our Balancer Cream Cleanser. This offers a gentle yet effective way to cleanse and calm the skin without disrupting its natural moisture balance, preparing the skin to absorb further nutrients and allow the microbiome to flourish.

5 ways to support gut and skin health

1. What foods help reduce skin inflammation?

Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can be immensely beneficial. Leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon contain antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

2. What are the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for skin?

Probiotics and prebiotics are two powerful allies for gut health. Probiotics, found in foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha, introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut. Prebiotics, found in foods like garlic, onions, and bananas, act as fuel for these bacteria.

You may also wish to supplement prebiotics for an gut extra boost, like LIMINAL's Gut-Instinct - a prebiotic formula that gently blends the best researched botanicals at dosage levels with the strongest results in trial.

3. How does stress affect gut and skin health?

Chronic stress disrupts the gut microbiome, which in turn affects the skin. When we experience stress, our body produces cortisol, a hormone that can increase gut permeability and reduce the diversity of gut bacteria. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises have been shown in studies to reduce cortisol levels and promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Why not treat yourself to an evening facial massage with the Hero Facial Oil to calm yourself before bed and alleviate any stress you might be holding on to from your day.

4. Why should you limit sugar and processed foods?

A high intake of refined sugars and processed foods can lead to gut dysbiosis by encouraging the growth of harmful bacteria. These foods are often linked with increased inflammation in both the gut and skin. We're not saying to stop eating chocolate altogether, but try opting for a chocolate with over 70% cacao most days.

5. Does drinking water really help with skin health?

You've heard it before, but we cannot stress it enough. Hydration is essential for both the digestive system and skin. Water helps flush toxins out of the body, supports digestion, and keeps the skin hydrated. We recommend drinking at least 2 litres of water every day for the best results.

For an added hydration boost, the Saviour Moisture Mask offers deep moisture, supporting skin’s natural barrier and giving your skin a radiant glow thanks to it being packed with postbiotic hyaluronic acid. Perfect for a 5 minute moisture hit.

By nurturing our gut health, we can build a strong foundation for healthier, more resilient skin. Incorporating gut-friendly habits into our daily routine doesn’t just support a balanced microbiome - it empowers us to feel our best, inside and out.

With thanks to Rebekah for hosting a brilliant Instagram Live with us. LIMINAL was born out of frustration at a world slow to recognise the phenomenal wisdom and value we bring as we age. Find out more about LIMINAL and their naturopathic formulations.

Have a question? Reach out to us at care@bysarahlondon.com, or DM us on our Instagram.

By Sarah