The gut-skin axis is the communication pathway between your digestive system and your skin. It’s influenced by your microbiome, immune system, and inflammatory responses – meaning that gut health can directly impact skin clarity, hydration, sensitivity, and inflammation.

Table of Contents

• What is the gut-skin axis?
• Why does gut health matter for your skin?
• What role does the microbiome play in skin health?
• What does science say about the gut-skin connection?
• How can I naturally support the gut-skin axis?
• How does Flora Daily Biotic support skin from within?
• What nutrients support the gut-skin axis?
• How are common skin conditions linked to gut health?
• What is the holistic approach to gut and skin wellness?
• Quick Summary: Supporting your skin through gut health
• FAQs

What is the gut-skin axis?

The gut-skin axis is the two-way communication system between your gut and skin. It’s regulated by microbial metabolites, immune signals, and hormonal pathways that link digestive balance to skin appearance.

This system means that when your gut is inflamed, leaky, or out of balance, your skin often reflects that through redness, acne, or sensitivity.

Why does gut health matter for your skin?

Over 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. A healthy gut reduces inflammation, supports hormone balance, and helps the body absorb nutrients, all essential for skin repair and glow.

Signs your gut may be impacting your skin include:

• Redness or rashes

• Chronic breakouts

• Dryness and flaking

• Bloating or digestive discomfort

When your gut lining is compromised (leaky gut), inflammatory molecules can enter the bloodstream and trigger skin reactions.

What role does the microbiome play in skin health?

Your gut and skin both host microbiomes, diverse communities of bacteria that influence immune response, hydration, and skin barrier strength.

A thriving gut microbiome produces anti-inflammatory compounds like SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) that:

• Improve skin hydration

• Regulate sebum production

• Strengthen skin barrier function

What does science say about the gut-skin connection?

Recent research supports the gut-skin axis in several key ways:

• Cytokine regulation: Gut dysbiosis can increase pro-inflammatory cytokines that worsen skin conditions

• Neurotransmitters: Gut bacteria produce calming chemicals like GABA that reduce stress-related skin issues and preserve collagen

• Microbial translocation: Bacterial fragments crossing a leaky gut barrier can cause immune flares in the skin

Conditions like acne, rosacea,  eczema, and psoriasis have all been linked to gut imbalance.

How can I naturally support the gut-skin axis?

1. Eat for microbial diversity

• Fibre: oats, flaxseeds, leafy greens

• Fermented foods: sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi

• Prebiotics: inulin, GOS, FOS

2. Incorporate probiotics

• Use multi-strain formulas with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bacillus coagulans

• These strains are shown to reduce acne and eczema symptoms

3. Support detoxification

• Eat cruciferous veg (broccoli, cauliflower)

• Stay hydrated

• Move daily and sweat regularly

4. Minimise topical stressors

• Avoid synthetic fragrances, SLS, alcohols

• Use barrier-supporting skincare like By Sarah Hero Facial Oil

How does Flora Daily Biotic support skin from within?

Flora Daily Biotic supports the gut-skin axis by restoring microbial balance, calming internal inflammation, and aiding digestion and nutrient uptake.

Why Flora is different:

• Skin-first formulation: Designed to support skin clarity, calmness, and radiance from within

• Clinically studied strains: Including Lactobacillus acidophilus LA85 and Bifidobacterium longum BL21, chosen for their impact on skin and gut balance

• Zinc (10 mg, 100% RDI): Supports immunity, collagen protection, and estrogen metabolism

• Clean and gentle: No preservatives, sugars, sweeteners, or colours, unlike many liquids or powders

• High potency: 20 billion CFUs per capsule with delayed-release technology

Ideal for:

• Reducing flare-ups and redness

• Improving skin resilience and glow

• Supporting sensitive, reactive skin types

What nutrients support the gut-skin axis?

To optimise the gut-skin axis, your body needs specific nutrients:

How are common skin conditions linked to gut health?

Let’s look at how common skin conditions are linked to gut health:

• Acne: Associated with inflammation, hormonal imbalance and gut dysbiosis.

• Eczema: Often co-exists with food intolerances and impaired gut lining.

• Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition with known links to microbial imbalance and systemic inflammation.

• Sensitive Skin: Frequently linked with poor digestion or gut inflammation.

What is the holistic approach to gut and skin wellness?

Healing the gut can often calm the skin. Skincare and supplementation should support, not override, your body’s inner balance.

At By Sarah, we focus on:

• Nourishing the microbiome

• Using clean, functional skincare

• Promoting consistent, gentle care

Quick Summary: Supporting your skin through gut health

• The gut-skin axis links digestion, immunity, and inflammation with skin clarity and resilience

• Probiotics, fibre, hydration, and soothing skincare all support this connection

• Flora Daily Biotic is designed to nourish the gut and help skin thrive from within

FAQs

Q1: What is the gut-skin axis and why does it matter? 
The gut-skin axis is a communication network between the digestive system and skin, impacting inflammation, hydration, and immunity. Poor gut health can lead to skin flare-ups and sensitivity.

Q2: Can probiotics improve skin health?
Yes. Certain probiotic strains reduce systemic inflammation, support the skin barrier, and may ease conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea through the gut-skin axis.

Q3: What foods help the gut-skin connection?  
Fibre-rich and fermented foods like oats, kimchi, kefir, and leafy greens support microbial diversity and gut health, positively influencing skin resilience.

Q4: How does Flora Daily Biotic support the gut-skin axis?
It combines 9 targeted probiotic strains and zinc to support microbiome balance, reduce internal inflammation, and improve nutrient absorption for healthier skin.

Explore more guides:

• Prebiotic skincare: the expert guide to your skin's microbiome

• Eating for healthier skin with Danielle Copperman

• How to boost skin elasticity after weight loss

Need extra help? Email us at care@bysarahlondon.com or join our community on Instagram @bysarahlondon.

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