Is Gut Health Related to Acne?

Is acne related to gut health? Well, before you start restricting your diet, remember that acne can be caused by a variety of things, and having a restrictive diet is not required for healing or maintaining your skin. At any rate, the skin’s relationship with the stomach is more complex than diet alone. It's related to the “gut-brain-skin” axis at large.

What is the gut-brain-skin axis?

The gut-brain-skin axis is used to describe correlations among the gut microbiota, emotional states, and systemic inflammation. And yes, this axis is associated with skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema, etc. Actually, Cassandra has struggled with gastrointestinal complications and bloating too, especially when her cystic acne was at its most intense!

When it comes to emotional states, "digestive disorders are commonly present as comorbidities of mood disorders, and both disorders can reflect a dysfunctional composition of gut bacteria, known as microbiota. The microbiota is also comprised of viruses and fungi” (Madison, 2019). Gut microbiota have specific immune and modulating functions that help the body function. So, an imbalanced gut microbiota due to stress or disordered mood can definitely cause inflammation, and it can even influence the gut’s permeability.

What is gut hyperpermeability or “leaky gut?”

“The mucous lining of our intestines, which is also protected by certain bacteria, is designed to absorb water and nutrients from our food into our bloodstream (Cleveland Clinic). ” This is known as gut permeability.

However, gut microbiota imbalances due to stress can compromise the gut lining and trigger the body’s immune response, in turn, causing inflammation. This inflammation can increase intestinal permeability, leading to something known as “leaky gut.”

Our stomachs have an intestinal lining that covers over 4,000 square feet of surface area. “When working properly, it forms a tight barrier that controls what gets absorbed into the bloodstream. However, an unhealthy gut lining may have large cracks or holes, allowing partially digested food, toxins, and bacteria to penetrate the tissues beneath it” (Marcelo Campos, MD. 2023). This is known as a "leaky gut."

Leaky gut can cause abdominal pain, gas, changes in bathroom habits, mood changes, and yes, it's even associated with acne.

Does leaky gut cause acne?

A leaky gut does not necessarily cause acne. However, studies indicate that “stress-induced alterations to the gut microbiota could increase the likelihood of intestinal permeability." And in effect, it sets the stage for systemic and local skin inflammation (Bowe, Whitney MD. 2011).

To provide another example, a Russian study stated that “54% of acne patients have marked alterations to the intestinal microflora. In addition, “a Chinese study involving patients with seborrheic dermatitis also noted disruptions of the normal gastrointestinal microflora.”

Can leaky gut be improved by diet?

In a 2024 study, when participants switched from a meat-based to a plant-based diet, their microbiota makeup was altered in 24 hours. Moreover, the study described how prebiotic foods like fiber and fermented (probiotic) foods are capable of stimulating good bacteria growth and microbiota diversity. Concurrently, they can also combat the overgrowth of specific bacteria.

The 2024 study also illuminated how environmental exposure, antibiotics, inadequate sleep, and environmental toxins all affect the gut microbiota.

Therefore, “avoiding processed foods and instead eating foods that promote the healthy growth of gut bacteria may help reduce digestive symptoms” (Healthline, 2023). Avoiding products like bread, pasta, and cereals can be helpful. Also, it could be especially helpful to cancel processed meats.

Moreover, studies show that supporting the gut microbiota and their functions with probiotics and health behaviors can be therapeutic for gut health as well (Cleveland Clinic).

What do probiotics do?

Probiotics like lactobacillus may help maintain the health of your gut lining by preventing an overgrowth of the wrong gut bacteria, especially in your small intestine. Remember, an overgrowth of certain bacteria can also damage the stomach lining and cause inflammation.

Fortunately, there are a variety of probiotic supplements that can help support gut microbiota. Here are two microbiota-boosting treats that Cassandra loves!

This powder contains digestive enzymes like lipase, lactase, papain, and live probiotics like probiotic, bacillus subtilis DE111. These all help with proper absorption as well.

Organic Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder - Garden of Life