Healthy Skin Starts in the Gut

The skin care industry is booming now more than ever, with a plethora of new products, treatments and devices. But healthy skin is about more than just topical care—it goes deeper, down to the gut. True skin health is characterized by a few key factors: smooth texture, even tone, proper moisture balance, functioning collagen and elastin, and an intact barrier. This barrier is where gut health begins to play an important role. 

Both the gut and skin house microbiota that help to shape the immune system and protect the body against pathogens. When the gut microbiome becomes stressed or unbalanced, the immune system can become dysregulated, triggering inflammation. Often, that inflammation can show up on the skin in the form of acne, rosacea, eczema and other chronic skin conditions.

Diet also plays a vital role in skin health. Certain food ingredients can damage the gut lining, contributing to what is commonly referred to as “leaky gut”. When this barrier becomes compromised, toxins and inflammatory compounds can pass into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body right into the skin, which is nourished directly through capillary networks. A healthy gut is also necessary for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. When gut function is impaired, absorption of important nutrients such as zinc, vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids may be hindered—all of which are necessary for repair, hydration, collagen production and overall skin health.

Beyond digestion, the gut is also a major endocrine organ involved in hormone production and regulation. Gut dysbiosis can contribute to hormonal imbalances, such as elevating androgens like testosterone and cortisol. These hormonal shifts can stimulate excess oil production, disrupting the skin’s moisture balance and contributing to acne. A 2018 study, published in Acta Dermato-Venereologica in August 2018, showed that patients with acne actually had a distinct gut microbiome composition with decreased diversity of beneficial bacteria and increased levels of Bacteroides, a certain inflammatory bacterial strain. 

The condition of the gut can directly influence the health and appearance of the skin long term. While skin care products and professional treatments are here to support the skin, health must start from within. 

Olivia Ilie is a licensed clinical esthetician at Health Clarified, located at 2165A Shermer Rd., in Northbrook. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 224-344-8668, email [email protected] or visit HealthClarifiedNow.com. 

SIDEBAR

Health Clarified, in Northbrook, recently welcomed Licensed Clinical Esthetician Olivia Ilie to the team as their newest esthetician and the face behind Skin Clarified Esthetics. Known for her intentional approach and passion for healthy, radiant skin, Ilie creates and applies treatments that are both results-driven and deeply rejuvenating.

Location: 2165A Shermer Rd., in Northbrook. For more information or to make an appointment, call 224-344-8668, email [email protected] or visit HealthClarifiedNow.com.