Microbiome Impacts Skin Health

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Microbiome Impacts Skin Health

The hidden link between your gut health and glowing skin

The hidden link between your gut health and glowing skin

As someone who has suffered from cystic acne and stomach issues for years and even eczema as a child, it was around age 25 years old when I started to question whether or not there was a connection between the two, and maybe there was a root cause beyond the symptoms I was constant trying to mask. After hours spent on PubMed and picking my doctor-friend’s brain on whether or not the gut is connected to the skin, I found that new research is finally beginning to prove what Hippocrates in Ancient Greece had once said, “That all disease begins in the gut.” The word disease itself is just that, dis-ease.

Fast forward four years, and I’m turning 29 in just about 10 days - and I finally have my adult hormonal acne and stomach issues under control (mostly). However each and every time I wake up with a giant zit on my cheek or forehead, I can still find myself spiraling and wondering what could have caused this - oh right - the constant dessert and wine (thanks to the high sugar) I was eating and drinking on my holiday for 10 days straight…I digress.

What does the science actually say about the gut-skin connection?

Your gut is home to trillions of microbes that play a huge role in your overall health, including how your skin looks and feels. The gut-skin axis is a bidirectional link where imbalances (dysbiosis) in gut bacteria trigger inflammation, leading to conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis. A 2021 review in Microorganisms explained how gut microbes produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that reduce systemic inflammation, calming skin flare-ups. Research in Frontiers in Microbiology linked gut dysbiosis to psoriasis via IL-23/IL-17 pathways, worsening skin symptoms. I’ve seen this in my own routine; after periods of stress or poor eating, my skin would react, but focusing on gut support made a noticeable difference. Studies on acne and eczema show similar links: when toxins from a leaky gut enter the bloodstream, it triggers redness and irritation. The good news? Balancing your microbiome can help turn things around.

Microbiome-Friendly Skincare: Why I Started Eleusia

This fascination with the gut-skin axis is actually why I founded Eleusia. I wanted to build a skincare brand that truly embraces this connection, going beyond traditional topicals to include pre- and pro-biotic supplements that nurture from the inside out and are as easy as pouring into your morning coffee or tea. Creams and serums are important, but addressing the microbiome holistically felt like the missing piece in my own journey to clearer skin and I wanted to create a skincare line that would address the entire axis.

That’s where microbiome-supportive options shine. Eleusia incorporates prebiotics, like those from honey, high-fiber fruits, and vegetables to feed beneficial bacteria. Honey, for instance, is rich in oligosaccharides that encourage the production of those anti-inflammatory SCFAs. Whether applied topically or ingested, these ingredients support gut flora and, in turn, help soothe the skin. In connection to my last post, studies also show that extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) in particular has been shown to have prebiotic-like effects thanks to its high content of polyphenols which selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while helping to modulate the overall microbiome for better gut health.

From what I’ve read in dermatology studies, combining oral pre and probiotics with topical treatments can reduce acne lesions by around 50% in some cases (Microorganisms, 2021). It’s become a core part of my routine, and I love how it feels more comprehensive than just surface-level fixes.

How to Eat Your Skincare

How can you better prepare your gut first thing in the morning for better skin? My morning routine looks something like this

[WAKEUP]

//Lemon water & olive oil shot//

//Probiotics - COFFEE with collagen + vitamin c//

[Skincare Routine]

[15 Min Movement]

//BREAKFAST high protein, rich in collagen//

[WORK]

 

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