How Your Gut Health Affects Your Skin

If you feel it in your gut, you’ll see it on your skin.

Published on Aug 22, 2025

Skincare is often described as both a form of relaxation and an expression of self-care. While this holds true, it can also be a source of frustration. There are seasons when it feels like you’ve tried every treatment, applied countless topical solutions, and stayed loyal to your routine—yet nothing seems to work. When the frustration builds from the outside, it may be the right moment to pause and turn your attention inward.

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About the Gut-Skin Axis

You might have noticed how stress sometimes shows up on your skin—like a sudden pimple appearing right when you’re already overwhelmed. Or perhaps you reached for a sweet treat to lift your mood, only to wake up to a breakout the next day. These are not coincidences. If anything, they’re signals from your gut.

The connection between the gut and the skin is still an emerging area of research, but existing studies already point to its importance. Put simply, the skin hosts a community of microorganisms—bacteria and fungi—collectively known as the skin microbiome. According to Keri Wigington and Dr. Stephanie Gardner, this microbiome plays a vital role in protecting us: It fights infection, supports immune function, helps wounds heal, and regulates inflammation.

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PHOTO: Instagram/bretmanrock.

The gut has its own microbiome, too. Found in the intestines, it plays a key role in metabolism, digestion, and immune function, while also acting as a barrier against harmful pathogens. Just as factors like poor diet or poor hygiene can disrupt the skin, they can also compromise gut health. Research refers to the “gut-skin axis” as “the bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome and skin health,” or simply how the gut and the skin affect each other.

When gut microbial diversity is altered, the condition is called dysbiosis. According to a study, this imbalance can “increase host vulnerability” and, in turn, affect skin health. As explained by Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, dysbiosis may lead to “increased intestinal permeability [...] which allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation.”

Below are some of the ways it manifests in the skin.

Acne: An imbalance in gut bacteria may lead to inflammation and excess oil production, which affects oil glands and exacerbates acne.

Eczema: Dysbiosis can contribute to flare-ups and skin sensitivity.

Rosacea: While it needs further study, gut disorders like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth are known to be linked to rosacea, and their reduction has shown improvement in symptoms.

These are merely common examples, and if they are something you’ve observed in yourself, we always recommend gathering advice and insights from a medical expert.

How to Take Care of Your Gut Health

Here are small steps you can incorporate into your daily life to keep your gut in topnotch shape.

1. Stay hydrated.

Hydration assists your digestive system as it helps absorb nutrients and prevent constipation. With the support it provides, it flushes out toxins and promotes a balanced gut microbiome.

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PHOTO: Instagram/sunniesflask.

2. Stick to a healthy diet.

Lessening sugar intake and reducing processed food in our diet is much easier said than done, but it is worth it. These can disrupt the microbiome and lead to digestive issues, which is why a balanced diet is crucial for gut health. The food we feed our bodies directly impacts our gut microbiome, so stock up on fiber, fruits, and vegetables because they support the growth of beneficial bacteria. You really are what you eat.

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PHOTO: Instagram/bretmanrock.

3. Manage stress.

The gut interacts with the brain as well. According to an article published on Harvard, it’s why some people feel nauseous or experience stomach aches when they’re nervous. Setting aside time to meditate, ease your mind, and relax will not only improve your gut and skin health; it will boost the quality of your life, too.

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PHOTO: Instagram/nadine.

While these are daily habits that can help improve your gut health, there may be times when your body calls for an extra dose of nourishment and care. On those days, stock up on gut-loving groceries that can give you the support you need.

Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.