The Link Between Your Skin and the Gut Microbiome
The Link Between Your Skin and the Gut Microbiome
By: Hailey Layne
The emergence of the gut microbiome as the key to unlocking your best self is extremely overdone, however, there is something to be said about the vital relationship between the body’s largest organ, the skin, and microbiota that live within our body. The disordered gut-skin axis has been linked to acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis. Beyond appearances, understanding how the skin reflects what is occurring internally can inform decisions we make regarding our health.
The skin serves as a physical barrier to keep harmful bacteria and other intruders from overwhelming the immune system. The organ contains the sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands that aid in temperature regulation and moisture control. The skin is highly innervated and vascularized with an acidic pH that is inhospitable to most microorganisms. Skin and nail health can oftentimes point to larger problems beneath the surface. It is recommended to consult your dermatologist if you notice rapid changes that do not resolve.
Although the gut is not an official organ title, the trillions of microbes that make up the gut microbiome have been referred to as a virtual organ. The gut is able to function through the physical structures that make up the gastrointestinal tract. A study conducted through Ghent University in Belgium focusing on the relationship between a damaged microbiome and various skin conditions found that, “the microbiome provides a multitude of benefits to the host, such as shaping the immune system, protecting against pathogens, breaking down metabolites, and maintaining a healthy barrier [1].” When we are born, microbes are first exposed to our gut. This initial colonization impacts the way our unique bacteria develop as we age. The gene interactions that take place within our gut between the immune system can determine how nutrients are absorbed and how the liver detoxifies harmful substances within the body [2].
How should you begin to support the relationship between your skin and your gut? Both the skin and the gut continuously interact with the external environment. It is estimated that 60 tons of food will pass through the gastrointestinal tract in one’s lifetime. The skin is constantly exposed to sun, pollution, and both positive and negative microorganisms. The innate complexity of the human body does provide a warning for those of us seeking a quick fix to a disorderly microbiome: no two microbiomes are the same. Each body responds differently to the environment it is a part of. It is generally accepted that eating a variety of whole foods and fermented foods containing probiotics can nourish one’s microbiota. Kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are a few foods recommended for increasing bacterial diversity.
A life of balance is the best way to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Although the gut microbiota is having its moment of fame, all of the systems of the body are interconnected. Supporting only one part of ourselves is a disservice to the rest of our body. It goes without saying that there is more to wellness than what is on the surface.
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[1] De Pessemier, Britta et al. “Gut-Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions.” Microorganisms vol. 9,2 353. 11 Feb. 2021, doi:10.3390/microorganisms9020353
[2] Mahmud, Md Rayhan et al. “Impact of gut microbiome on skin health: gut-skin axis observed through the lenses of therapeutics and skin diseases.” Gut microbes vol. 14,1 (2022): 2096995. doi:10.1080/19490976.2022.209