BEAUTY FROM WITHIN
The science behind gut health and clear skin
Dejour Waite, Giorgio Dell’Acqua - New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists
Pursuing clear, radiant skin may no longer be just about skin treatment with topical products. Consumers are starting to recognize that a healthy gut may also play a role in achieving a glowing complexion. Emerging research on the gut-skin axis reveals that an imbalanced gut microbiome, or dysbiosis, can lead to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances, all of which may contribute to skin issues such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and premature ageing. As a result, the beauty and wellness industries are embracing a more holistic, inside- out approach to skin care, fuelling innovation in ingestible beauty products infused with pre-, pro-, and post-biotics. This article explores how gut health and skin care convergence shapes consumer trends and product innovation. Consumers are increasingly drawn to
science-backed solutions, with a surge in demand for probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and fermented ingredients in supplements and skin care formulations. Additionally, brands are developing microbiome-friendly skin care products to support the skin’s natural microbial ecosystem, offering a dual-action approach to skin health. As scientific understanding of the gut-skin axis deepens, brands are working to leverage AI-driven diagnostics and microbiome testing to create hyper-personalized future solutions tailored to individual skin and gut profiles. This movement reflects a shift in consumer behaviour, where beauty, wellness, and nutrition are increasingly intertwined.
The science behind the gut-skin axis The skin is our largest organ and serves as a living barrier between our body and the environment, with the skin microbiome acting as an interface contributing to the body’s protection and immunity. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract interfaces between the host and its internal environment. The gut and skin are living with a complex and highly populated microbiota, as it is estimated that the skin has about 1012 accounts for 1014
microbial cells, while the gut .1
The microbiome provides many benefits to the host, such as shaping the immune system, protecting against pathogens, breaking down metabolites, and maintaining a healthy barrier. Hence, disruptions in the balance between host and microorganism are associated with an altered immune response, promoting the
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development of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, acne vulgaris, dandruff, and even skin cancer.1 The gut microbiome contains gram-
negative and gram-positive bacteria, including Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Eubacterium, Fusobacterium, and Ruminococcus genera. The two most dominant phyla in the intestinal microbiome are Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes.2 Bacteria from these main phyla secrete short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) as the end products of bacterial anaerobic fermentation of dietary fibre. Studies suggested that SCFA has anti-inflammatory properties, can induce regulatory T cells, and can modulate the function of intestinal macrophages in the colon, all contributing to maintaining the organ’s homeostasis.3 The gut microbiome serves three primary functions from birth: metabolic support, protection, and immune system regulation. As an individual grows, these microbial communities aid in essential metabolic processes, such as digesting breast milk and other foods. They also contribute to protecting the body through detoxification by breaking down toxins and medications while assisting in vitamin synthesis. Finally, the gut is symbiotic with diverse
microorganisms and their associated harmless antigens.2
Over time, the immune system develops a tolerance to these antigens through
Figure 1: The relationship between the gut and skin
its natural maturation process, helping to modulate microbiome-related inflammatory responses. Research shows that gut microbiota can vary by race and ethnicity, starting from three months of age and persisting through childhood. Additional work, however, is needed to assess if these variants are crucial to understanding health disparities in adults.4,5 The gut-skin axis refers to the connection between gut health and skin health (Figure 1). This relationship highlights how the digestive
June 2025 PERSONAL CARE
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