22 BEAUTY FROM WITHIN
system impacts skin conditions. A balanced gut microbiome can lead to clearer skin.
Skin conditions and gut health The gut and skin are physically connected through blood and lymphatic vessels, and the similarities between the two organs (Table 1), including the sharing of similar receptors, allow for cross-reactivity between them. For example, when the intestinal barrier is
broken, leading to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease, the pro-inflammatory compounds leak through the gut lining, and specific signs show on the skin, such as red tender bumps and rash. Some dermatological conditions have been associated with an unbalanced gut microbiome. Acne vulgaris is caused by various
factors, such as hormones, increased sebum production, inflammation, etc. Research has highlighted the role of our gut microbiome in the development of acne. Studies have shown that acne patients have a lower gut microbiota diversity, a higher Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio (B/F), and a decrease in several other species, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These species are proposed to strengthen the intestinal barrier and encourage the production of anti-inflammatory immune cells.6-8
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema,
is an inflammatory skin condition caused by factors similar to acne. It is noticed that the SCFA-producing beneficial gut bacteria F. prausnitzii and Bifidobacterium are reduced in individuals who suffer from eczema. This reduction is proportional to the
severe presence of E. coli. Another study has highlighted the lack of beneficial Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut of mothers and infants presenting atopic dermatitis (while the bacteria was present in their healthy counterparts).9 A disrupted gut barrier and reduced SCFA
levels contribute to epithelial inflammation and the penetration of allergens and toxins, triggering immune responses associated with eczema and leading to tissue damage in the skin.10
Psoriasis is characterized by red, scaly,
and thickened skin lesions that can occur at any site of the body.11
People with psoriasis have lower levels
of beneficial Faecalibacterium spp. and an increased presence of R. torques and R. gnavus. This leads to a pro-inflammatory response that affects the immune system and causes skin inflammation.12 Rosacea primarily affects the central face and is characterized by flushing, persistent redness, papules, rough texture, and facial swelling. Individuals with this condition have an altered B/F ratio and a decreased F. prausnitzii abundance compared to healthy individuals.
The rise of inside-out skin care The concept of inside-out skin care emphasizes the integral connection between the skin and the rest of the body, including the gut microbiome. This knowledge has led to the development of ingestible beauty products, microbiome-friendly topical formulations, and dietary interventions to enhance skin appearance and health. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics play pivotal roles in maintaining a balanced gut microbiota. Probiotics are alive, beneficial
microorganisms that, when ingested, can
TABLE 1: SHOWING THE SIMILAR FUNCTIONS BETWEEN THE GUT AND SKIN Attributes
Impacted by stress Acts as a barrier Has a microbiome High cell turnover
Can rapidly repair itself
Dense network supporting blood vessels and nerves Semi-permeable barrier
Produces a protective fluid layer Site of essential vitamin syntheses Neuronal Receptors
PERSONAL CARE June 2025 Gut Skin
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modulate the gut microbiome. Many types of probiotics come from different families of bacteria and yeast. The most common genera of bacteria used as probiotics include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.13
The mechanism of probiotics works by
altering the gut microbiota composition by competing with pathogens for nutrients and binding sites on the intestinal wall, which enhances the intestinal barrier function and modulates the immune system.14 Studies have shown that when oral
probiotics are taken, they induce a protective effect on specific skin cells. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium supplements have been shown to reduce acne lesions and sebum excretion, improving skin appearance.15 Probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are
widely used to help with digestive issues caused by various health conditions or treatments, such as indigestion and cancer therapy. Research on humans has shown that applying LAB directly to the skin or taking them orally can strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, support the immune system, and maintain overall balance. Additionally, LAB probiotics may help reduce the symptoms of AD.16 Unlike probiotics, prebiotics are not living
organisms. They nourish the gut microbiome, promoting its growth and activity. Their resistance to digestion in the upper GI system allows for fermentation by beneficial microbes. This fermentation yields SCFA production that initiates signaling pathways responsible for metabolic changes and inhibits harmful bacteria growth, thus balancing the gut microbiota.17 Most prebiotic compounds are
carbohydrates that occur naturally in the human diet. Common types include inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and lactulose, found in whole grains, garlic, onions, bananas, etc. However, many prebiotics are also of polyphenolic origin and shown to target
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