When clients say “I’ve tried everything on my skin” and nothing is working , the gut is very often where the signal is coming from.
Skin does not just “reflect” the gut — it responds to immune and metabolic messages coming from it.
Here is what might be happening.
Your gut lining is a selective barrier, just like your skin barrier.
When it is inflamed, permeable, or imbalanced, bacterial fragments (LPS), toxins, and inflammatory mediators enter the bloodstream. This activates the immune system and increases systemic inflammation.
That inflammation does not stay in the gut.
It expresses in high-turnover tissues — skin, brain, joints, hormones.
This is why gut imbalance often presents as:
• adult acne and jawline breakouts
• rosacea and flushing
• eczema and perioral dermatitis
• bloating, reflux, constipation, diarrhoe
• fatigue, brain fog, sugar cravings
• poor stress tolerance
• hormone disruption
The biological drivers
Dysbiosis
Imbalance between beneficial and inflammatory bacteria increases endotoxin load.
Increased intestinal permeability
The “leaky gut” state allows immune triggers into circulation.
Low stomach acid
Reduces protein digestion and allows bacterial overgrowth.
Poor bile flow
Impairs fat digestion, microbiome balance, and detoxification.
Blood sugar instability
Feeds inflammatory pathways and acne signalling.
Chronic stress
Directly alters the microbiome and intestinal permeability.
How to support the gut–skin axis (safely and strategically)
First: reduce inflammatory load
Whole foods, regular meals, adequate protein, fibre from vegetables and legumes, omega-3 fats. Reduce ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and alcohol.
Second: restore the gut lining
Look for:
L-glutamine
Zinc carnosine
Aloe vera
Slippery elm
Marshmallow root
Third: rebalance the microbiome
Multi-strain probiotics
Prebiotic fibres (inulin, FOS, partially hydrolysed guar gum)
Fermented foods if tolerated
Fourth: support digestion
Digestive enzymes
Bitter herbs
Magnesium for motility
Adequate hydration
Fifth: regulate the stress–gut–skin loop
Sleep consistency, breathwork, gentle movement, nervous system regulation.
This is why in clinic, when we see that strategies are in place to calm the gut, the skin stops overreacting.
