Acne vulgaris, often abbreviated as acne, is a common skin condition affecting millions of individuals all over the world. Traditionally linked to causes such as hormonal imbalances, sebum overproduction, or bacterial proliferation, recent studies have shown an intriguing association between gut health and skin conditions such as acne (La Pelle, n.d.). This article takes a closer look at the gut microbiome’s association with acne based on insights from dermatological studies and with potential therapeutic implications. 

Understanding the Gut-Skin Axis

The human body is home to a complicated community of microorganisms-the functioning members are respectively called microbiomes, and the major sites where these microbial assemblages can be found are in the gastrointestinal tract. Gut microbiomes assume an important part in immune regulation, digestion, and providing an intact barrier function to the intestine (All About Acne Team, 2021). There is accumulating evidence implicating any disturbance within the microbial ecosystem to systemic inflammation and immune response, which in turn would affect one’s skin health. This bidirectional conversation is referred to as the gut-skin axis (Genova Diagnostics UK, 2024). 

Dietary Influences on Gut Health and Acne

The difference in gut microbiome composition and activity is best explained by variation in diet. Some of these dietary patterns have been linked with worsening acne symptoms due to their impact on gut health. 

  • Foods with a High Glycemic Index: These foods lead to a rapid and significant rise of blood sugar levels after ingestion, as result of their high glycemic index. This is due to increased insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which may stimulate sebaceous glands and lead to acne. Severity of acne has also been reported to be associated with diets that are high in glycaemic load (Genova Diagnostics UK, 2024). 
  • Dairy Products: The controversy continues about using dairy products associated with some research stating that dairy consumption elevates insulin and IGF-1 levels, possibly contributing to acne flare-ups. It could consult a healthcare provider for customized dietary approaches for anyone who believes that such an association exists between dairy consumption and acne outbreak (Verywell Health, 2023). 
  • Fiber and Prebiotics: Consuming fiber and prebiotics strengthens healthy gut bacteria. They are minerals present in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which serve as substrates for microbial fermentation to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs have anti-inflammatory properties and help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier to alleviate acne symptoms (All About Acne Team, 2021). 

Probiotics as a Therapeutic Strategy

Skin health is known to be affected by gut microbiota, and thus probiotics have been static as a new addition to acne treatment. Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when sufficiently prescriptive, confer healthy benefits to the host. They restore the microbial balance in the gut, improve the function of the intestinal barrier and modulate the responses of immunology. Clinical studies have been conducted to see if there is effect by application of certain strains of probiotics on both moderations of acne severity. For example, Lactobacillus strains’ supplementations showed improving acne lesser spots, probably due to its anti-inflammation mechanism and modulation of the gut-skin axis (Verywell Health 2023). 

Impact of Antibiotics on Gut and Skin Health

The treatment of acne is most commonly done with antibiotics for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. The long-term or repeated use of antibiotics can produce changes in gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis, which has been associated with many health problems, including the possibility of causing exacerbation of skin disorders. This is the reason why it should be emphasized in the judicious use of antibiotics and in complementary therapies which favor gut health (Genova Diagnostics UK, 2024). 

Practical Recommendations for Supporting Gut and Skin Health

Some of the methods that can be employed to ensure one has both gut and skin health include the following:  

  • Balanced diet: Let it be emphasized that one needs to have a healthy whole-food diet-rich fruits, vegetables, low-fat protein, and healthy fats. Limit the amounts of processed foods, refined sugars, and high-glycemic items to ensure balanced blood sugar levels and a healthy gut microbiome (La Pelle, n.d.).  
  • Probiotic and prebiotic intake: Add probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, or fermented vegetables, and eat prebiotic foods such as garlic, onions, and bananas, to help good bacteria grow (Verywell Health, 2023).  
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress can worsen gut health and skin conditions, so practice reducing stress through meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and regular physical activity (Genova Diagnostics UK, 2024).  
  • Hydration: Adequate amounts of water keep an individual healthy and aid with digestion, while also maintaining the skin hydrated (All About Acne Team, 2021).  
  • Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: Consulting with dermatologists and nutritionists may prove beneficial in developing an individualized approach that targets both gut and skin health (La Pelle, n.d.). 

There is an interaction between gut health and acne, showing that skin afflictions are much more complex, and deserve to be treated with a holistic approach. By recognizing and addressing the various factors at work along the gut-skin axis, an individual may find a more effective and sustainable way to manage acne. Meanwhile, research continues to explore pathways through which the gut microbiota affect the skin-theoretically paving the way for innovative insights and therapeutic possibilities back in dermatology (Genova Diagnostics UK, 2024). 

References

  1. All About Acne Team. (2021). Research confirms link between gut health & skin. All About Acne. Retrieved from https://acne.org.au/2021/08/how-gut-health-affects-skin/ 
  2. Genova Diagnostics UK. (2024). The gut-skin connection: How gut health impacts acne. Genova Connect. Retrieved from https://www.genovadiagnosticsuk.com/blog/2024/01/the-gut-skin-connection-how-your-gut-health-impacts-acne/ 
  3. La Pelle. (n.d.). Does gut health link to your acne? La Pelle Skin Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.lapelle.org/post/does-gut-health-link-to-your-acne 
  4. Verywell Health. (2023). 14 conditions probiotics may help treat, supported by research. Verywell Health. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/conditions-probiotics-can-help-with-8780118 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR