Fine Lines

14 ASCP Fine Lines We often treat skin issues from the outside, but good gut health may be the true key to having flawless, radiant skin. When our gut is unhealthy, it can have a huge impact on the skin—a connection known as the gut- skin axis. There's enough evidence to suggest an intimate, bidirectional connection between the gut and the skin, with links in three common skin disorders: acne, eczema, and psoriasis. THE GUT-SKIN RELATIONSHIP Many skin disorders go hand in hand with gut issues, and vice versa. One study found a higher number of patients with rosacea who also tested positive for a gut condition called small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Upon treating the SIBO only, 70 percent of participants saw an improvement in rosacea, demonstrating more than just a strong association between the two: treating the SIBO alone improved the skin. Inf lammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also associated with a greater risk of an inf lammatory skin condition such as psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea. This relationship is likely due to the fact that both IBD and skin conditions like psoriasis have similar inf lammatory pathways that may begin in the gut. Research has also found a strong association between gut health and acne, with several studies linking an imbalance in gut bacteria with higher prevalence of acne. Healing the gut may be one of the best ways to treat chronic inf lammatory skin issues. DIET AND GUT HEALTH The imbalance of the gut microbiome is known as dysbiosis and can cause the immune system to suffer while also increasing skin inflammation. Gut bacteria regulate many functions in the body, including fat metabolism, intracellular signaling, and cell growth. When bad bacteria outweigh the good, it can disrupt these pathways and cause inflammation. Diet is the major culprit in a poor microbiome. Processed foods, sugar, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and low fiber can all negatively impact the gut. Stress, poor sleep, and environmental toxins also play a role in disturbing the gut-skin axis. IMPROVING THE GUT For improved skin health, focus on a fiber-rich diet. Research shows that a wide variety of plant-based foods, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, can improve the diversity of your gut bacteria. For additional support, probiotics can be used to help balance the gut bacteria and restore healthy skin. In one of the first studies to examine the gut-skin connection, 80 percent of participants showed clinical improvement after using probiotics, as they help boost the immune system, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition to probiotics, prebiotics are also important for a healthy gut. Prebiotics are food for the probiotics in your gut; for healthy skin, both are key. Prebiotic foods are rich in fiber your gut bacteria ferments. Bananas, onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, apple skins, and beans are all great prebiotics. ▪ Gut Check Understanding the gut-skin axis by Alex Caspero Processed foods, sugar, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and low fiber can all negatively impact the gut.

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