You’ve heard the phrase “beauty starts from within,” but did you know that’s quite literally true when it comes to your skin? In functional medicine we have been diving deep into how the gut microbiome affects the other systems of the body. One of the big connections is the gut-skin axis.

It turns out that the secret to healthy skin, but also overcoming chronic skin conditions are directly related to the health of your gut microbiome.

Your microbiome is a community of trillions of microbes—bacteria, fungi, viruses—that live in and on your body. Your gut microbiome, located in your digestive tract, plays a huge role in digestion, immunity, mood, and inflammation.

Meanwhile, did you know? Your skin has its own diverse microbiome, which helps protect against harmful pathogens, maintain the skin barrier, and regulate inflammation. The skin is technically the largest organ in the body!

These two systems—your gut and skin—are in constant communication. This is what we call the gut-skin axis

Here’s how the connection works:

Leaky Gut = Leaky Skin

When the gut lining becomes inflamed or “leaky” (because of stress, medications, inflammatory foods etc) toxins and food particles can leak back out to the bloodstream – NOT what we want. This triggers systemic inflammation. Symptoms are varied, but one of these are skin issues.

Conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis, and rosacea have all been linked to gut imbalances.

This “internal fire” often shows up as redness, puffiness, or flare-ups on the skin. Many people with skin/gut imbalance might often have other symptoms of inflammation, like digestive issues, joint pain, headaches or migraines or even fatigue.

A gut microbiome low in diversity or high in “bad” bacteria can influence the skin microbiome, potentially leading to dryness, irritation, or breakouts.

Dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) in the gut may impair nutrient absorption—meaning your skin misses out on the vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids it needs to stay healthy.

Acne: Gut dysbiosis and food sensitivities can trigger insulin resistance and inflammation, fueling hormonal breakouts.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Often tied to food intolerances, allergies, and an overactive immune response from the gut. I’ve also learned in my trainings that MOLD exposure can stimulate and aggravate eczema!

Rosacea: Research links this condition with SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).

Psoriasis: Associated with leaky gut, poor gut barrier function, and systemic inflammation.

Ready to boost your gut health and help your skin thrive in the process? Here are a few gut-loving habits to try:

Eat a Rainbow of Plants

Diversity in your diet means diversity in your microbiome. Load up on fiber-rich fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains. I give  a “microbiome mash up smoothie” recipe to our patients to help get a variety in!

Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods

Processed sugar and refined carbs can disrupt gut flora and spike inflammation, both of which can show up on your face. 

Check for Food Sensitivities:

Many patients also avoid gluten & dairy as these can disrupt the gut. We do extensive testing in our practice to know exactly what is going on in YOUR body.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress impacts both the gut lining and the skin barrier. Meditation, sleep, nature time, and breathwork go a long way. We teach our patients how to engage the Vagus Nerve to strength this connection.

Topical Probiotics for Skin?

While healing from within is key, some research suggests that applying topical probiotics (like Lactobacillus extracts) may help balance the skin microbiome directly—especially for acne and eczema. Just be sure to use high-quality, dermatologist-approved formulations.

Your gut and your skin are more connected than you might think! 

Supporting your gut microbiome through food, lifestyle, and targeted care can be a game-changer for your skin’s clarity, resilience, and glow.

Because the truth is: healthy skin isn’t just about what you put on it—it’s also about what you nourish it with from the inside out.

Want to explore your own gut-skin connection? 

We go below the surface, analyzing your unique genetics, previous exposures, potential allergies, gastrointestinal system, hormones, and nutrition to find imbalances. Then we focus on eliminating negative factors contributing to the problem. This can allow the body to heal itself.

We also use specialized testing, like Organic Acids and GI Map, to analyze what is going on & to give YOU the most comprehensive treatment plan.