skincare
The Gut–Skin Axis: Why Your Skin Health Starts in Your Gut
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7 min read
In a recent episode of Face the Future’s Skincare & Beyond podcast, Julia sat down with Dr. Gaby Prinsloo, Medical Director at Advanced Nutrition Programme, to explore one of the most exciting...
In a recent episode of Face the Future’s Skincare & Beyond podcast, Julia sat down with Dr. Gaby Prinsloo, Medical Director at Advanced Nutrition Programme, to explore one of the most exciting and fast-growing areas in skin science: the gut–skin axis. The discussion highlighted how deeply interconnected our internal health is with our skin, and why achieving clear, resilient, youthful skin often starts far beneath the surface.
What Is the Gut–Skin Axis?
The gut–skin axis refers to the continuous communication between our digestive system and our skin. As Julia introduces in the episode, it is “the link between the gut and skin… often referred to as the skin gut axis.”
Dr. Gaby explains that this connection works in both directions. “We do have this gut skin axis, and that’s bidirectional. So what that means is the health of our gut impacts our skin, and the health of our skin impacts our gut.” This bidirectional relationship changes how we view skincare. Rather than treating breakouts, redness, or dryness purely as surface issues, we must consider the broader picture of immune health, hormones, and systemic inflammation.
Why Gut Health Plays a Central Role in Skin Ageing
One of the most compelling insights from the conversation is the scale of influence the gut has on overall health. “80% of our immune system is actually in the gut,” Dr. Gaby explains. When the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced (a state known as dysbiosis), immune regulation can shift, often leading to increased inflammation.
Inflammation is one of the most significant contributors to premature skin aging and chronic skin concerns. As Dr. Gabby notes, “When the gut is out of balance, we get inflammation which accelerates aging and affects skin health.” In fact, chronic inflammation is now so closely linked to aging that the term “inflammaging” is commonly used in scientific research.
The gut microbiome also produces short-chain fatty acids that support skin barrier function and hydration, and even manufactures neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. “They also make neurotransmitters… GABA, serotonin, dopamine - those feel-good hormones are actually made by the bacteria in our gut.” This highlights how mood, stress, hormones, and skin health are all interwoven.
The Microbiome: More Than Just Digestion
Dr. Gaby describes the microbiome as “that collection of bacteria, fungi, viruses that live in different areas of the body.” The gut microbiome is the largest of these ecosystems, with an "estimated over 30 trillion microorganisms.”
These microbes regulate immune responses, influence hormone metabolism and help control inflammation. Changes in gut health can alter sebum production, hydration levels and skin barrier integrity. As she explains, “As sebum changes, the skin microbiome changes. As the skin barrier changes… the skin microbiome changes.” In other words, gut balance shapes the environment in which skin bacteria live and thrive.
Clear Links to Acne, Eczema, and Rosacea
Dr. Gaby draws on her clinical experience working with chronic skin conditions to illustrate the strength of this connection. Reflecting on her practice, she shares, “Every single patient… had gut dysbiosis.” Many of these patients, particularly those with eczema, saw significant improvement once gut imbalance was addressed.
Acne offers another clear example. When the gut microbiome is disrupted, there can be “increased reabsorption of androgens,” the hormones responsible for stimulating oil production. This hormonal shift can increase sebum, inflammation, and breakouts. Similar patterns of immune dysfunction and inflammatory imbalance are seen in rosacea and psoriasis.
The message is consistent: when we support gut balance, we often see improvements in inflammatory skin conditions.
The Surprising Reverse Effect: Skin Influencing Systemic Health
Perhaps one of the most fascinating elements of the discussion is the reverse side of the gut–skin axis. While gut health influences skin, skin health can also influence systemic wellbeing. Inflammation in the skin can release inflammatory molecules into circulation, potentially contributing to broader aging processes.
Even more remarkably, emerging research suggests that “through hydrating skin, we reduce inflammation in the skin and reduce systemic inflammation… and can actually delay cognitive decline in the elderly.” This reframes skincare as something far beyond cosmetic. As Dr. Gaby explains, it is not simply “an aesthetic superficial thing,” but something “critical to our systemic well-being and our aging process.”
Supporting the Gut–Skin Connection with Supplements
The episode also explores how targeted supplementation can help reinforce this connection. Advanced Nutrition Program (ANP), developed under IIAA, was created with this inside-out philosophy in mind. “If we want the best possible results, we have to have a supplement range,” Dr. Gaby explains.
Skin Youth Biome was formulated specifically to support aging skin. In a 12-week clinical trial, “every single person had an improvement in one of those signs of aging,” with 97% improving in hydration and measurable improvements in skin barrier function. Notably, systemic inflammation markers decreased in some participants.
Skin Clear Biome, designed for breakout-prone and inflammatory skin, aims to regulate the pathways linked to acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. Dr. Gabby herself takes both formulations, noting, “With gut health and the gut microbiome, the more the merrier.” Diversity, she stresses, is key to building a resilient microbiome.
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Lifestyle Still Matters: Variety, Hydration and Stress Management
While supplements can offer targeted support, lifestyle remains foundational. When discussing nutrition, Dr. Gaby emphasises variety over volume. “Variety.” Different fruits and vegetables contain different fibers and polyphenols that nourish different bacterial strains. Reducing sugar and refined foods is equally important because “those are feeding the bad guys, not the good guys.”
Hydration, sleep and stress management also play vital roles. Slow breathing practices, supported by physiological research, can calm the nervous system and positively influence gut health. And rather than promoting perfection, she recommends balance: “Do it right 80% of the time. Cheat 20% of the time. But when you cheat, do it consciously.”
Looking Ahead: A More Personalised Future
As research progresses, the future of gut–skin science looks increasingly personalised. Dr. Gaby predicts that we will begin to develop “individual almost like fingerprints” based on genetic, immune and microbiome data. This would allow for far more targeted skincare and supplement protocols tailored to individual biology.
Skin Confidence Starts Within
Ultimately, the episode reinforces one core idea: skin is not separate from the rest of the body. “Skin is our largest organ in the body,” Dr. Gaby reminds us. Its condition reflects immune balance, hormonal health, stress levels, and microbiome diversity.
True skin confidence, therefore, isn’t just about what we apply topically. It begins internally - by nourishing the gut, reducing inflammation, managing stress, and adopting a balanced, sustainable lifestyle. When we support the body as a whole, healthier skin often follows naturally.
