The Connection between our Gut and our Skin

It wasn’t long ago that we believed humans were entirely self-sufficient - capable of producing all the chemical substances needed for life, as long as we consumed enough food and water. We now know this isn’t true. Our survival depends on the trillions of microbes living in our gut.

These microbes perform essential functions that support life. They regulate our immune system, break down less digestible food, produce vitamins and neurotransmitters, and protect us from harmful pathogens. Astonishingly, one-third of the small molecules circulating in our blood are made by gut microbes.

This microbial activity extends beyond digestion—it has a profound effect on the skin. By controlling immune responses, gut microbes can either dampen or trigger inflammation. When imbalanced, they can set off immune reactions that contribute to skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. Beyond inflammation, the substances these microbes produce enter the bloodstream and are delivered to the skin, influencing its barrier function, hydration, rate of aging, and overall health.

Scientists are beginning to see humans as ‘social organisms’—not just individuals, but ecosystems that rely on a thriving gut microbiome for optimal health. In many ways, our microbes expand our biological capabilities. While our own genes dictate many aspects of our health, the genes within our microbiome provide additional functions that we cannot perform alone.

A helpful way to think about this is to compare genes to software apps. Imagine one phone with just a single app and another with 150. The second phone can perform a far greater range of functions. Similarly, our gut microbes possess a vast genetic ‘app library’ that allows them to carry out processes that influence not just digestion, but immunity, metabolism, and skin health.

As we continue to learn more about the gut-skin connection, it’s clear that nurturing a diverse and balanced microbiome isn’t just beneficial for digestion, it’s essential for radiant, resilient skin.

Support your gut with Bestow Gut Love + and the Bestow Gut-Skin Connection book.