Did you know that your gut has a very special connection with your skin? This is called the gut-skin axis. Our doctor, Dr. Adrian Weingart.
We have already told you a lot about the gut-brain axis, but scientific findings show that there is another other important connection from the gut. Because the skin is also closely connected to the intestines, so that experts also speak of a gut-skin axis. For example, although the gut and skin are relatively far apart, a link can be made between common inflammatory skin diseases and an imbalanced flora in the gut.
gut microbiome and skin microbiome
When we talk about the "microbiome" at mybacs, we usually mean that of the human intestine. There are over 1.000 (!) different and therefore most types of microbes in our body. But there are actually a number of other microbiomes in and on us. One of them is the skin microbiome. This is where the second highest number and variety of microorganisms can be found after the intestine. We know that the gut microbiome is essential for our immune system and digestion. But why do we have a microbiome on our skin?
Quite simply: Our skin microbiome is our protective shield! In short, human skin is the body's first line of defense. It forms a physical and chemical barrier against the ingress of foreign substances or microorganisms and has an immune system that helps fight infection. This happens, among other things, through the symbiosis of bacteria. The connection between our gut and skin microbiomes is so tight that the skin can be described as the "mirror of the gut" - it essentially shows how "healthy" we are on the inside.
What are the most common signs that the skin microbiome is out of balance?
One cannot give a clear indication here. Rather, a disturbed skin microbiome can have an influence on many skin diseases, which then presents itself differently. Our skin is populated by countless microorganisms, most of which live peacefully together. The entirety of bacteria, viruses, fungi and mites is referred to as the microbiome. In some skin diseases, this balance can be disturbed, causing inflammation and eczema to flare up. For example, so-called Cutibacterium acnes are more common in acne, Demodex mites in rosacea and Staphyloccus aureus in neurodermatitis compared to people with healthy skin. More and more studies indicate that acne and rosacea sufferers show a reduced diversity of their intestinal species. Thus, certain species predominate and others are absent. This can trigger inflammatory processes.
What can you do about it?
A targeted therapy can be initiated, for example, by external treatment with prescription creams. Depending on the severity, a dermatologist should be consulted. In addition, the daily lifestyle can be decisive. When it comes to skin care, “a lot helps a lot” doesn’t always apply. Every day I experience that when skin is blemished, the cleaning and care routine is often too complex. Returning to three products can help the skin to regenerate and find its balance:
- Mild cleansing in the morning and evening (no rough peelings to prevent micro-injuries to the skin),
- Skin care (scent-free care after washing the face),
- Light protection (in the morning). The skin care should be individually tailored to the skin type. A consultation with a dermatologist and/or medical cosmetics specialist is also recommended for this.
According to the latest findings, the skin and intestines seem to be more closely connected than was assumed a few years ago. Our daily diet is considered an important factor influencing the intestinal microbiome. Clinical studies are currently investigating whether dietary influence on the intestinal microbiome can have positive effects on the skin. What can already be said: a varied diet characterized by seasonal, unprocessed, plant-based staple foods seems to be (skin) health-promoting. Of particular interest are probiotics and prebiotics.
So is the holistic approach important?
It is the combination of inside and outside that gives the best results, taking into account sleep, nutrition, the amount of exercise and additional loads. If you are looking for inspiration for healthy recipes, then have a look at our recipe blog! Incidentally, the gut-skin connection also works the other way around in the positive direction: Studies have shown that a healthy intestinal flora ensures that the fatty acid profile of the skin is healthier, i.e. more skin moisture is retained and the protective barrier can be strengthened. Further research shows how similar the gut and skin microbiomes are: they suggest that health is strongly dependent on the diversity of bacteria in both floras is. The good news: You can directly influence the intestinal flora with natural remedies. Probiotics in combination with prebiotics have been shown to have a positive effect on the diversity of bacterial diversity in the gut microbiome.
Dermabacs - probiotics for acne & skin blemishes, rosacea and neurodermatitis
Our new line of synbiotics, Dermabacs, is based on the findings of the latest microbiome science. The bacterial strains contained have been tested in clinical studies for their effectiveness against acne, rosacea and atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis) (see p.and) It also contains 10 mg of zinc, which strengthens the immune system, reduces redness, inflammation and irritation and reduces sebum production. Zinc has been proven to help with acne, neurodermatitis and other inflammatory skin diseases and psoriasis (psoriasis).
In summary one can say that the gut and skin communicate with each other via their microbiome. So if certain types of bacteria predominate or are completely absent, inflammatory processes can be triggered. The latest studies in microbiome research and nutritional science indicate that certain foods can have a positive effect on the complexion. These include omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics. Would you like to test our Dermabacs to support your skin and gut microbiome? Then just click here!
Lee YB, Byun EJ, Kim HS. Potential Role of the Microbiome in Acne: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2019 Jul 7;8(7):987. doi: 10.3390/jcm8070987. PMID: 31284694; PMCID: PMC6678709.
Maguire, M., Maguire, G. The role of microbiota, and probiotics and prebiotics in skin health. Arch Dermatol Res 309, 411-421 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-017-1750-3
Szántó M, Dózsa A, Antal D, Szabó K, Kemény L, Bai P. Targeting the gut-skin axis-Probiotics as new tools for skin disorder management? Exp Dermatol. 2019 Nov;28(11):1210-1218. doi: 10.1111/exd.14016. Epub 2019 Aug 28. PMID: 31386766.
Hofmann-Aßmus, Marion. eco-community human. Pharmaceutical Newspaper. 2018 Jul 31; Issue 31/2018
