Inflammation plays a central role in many common skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and acne. While these conditions appear on the surface of the skin, growing research suggests that factors inside the body — particularly the gut microbiome — may influence inflammatory responses.
Scientists are increasingly exploring how the trillions of microbes living in the digestive system interact with the immune system and influence inflammation throughout the body. This connection between the gut and the skin is known as the gut–skin axis, and it may help explain how supporting gut health could play a role in skin wellbeing.
Founder Insight
Hanna Sillitoe first began exploring the connection between gut health and skin while recovering from severe psoriasis in her twenties. During this time she became interested in emerging research linking the gut microbiome with inflammation and immune responses.
This experience sparked a long-standing interest in how supporting the microbiome may influence skin health and inspired the development of Hanna Sillitoe’s gut-focused approach to wellbeing.
What Is Skin Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s natural immune response to injury, infection or irritation. When functioning normally, inflammation helps the body defend itself and repair damaged tissues.
However, when inflammation becomes chronic or dysregulated, it can contribute to a range of health conditions, including inflammatory skin disorders.
In the skin, inflammation may appear as redness, swelling, irritation or sensitivity. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne all involve inflammatory processes within the skin.
Many factors can influence inflammatory responses in the body, including genetics, environmental triggers, diet, stress and immune activity. Increasingly, researchers are also examining the role of the gut microbiome in regulating inflammation.
The Gut Connection
The Gut–Skin Axis
The gut–skin axis describes the biological communication network between the gut microbiome, the immune system and the skin.
The human digestive system contains trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microbes play important roles in digestion, immune regulation and inflammatory signalling throughout the body.
Because the microbiome interacts closely with immune cells, it can influence how the body responds to inflammatory triggers.
Gut bacteria and immune signalling
Beneficial gut bacteria help regulate immune responses by interacting with immune cells located in the gut lining. These interactions help maintain balance within the immune system and prevent excessive inflammatory responses.
When the microbiome becomes imbalanced — a condition often referred to as dysbiosis — immune signalling may become disrupted. This imbalance may contribute to inflammatory pathways that affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin.
The intestinal barrier
The gut lining acts as a protective barrier between the digestive system and the bloodstream. When the intestinal barrier is compromised, substances from the gut may pass into circulation and trigger immune reactions.
Some researchers believe that changes in gut barrier function may contribute to systemic inflammation that can influence inflammatory skin conditions.
Systemic inflammation
Although inflammation may appear in the skin, it often reflects processes occurring elsewhere in the body. Because the gut microbiome plays an important role in regulating inflammatory signalling, researchers are increasingly investigating how microbiome balance may influence inflammatory skin responses.
What Research Shows
Research on Skin Inflammation and the Microbiome
Interest in the relationship between the microbiome and inflammatory skin conditions has grown significantly in recent years. Scientists are exploring how the gut microbiome may influence immune responses that affect the skin.
Several studies have identified links between microbiome composition and inflammatory skin conditions.
Key findings include:
• Altered microbiome diversity – Research has found that people with inflammatory conditions may show differences in gut microbiome diversity compared with healthy individuals.
• Immune system regulation – The gut microbiome interacts closely with immune cells, helping regulate inflammatory pathways throughout the body.
• Links to inflammatory skin conditions – Studies have explored how microbiome changes may be associated with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
• Microbiome–immune interactions – Because the microbiome influences immune signalling, imbalances in gut bacteria may affect inflammatory responses linked to skin health.
Although research into the gut–skin axis continues to evolve, these findings highlight the growing scientific interest in how microbiome balance may influence inflammation and skin health.
Sources
• Salem I et al. The gut microbiome as a major regulator of the gut–skin axis. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2018.
• Knackstedt R et al. The role of topical and oral probiotics in skin conditions. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020.
• Hidalgo-Cantabrana C et al. The role of the gut microbiota in skin health and disease. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2019.
Supporting the Microbiome
While the relationship between the microbiome and inflammation is still being studied, many scientists agree that maintaining a healthy and diverse microbiome is important for overall wellbeing.
Several everyday habits may help support gut microbiome balance.
Eat a diverse range of plant foods
A varied diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole grains provides fibre and nutrients that help nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Increase fibre intake
Fibre acts as fuel for gut microbes. When bacteria ferment fibre, they produce compounds known as short-chain fatty acids, which may help support immune balance and gut barrier function.
Include fermented foods
Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and yoghurt contain naturally occurring microorganisms that may help support microbiome diversity.
Support healthy lifestyle habits
Sleep, stress levels and physical activity can all influence the microbiome. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits may help support overall gut health.
Consider probiotic support
Some people choose to support their microbiome with probiotics — live microorganisms designed to help maintain microbial balance within the digestive system.
Common Questions About Skin Inflammation and Gut Health
Can gut health affect skin inflammation?
Emerging research suggests the gut microbiome may influence immune responses and inflammatory pathways linked to skin conditions. Scientists continue to explore how the gut–skin axis may influence skin health.
Can probiotics reduce skin inflammation?
Some studies have explored whether probiotics may help support immune balance and inflammatory responses. However, results vary and further research is needed.
What foods support the gut microbiome?
Foods rich in fibre and plant diversity help nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Fermented foods can also introduce beneficial microorganisms that contribute to microbiome diversity.
Conclusion
Inflammatory skin conditions are complex and influenced by many factors, including immune activity, environmental triggers and genetics. Increasingly, research suggests that the gut microbiome may play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses throughout the body.
By supporting a healthy and diverse microbiome through diet, lifestyle habits and microbiome support, many people aim to create an internal environment that helps maintain balance within the immune system.
Understanding the relationship between the microbiome and inflammation highlights the importance of looking beyond the surface of the skin and considering how internal health may influence overall skin wellbeing.
Some people choose to support their microbiome with probiotics — live cultures designed to help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Learn more about our Multi-Strain Biotic and how it supports gut health.