How Gut Health Impacts Acne and the Myths You Need to Know
IS the gut really linked to acne?
For years, the connection between gut health and acne has sparked heated debates.
Is there truly a scientific basis for this link, or is it just another wellness myth?
In this blog post, we’re cutting through the noise. We’ll dive into the research to uncover what science says about the gut-skin axis, and we’ll separate fact from fiction when it comes to popular claims (and myths) about probiotics, diet, and digestion.
Whether you’re here to understand the role of the gut or curious about how your microbiome might affect your complexion, this guide has you covered.
DISCLAIMER: THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS POST DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AS MEDICAL ADVICE. THIS POST DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AS MEDICAL ADVICE; IS NOT MEANT TO DIAGNOSE, PREVENT, TREAT, OR CURE ANY CONDITIONS OR DISEASE; AND IS MEANT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE INFORMATION IN THIS POST DOES NOT REPLACE OR SUBSTITUTE THE ADVICE OF YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER. SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANYTHING NEW OR BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH ME TODAY.
Myth: “Gut health has nothing to do with your acne”
Gut issues linked to acne discovered by researchers.
The scientific truth: Recent research says this myth is wrong.
Beyond hormones, researchers found that gut health is linked to acne. A review published in 2024 found that gut health is linked to acne.
Out of 199,144 subjects with acne, researchers found that many had gut issues, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peptic ulcers, constipation, and more.
Another study published in 2021 looked at IBS in people with acne. In this study, researchers found that out of 300 subjects with acne, 61% had a diagnosis of IBS.
When they compared subjects with acne to subjects without acne, researchers saw that “the frequency of IBS was statistically significantly higher in the [acne] group than in the [non-acne] group.”
In addition, researchers found a significant relationship between acne severity scores and IBS diagnosis.
Now, if you haven’t heard of IBS before, here’s a brief overview:
A 2022 article defines IBS as when people experience “abdominal pain or discomfort with altered bowel habits” in the absence of “any other causative disease.”
For many folks with IBS, they may experience gas and bloat with changes to bowel movements described as “constipation, diarrhea, or both.”
While the cause of IBS is not fully understood, a 2024 review paper suggests the following may play underlying roles in the occurrence of IBS:
Gut bacteria imbalance
Food allergies and intolerances
Low-grade intestinal inflammation
Gut-brain axis issues
Visceral hypersensitivity
And more
So, there’s definitely a link between the gut and acne.
Now, there’s something interesting when we go deeper into the gut—scientists suggest that the underlying factors behind gut issues, like IBS and peptic ulcers, are linked to acne.
Keep on reading for more!
Myths about Diet and acne
Do food choices affect the gut and skin at the same time?
Well, there’s a common myth that cutting out all dairy and sugar is the solution for everyone with acne.
Is that myth true? Well, let’s talk science…
Let’s talk about dairy:
In the 2024 review on IBS we discussed earlier, researchers suggest that food intolerances might contribute to IBS.
They specifically explain that lactose, a sugar in dairy, can cause gut issues like gas in people who are lactose intolerant.
Meanwhile, Baldwin and Tan’s review article connects dairy to acne, suggesting that whey protein in dairy might trigger acne by affecting hormones.
Now, what about sugar?
Well, going back to that 2024 paper on IBS, scientists explain that some people may be reactive to a group of sugars called FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols).
But, are FODMAPs linked to acne? There’s currently no clinical evidence suggesting that FODMAPs trigger acne.
While FODMAP sugars aren’t linked to acne, there is literature suggesting that foods that are high-glycemic, like sweets, may play a role in triggering acne.
Going back to Baldwin and Tan’s review, they speak about how high-glycemic foods might trigger acne by affecting hormones, similarly to how dairy does.
Going back to the myth about cutting out all dairy and sugar being a solution for everyone with acne. Is it true?
From my clinical experience helping out many folks with acne and gut issues, food sensitivities and food triggers are unique to each individual.
Not everyone reacts to the same foods, and getting testing/work-up and individualized care are key when nutritionally addressing the gut-skin axis.
Additionally, addressing diet alone might not be enough for folks, and other solutions, like addressing the gut microbiome, are important to consider.
So, let’s talk about acne, the gut microbiome, and probiotics next…
Myth: “Probiotics alone can fix gut health and clear acne”
Gut microbiome issues linked to acne, as reported by scientists
The gut microbiome is essentially all of the microbes in the gut, like bacteria.
When looking at gut bacteria and acne, a 2018 study found that people with acne had lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria compared to people without acne.
Studies published in 2020 and in 2024 also found that a stomach bacterial infection, called Helicobacter pylori, is linked to acne.
So, could probiotics be something to look into?
When looking at the current body of literature on probiotics and acne, you’ll end up seeing many types of probiotic bacteria used. And, all of that can make it confusing for someone trying to navigate probiotics.
Because of the different probiotic strains tested in research, it could be suggested that there is no one-size-fits-all probiotic solution. In addition, probiotics may not be the best solution for some gut issues, like Helicobacter pylori infection.
So, is there a targeted approach to addressing the gut microbiome? Yes, there is! Let’s chat more…
Targeted solutions: Stop Guessing—aim for a clear path forward
Gut testing uncovers what microbiome imbalances are taking place in someone’s gut. The data from testing paves the way for targeted approaches to balance the gut microbiome.
When I hear from my patient that they have gut issues, like gas, bloat, heartburn, and/or bowel movement issues, I may speak to them about gut microbiome testing.
Now, there are many ways to check for gut microbiome balance, and one of the tests I speak to my patients about is a stool test called the GI-Map. Learn more about the GI-Map test here.
And from my clinical experience, I’ve seen time and time again that when the gut heals, the skin improves.
So, stop guessing, and start testing.
Let’s take a holistic, science-backed approach to get to the root of your skin concerns. Come for your consultation with me at The Things We Do in Downtown Los Angeles.
Click here for booking information and to learn about visits with me.
The TL;DR: Summary & takeaways
With the science we spoke about this in blog post, you now know these 5 things:
There is a scientific link between the gut and acne.
Nutrition can impact hormones that drive acne, but addressing diet alone might not be enough for some.
Gut microbiome imbalances and infections are linked to acne, and there is no one-size-fits-all probiotic solution to balance the gut microbiome.
Probiotics on their own may not address all issues with the gut microbiome.
Gut testing will avoid the guesswork and will provide concrete data points about how to approach balance your gut to holistically support skin
Do you suspect that your gut is influencing your skin?
Let’s work together to holistically address your acne.
For a science-backed approach with a personalized plan designed just for you, click the button below to schedule your appointment with me at The Things We Do in Downtown Los Angeles.
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