For years, people suspected a connection between gut health and skin health especially acne. Today, research into the gut–skin axis is growing quickly, and while we still have much to learn, evidence now supports a real, measurable link.

At Cutiscity, we break down complex science into simple, trustworthy information. Here’s what we know so far.

1. The Gut–Skin Axis: A Two-Way Pathway

The “gut–skin axis” refers to how the digestive system influences the skin through:

• immune pathways

• inflammation levels

• hormones

• metabolites produced by gut bacteria

When the gut microbiome is imbalanced (called dysbiosis), the entire body’s inflammatory response can shift — including the skin.

2. Evidence Linking Gut Issues to Acne

A. Acne patients often show signs of gut dysbiosis

Multiple studies have found that individuals with moderate to severe acne have:

• lower gut microbial diversity

• higher levels of inflammatory bacteria

• reduced beneficial species like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium

Lower diversity = higher inflammation → more acne activity.

B. Gut inflammation can worsen skin inflammation

Conditions such as:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

• increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)

have been associated with greater systemic inflammation.

Because acne is an inflammatory condition, this can worsen breakouts.

C. The brain–gut–skin theory

Originally proposed in the early 20th century and now supported by modern studies, this theory suggests:

Stress → alters gut motility + microbiome → increases skin inflammation.

This also explains why stress flares both IBS symptoms and acne.

D. High-glycemic foods affect both gut and acne

High-sugar and processed foods can:

• disrupt gut bacteria

• spike insulin

• increase IGF-1 and androgen activity

All three pathways are proven contributors to acne.

E. Probiotics show promising results

Clinical studies show that oral probiotics may:

• reduce acne lesion count

• decrease oil production

• improve response to topical treatments

• reduce inflammation

They don’t cure acne  but they can help as part of a broader plan.

3. What Gut Issues Do Not Do

It’s important to be clear:

❌ Gut issues do not directly cause acne

❌ Treating the gut alone will not cure acne

❌ There is no specific “acne diet” that works for everyone

The relationship is contributing, not causal.

4. Practical Takeaways for Patients

Here’s what actually helps: backed by evidence:

✔Include probiotics

Through fermented foods or supplements. They support gut balance and may reduce inflammation.

✔Lower high-glycemic foods

Better for gut and skin.

✔Increase fiber

Supports beneficial gut bacteria and reduces systemic inflammation.

✔Manage stress

Stress hormones directly affect both the gut and acne.

✔Avoid unnecessary antibiotics

They disrupt the gut microbiome, sometimes worsening inflammation in the long run.

Conclusion

There is a meaningful link between gut health and acne but it’s not as simple as “fix your gut, clear your skin.”

The science shows that gut imbalance increases systemic inflammation, influences hormones, and alters immune activity, all of which can contribute to or worsen acne.

Acne is still a multifactorial dermatological condition, and the best results come from combining medical treatment with lifestyle optimization.

At Cutiscity, we aim to give patients and dermatologists clear, evidence-based guidance so skincare decisions become easier and more effective.