Could Your Gut health be affecting your skin?

Could your gut health be causing acne? Could it be making your acne worse? There was a little-known study published in 1930, yes 1930, linking anxiety and depression to GI tract function and microbes. The study was largely ignored until recently as consumers and patients have become more aware of the need to keep our guts healthy. During the second day of Face and Body Northern California 2019, Laura Cooksey, co-owner and founder of FaceReality Acne Clinic spoke with attendees about how your gut health impacts skin. She talked in particular about how your gut flora can affect acne. According to Cooksey, this study encourages the idea that the gut provides a link between emotional states and skin problems. We know the gut creates mood-regulating neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are often associated with depression and anxiety. Stress related to these conditions is a large factor in gut-related issues and causes inflammation the gut lining. This inflammation can start the acne process and stimulate keratin production and sebum production. In a Chinese study of 13000 adolescents, digestive symptoms were more common with skin issues. In a Russian study of 113 acne patients 54% had a disturbance in gut microflora. Although gut issues do not specifically cause acne, they are certainly an exacerbating variable. Other variables include hormonal fluctuations, medications that contain comedogenic ingredients, diet and smoking. According to Cooksey, when gut flora becomes imbalanced it affects many systems of the body and especially affects the ACNE prone. Ways of healing the gut include probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, addressing food intolerances (milk, wheat, eggs) fermented food and herbs such as peppermint. At ReNew, we understand the link between how your inner health effects your outer health. We can treat your active acne through aesthetic procedures as well as helping you manage your lifestyle to prevent and treat your acne. This patient had relief from his acne using medical grade fish oil and probiotic available at ReNew Integrated Medical Spa