There are many factors; both external and internal, that contribute towards the look and feel of your skin. One of the lesser known factors is your gut health. Dermatologists and medical professionals often use the term, ‘microbiome,’ to describe the microscopic worlds and ecosystems that exist within the human body. One of the most important microbiomes is the one that exists in your intestines. Keeping it in tip-top shape could enhance the quality of your life, increase your lifespan and even make a difference in the way you feel and think. Let’s dive into how it all works.

The connection between gut health and your skin

A growing body of evidence continues to show that the skin is one of the best barometers for what’s going on in the gut. As much as 70% of the body’s immune system function relies on the state of our intestines. The gut is where nutrients are processed, hormones are metabolised, enzymes are detoxified, pathogens are neutralised and neurotransmitters are made.

One medical expert referred to the gut as a “complex colony.” The gut itself is the site of trillions of bacteria strains and microbes which our gut uses to process the food we eat. The microbiome within the gut is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance, which is essentially the body’s front line of defense against germs. When our gut is in a state of equilibrium, our bodies are able to break down food, release energy and distribute vitamins throughout the body in the most efficient way possible.

Maintaining this delicate balance in a world full of toxins can be a challenge. Some of the external factors that disrupt this balance include stress, infection, disease, processed food and antibiotics. Usually, when the microbiome within the gut is in a state of imbalance, the skin is the first place signs begin to show.

The medical fraternity often refers to a concept called the gut-skin axis, to describe the relationship between the gut and the skin. Some of the most common symptoms of an imbalance in the gut are breakouts, skin sensitivity, redness, inflammation and the signs of aging. The good news is that with the right external and internal interventions, we can keep the gut healthy and the skin happy.

Let’s look at a few of the internal ways you can improve your gut health.

Once you’ve managed to find your zen when it comes to your gut health, it’s time for a few external interventions. We recommend steering clear of beauty products with aggressive, chemical ingredients and switching to products that are naturally derived and organic. The key is to keep your skin hydrated, free of inflammation and as far away from the toxins found in air pollution as possible. These three products will help you do just that.

Next up – 3 superheroes for your skin

Inlight Beauty Firm & Tone Oil

Presenting an exhilarating and powerful Inlight Body Oil with high concentrations of active plant oils and astringent herbs to tone, boost circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage. The formulation contains uplifting notes of ylang ylang and geranium. And last but not least, it also contains burdock root,a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, natural ingredient.

As Dr Spiezia explains: “The burdock root helps to drain the toxins from the interstitial spaces under the skin towards the lymphatic vessels, whilst the rosemary stimulates the blood and lymphatic circulation activating the detox processes.”

Inlight Beauty Body Butter

This luxurious balm features a high concentration of Vitamin E from evening primrose, jojoba, sesame oil, beta carotene from carrot oil and well-known rejuvenating transretinoic acid – an isomer of Vitamin A – from rose hip oil. The super-concentrated formula is a glorious pampering treatment for the whole body and ideal during pregnancy to prevent and soften existing stretch marks.

Turmeric & Calendula Relief Balm

You’ll love this highly soothing and gentle turmeric balm for skin in need of relief, particularly when prone to eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis. A powerful combination of majestic nourishers such as extra virgin olive, castor and black cumin oils, together with ingredients super-rich in phytonutrients and with renowned skin conditioning properties such as calendula, turmeric, plantain, chickweed and mallow.