The Naturopathic Co.
You're using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
Acne is usually treated as a skin problem. But what if your breakouts are occurring alongside bloating, constipation, diarrhea or other digestive symptoms?
There is growing interest in what researchers call the gut-skin axis and its potential relevance to acne.
This doesn’t mean that poor gut health is the cause of everyone’s acne. Acne is multifactorial, and hormones, genetics, sebum production, inflammation, skincare, medications and other factors can all contribute.
However, when acne and digestive symptoms consistently occur together, we believe the gut is worth considering as part of the wider picture.
For a broader explanation, start with our guide to the gut-skin connection.
The gut microbiome communicates with the immune and metabolic systems and produces numerous metabolites that can have effects beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
Researchers have proposed several mechanisms that could potentially connect intestinal health with acne, including inflammation, microbiome changes and metabolic signalling.
This is one reason we don’t automatically approach every case of acne in exactly the same way.
We become particularly interested in gastrointestinal health when acne occurs alongside symptoms such as:
This doesn’t prove the digestive problem is causing the acne.
It tells us that there may be more happening than an isolated skin condition.
If constipation is significant, read our guide to constipation and skin health.
For many women, hormones are a major part of the acne picture.
Acne concentrated around the chin and jawline, particularly when it changes throughout the menstrual cycle, can prompt us to investigate hormonal factors.
Depending on the individual, this may include menstrual regularity, PCOS symptoms, androgen activity, insulin regulation and other endocrine factors.
The gut also participates in hormone metabolism, which adds another potential layer to the relationship.
We’ve explored this separately in hormonal acne, the gut microbiome and the estrobolome.
Sometimes dietary changes can help, but an acne diet shouldn’t simply involve eliminating more and more foods.
Through nutritional medicine, we look at the overall dietary pattern, including fibre diversity, protein, essential fats, micronutrients and the amount and type of highly processed food being consumed.
In certain people, high-glycaemic dietary patterns and dairy may be relevant to acne, but individual responses vary.
Food should be investigated systematically rather than blamed indiscriminately.
Not necessarily.
If acne is your only symptom and your digestive system is functioning well, comprehensive gastrointestinal testing may not be our first recommendation.
If you have persistent acne alongside significant digestive symptoms, there may be a stronger reason to investigate gastrointestinal health.
Read when gut microbiome testing may be useful for skin problems before assuming that everyone with acne needs a stool test.
Our goal is to identify which factors are actually relevant to you.
That may include diet, digestive function, bowel habits, hormonal health, stress, sleep, nutrient status and other aspects of your health history. Where appropriate, treatment may also draw on herbal medicine.
If gastrointestinal symptoms are a major part of your presentation, our Melbourne gut health naturopaths work with digestive concerns in-person and via Telehealth.
We also provide gut health consultations for Sydney clients via Telehealth.
With 180+ verified five-star Google reviews, our naturopaths and nutritionists offer comprehensive 60-minute initial consultations, in person in South Yarra, Melbourne, or via telehealth across Australia. Book your consultation with The Naturopathic Co. today.
