Understanding the Skin Gut Axis

 

 

 Beauty does truly come from within.

Growing scientific evidence has shown how the health of our gut is intrinsically linked to that of our skin through complex pathways involving our immune system.

The gut and its friendly bacterial inhabitants are akin to our immune system’s largest organ. These microscopic warriors, also known as probiotics, can help modulate the body’s immune response and inflammatory pathways, ultimately helping to mitigate various afflictions, including dermatological issues. Studies have shown that probiotics can be linked to various skin benefits from reducing acne to combating sun damage-induced ageing.

 

 

That being said, not all probiotics are made equal!

Different probiotics have different functions and some probiotics are more effective that others for specific issues. Two of our favourite superstar probiotics with skin-specific benefits are:

 

Research has shown that supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus helps normalise skin expression of genes involved in insulin signalling, improving the appearance of adult acne. Patients who took Lactobacillus rhamnosus were also found to demonstrate an improvement in eczema, in terms of total area and severity of affected skin.

 

Studies have demonstrated that oral consumption of Lactobacillus plantarum can help combat skin ageing, reducing wrinkles and improving skin hydration and elasticity. This is thought to occur through the production of anti-oxidants, which neutralise the effects of free radicals triggered by harmful ultraviolet rays on our skin’s collagen network.

 

Now that we’ve gotten to know probiotics, what then are prebiotics? 

Prebiotics are dietary fibres, which are selectively fermented in the gut and help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, thus enhancing the effects of probiotics. Think of them as fertiliser to help boost the growth of probiotics, whilst keeping detrimental bacteria at bay. 

Together with collagen peptides, vitamins, minerals and ancient superfoods, prebiotics and probiotics add another dimension to a truly comprehensive approach to building skin health from within.

            

 

Learn more about Epitome Collagen, your all-in-one skin health solution!