Gut Health And Acne: What's The Connection?

Imbalances in gut health can lead to inflammation and toxin release, leading to skin issues, acne and breakouts^1,2.

Gut health and acne connection:

• An unbalanced gut microbiome can lead to dermatitis and acne symptoms
• A leaky gut can result in toxins entering the bloodstream and impact the skin
• Stress can disrupt the gut and lead to inflammation, potentially worsening acne

As it turns out, there’s more to your gut than simply digesting food and absorbing nutrients. In fact, the gut has been linked to a number of important bodily functions, including the immune system¹ and even your mental well-being. Emerging research also suggests that there’s a link between symptoms of acne and gut health^1,2,3.

Let’s take a closer look at the connection between the digestive system and skin health.

Is gut health related to acne?

The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, including a wide variety of good bacteria. These bacteria work together to maintain your overall health while influencing several skin conditions, including acne^1,2,3. Gut health shares a complex relationship with your skin, known as the gut-skin axis. Put simply, gut imbalances can lead to inflammation and toxin release, which can contribute to skin issues, acne and breakouts^1,2. 

Can bad gut health cause acne?

Dysbiosis occurs when the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced, allowing bad bacteria to outnumber beneficial ones and disrupting normal gut functions. This can affect the immune system and contribute to skin conditions like dermatitis, redness and acne². 

Similarly, a leaky gut compromises the gut lining, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream^1,3. Stress can further disrupt the gut microbiome and weaken the intestinal barrier, leading to inflammation and potentially worsening acne^3,4.

Although poor gut health can certainly contribute to acne and breakouts, it’s important to note that acne is often the result of several different factors, including genetics, hormones, lifestyle, diet and even skincare practices.  

Can an unhealthy gut cause skin problems?

Acne isn’t the only skin condition that can be affected by gut health. Skin issues, including atopic dermatitis and redness, have also been linked to digestive health¹.  

So, how does gut health affect acne? Here’s a quick overview. 

Forehead acne & gut health

Certain areas of the face, like the forehead, tend to produce more oil than others, making these areas more prone to acne and breakouts3. While this area is certainly affected by gut health, oil production ramps up during puberty as hormonal changes trigger the sebaceous glands³.  

During this time, it’s particularly important to sustain good gut health with a balanced diet⁵. Following a good skincare routine for oily skin can also help you to treat any breakouts topically⁵. 

Back acne & gut health

The relationship between gut health and acne isn't limited to facial breakouts. Back acne, also known as "bacne", can also be affected by the state of your gut6. In addition to gut-driven inflammation, back acne can be impacted by sweat and friction from tight clothing or backpacks⁷. 

Prebiotics and probiotics are often recommended alongside a healthy diet to support gut microbiome health, helping to manage symptoms of back acne⁶. Other common options include topical treatments applied directly to the affected area, as well as wearing loose-fitting clothing and keeping the skin clean⁷. 

How to improve gut health for acne

Enhancing gut health for acne starts with your diet. Following a healthy diet that’s rich in dietary fibre helps establish a balanced gut microbiome². Supporting your diet with a high-quality probiotic can also help to maintain a healthy gut, while helping to improve acne⁴.  

Stress is known to throw off the delicate balance of good bacteria in the gut^3,4. Besides dietary changes, it can also help to practice mindfulness if you experience stress. 

Can taking probiotics help acne?

Taking probiotics supports your gut health, which can help acne. Probiotics are the good bacteria that populate your gut, bringing balance to the gut microbiome. If you experience acne and breakouts, there’s a chance your gut microbiome is unbalanced³. 

A probiotic can help to restore the microbial balance of your gut, strengthening gut function and your digestive system to support skin health. You’ll want to find a probiotic supplement with a high CFU (colony-forming unit) count and a variety of strains for broader benefits. But remember, a probiotic works best in combination with a range of other tools to manage your skin. 

The gut and skin share a close connection, so it’s important to support your health and wellbeing from the inside-out with a healthy diet, stress management and a gentle skincare routine. For more health and wellness tips and advice, head to the Swisse Wellness Hub. 

References:

1. De Pessemier, B., Grine, L., Debaere, M., Maes, A., Paetzold, B., & Callewaert, C. (2021). Gut-Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions. Microorganisms, 9(2), 353. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020353 
2. Mahmud, M. R., Akter, S., Tamanna, S. K., Mazumder, L., Esti, I. Z., Banerjee, S., Akter, S., Hasan, M. R., Acharjee, M., Hossain, M. S., & Pirttilä, A. M. (2022). Impact of gut microbiome on skin health: gut-skin axis observed through the lenses of therapeutics and skin diseases. Gut microbes, 14(1), 2096995. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2022.2096995 
3. Lee, Y. B., Byun, E. J., & Kim, H. S. (2019). Potential Role of the Microbiome in Acne: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of clinical medicine, 8(7), 987. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8070987 
4. Chilicka, K., Dzieńdziora-Urbińska, I., Szyguła, R., Asanova, B., & Nowicka, D. (2022). Microbiome and Probiotics in Acne Vulgaris-A Narrative Review. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 12(3), 422. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12030422 
5. healthdirect. Acne treatments [Internet]. Healthdirect.gov.au. Healthdirect Australia; 2019. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/acne-treatments
6. Cruz, S., Vecerek, N., & Elbuluk, N. (2023). Targeting Inflammation in Acne: Current Treatments and Future Prospects. American journal of clinical dermatology, 24(5), 681–694. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-023-00789-1 
7. Back acne: How to see clearer skin (2023) American Academy of Dermatology. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/DIY/back-acne (Accessed: 27 February 2025).