The link between microbiome and skin: How gut health impacts your skin and hair

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad.

When the balance of these bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to a number of health problems, including skin and hair issues.

Dr Kala Vimal a consultant Dermatologist and cosmetologist at Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic said, “The gut and skin are closely connected through the gut-skin axis. This is a complex network of communication between the gut microbiome (the bacteria in the gut) and the skin cells.”

She added that the gut microbiome helps to regulate the skin's immune system, inflammation levels, and barrier function.

When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

A recent study by Hairline International Hair and Skin Research & Treatment Center in Bengaluru found that 80% of acne problems are due to poor gut health.

The study also showed that 82% of the patients between August 2021 to July 2023 had skin and hair issues showing poor gut health.

The study also revealed that 80% of skin condition patients during the period had acne, eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis at some time and 72% of acne vulgaris patients who came during the period had poor gut health - food intolerance, allergy to certain types of foods and digestive issues.

How gut health affects the hair

The gut microbiome also plays a role in hair health. The gut produces nutrients that are essential for hair growth, such as biotin, zinc, and iron. When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies that can cause hair loss and thinning.

De Kala Vimal explains, “When we consume too much junk food, the gut lining will get lined with toxins and it will become difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. This will lead to the weakness of the scalp and eventually lead to hair thinning and hair fall”.

In addition, the gut microbiome helps to regulate stress hormones. When stress hormones are elevated, they can trigger hair loss.

How to improve gut health for better skin and hair

Dr Kala Vimal advises, “Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which helps to feed the good bacteria in your gut and limit processed foods as they can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut. She also urges everyone to manage their stress as it can disrupt the gut microbiome and find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, and meditation. Dr Kala Vimal urges that staying hydrated is the fastest and easiest way to a healthy gut, skin and hair. She said, “Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep is also essential for maintaining gut health.”

Dr Kala Vimal also emphasised, “Any home remedy that you see on the internet will not work as everyone has a different skin type".