The year is 2023.
A life-threatening virus has taken over the world, and we’re only just recovering.
We may or may not be on the brink of another world war (and no we don’t mean Selena Gomez vs. Hailey Bieber, although that war is pretty heavy too!)
The Commonwealth states have crowned a new king after 70 years of the beloved Queen Elizabeth.
And experts have discovered that the gut (yes that large, unseen thing) controls our bodies just as much as our brains do.
Sounds like the plot of Netflix’s next blockbuster hit? Unfortunately not.
In this day and age, there’s nothing quite surprising anymore! These seemingly bizarre concepts are indeed our reality. And while we’d love to indulge in fun conspiracy theories and discussions about all these world events, let’s focus on the one we’re truly capable of controlling: Gut Health.
In this article, we discuss the ever-elusive gut-skin connection – a topic that has tickled the fancy of both science and beauty experts.
Does our gut heath really affect our skin? And if so, what can we do to ensure both are in tip-top shape? Three words: Essential fatty acids.
At the risk of sounding like a boring school teacher, please bear with us as we try to explain it in the easiest way possible. Get ready for a deep dive cause we’re here to spill the guts – pun intended!
What is the Gut and How Does It Affect Us?
2 words: Digestive system.
That’s basically what our gut is! That gastrointestinal tract from our mouths to our rears, which includes major organs like our oesophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Together, the entire system is responsible for digesting what enters our bodies – making sure their nutrients are properly absorbed and the excess waste properly excreted. Easy enough to understand? Good!
Now, here’s where things become a bit more complex: Our gut microbiome. Don’t worry, it’s not as technical as it sounds.
In simple terms, our gut microbiome refers to all the microorganisms found in our intestines – around 200 different species of bacteria, fungi, and viruses to be exact! Now, before you squirm at the thought, keep an open mind.
Contrary to our misconception of microorganisms as harmful, unwanted, or just outright gross, many of them are actually good for our bodies. In fact, they’re actually necessary for optimal digestion and nutrition. This revelation has been decades in the making, and thanks to studies done by experts in the science and medical communities, we now know that gut health has major effects on:
- Our immune system
- Metabolism
- Brain health
And that, dear friends, is why the gut is more important than we think, and why gut health should be a priority. By keeping our gut microbiome in a state of balance and harmony, we unknowingly ensure our overall health as well! Which leads us to a more important question:
What affects gut health?
There are several factors that affect our gut, either in a good way (by ensuring a healthy, balanced microbiome) or in a bad way (by irritating the gut and causing intestinal inflammation or a leaky gut, yikes!).
While they ultimately vary per person, experts have rounded up the most common factors to:
- Diet (food allergens, additives, artificial colouring, dairy, low fibre foods, high sugar foods, processed foods or not enough whole foods, foods high on the glycemic index, and excessive alcohol intake)
- Lifestyle (stress, poor sleep quality, lack of physical activity, and smoking to name a few)
- Medications (especially antibiotics)
- Age (which inevitably slows down metabolism and other bodily functions)
That said, it pays to keep these factors in check to keep our gut as healthy as possible.
So, what happens when you have an unhealthy gut?
Let’s start with the good news: You can always trust the body to know how to protect itself! When any of the above-mentioned factors irritate and inflame the gut, the body is suddenly alerted to go on “fight” mode. This is why we’re eventually able to recover from bad eating habits or unhealthy lifestyle decisions (like a meal without restrictions or a much-needed vacation of guiltless eating and drinking).
Now, the not-so-good news: This natural stress response by the body is only as good as the strength of its immune system. After all, the gut is where 70% of your immune system takes place! If we’re unfit to process all the nutrients, enzymes, pathogens, and whatever it is that’s irritating our gut, it can cause more serious conditions down the road.
That said, if left unchecked, an unhealthy gut will manifest in different aspects of our health and wellbeing, such as:
- Health conditions like an upset stomach, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer
- Faulty metabolism
- Weight fluctuations
- Hormonal imbalance
- Food intolerances
- Mental conditions like cognitive functions, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression
- Bad quality sleep, sleep disturbances, and constant fatigue
- Skin irritations and conditions
These are just some of the most common signs to look out for to help you gauge if you may be dealing with a possible gut issue or not. In such cases, it would be best to consult with doctors or nutritionists to help keep your gut health in check!
But as for us in the beauty field, what we can help you with today is educating you on the skin symptoms to look out for and practical ways you can address them. Here are a few things you need to know about the gut-skin connection and some products you can try!
The Gut-Skin Connection: Can an Unhealthy Gut Cause Skin Problems?
The idea that what happens within our gut outwardly affects our skin may seem a little far fetched, but it’s actually more believable than we think!
When our gut is not functioning to properly digest food, our body finds itself in two unfortunate scenarios:
- Lacking nutrients
One of the biggest downsides of a faulty gut is the inability to absorb enough nutrients from food. In the same manner, our skin does not get the nutrition it needs, thus affecting other natural processes like elastin and collagen production.
This manifests in dull complexion, dry skin, higher chances of developing wrinkles and fine lines, and other issues affecting skin tone and texture.
- Abundant bad bacteria
Moreover, the balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut microbiome goes wack! And with an abundance of bad gut bacteria comes a whole slew of skin problems like premature skin ageing, dull skin tone, and worse, skin inflammation. The latter can lead to even more serious skin issues like acne breakouts, rosacea, redness, skin sensitivity, and dry, itchy skin conditions.
5 Skin Problems Connected To Gut Health
Long story short, the lack of nutrients and an overabundance of bad bacteria from an unbalanced gut can manifest in the following skin problems.
- Dry skin
- Acne breakouts
- Rosacea and redness
- Skin sensitivity
- Premature signs of skin ageing like fine lines and wrinkles
Now, just to be clear, having these skin problems does not automatically point to poor gut health! Sure, in some cases, it may play a big role, especially among people with serious celiac’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, food intolerances, and similar conditions. But more often than not, it merely serves as a trigger to already-underlying skin disorders or conditions like proneness to acne, redness, and whatnot.
Either way, one thing is clear: A healthy gut greatly helps with healthy skin.
That said, one of the best things you can do is to incorporate practical tips that ensure both – one of best ones being essential fatty acids. We’ve all heard the term before – in supplements, food, skincare products – but what exactly are they? Here’s everything you need to know!
The Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids for Gut Health and Skin Health
What are Essential Fatty Acids?
Think of essential fatty acids (EFAs) as the superheroes of the fat world. They’re fats our bodies really need but can’t make themselves – kinda like how Superman needs the sun to power up. So, we gotta get them from our grub or supplements.
There are two types of these big-shot fats: omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. You’ll find omega-3s in stuff like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Omega-6s, on the other hand, hang out in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and the foods made from them.
These EFAs do a lot of important work, like helping to build cells, fighting inflammation, and even keeping our moods steady.
What are Fatty Acids in Skin Care?
To continue the Superman analogy: Your skin is like your body’s own superhero suit, shielding you from all sorts of environmental bad guys!
Now, these EFAs, especially omega-3 and omega-6, are like the suit’s special tech that helps keep it strong and working right. They’re a part of the fat in your skin-cell walls, giving them shape and function.
These fats also make up a big part of your skin’s outer layer, acting like a superhero’s force field to keep in water and electrolytes, while simultaneously keeping out harmful stuff. Plus, they help to control inflammation and immune responses, which means they can help ward off skin baddies like psoriasis, acne, and eczema!
Phew! We hope you’re still with us, because here comes the exciting part!
Benefits of Fatty Acids on Skin
- Moisturisation
EFAs keep your skin’s natural oil barrier working right. Without enough of them, skin can get dry and flaky. So, loading up on EFAs can help keep your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
- Exfoliation
You probably don’t associate oils with exfoliation but that’s just what these clever EFAs can do if applied correctly.
EFAs contain linoleic acid, a kind of omega-6 fatty acid that stimulates healthy skin shedding and renewal. This natural exfoliation helps keep pores clean and clear, while brightening complexion.
- Anti-Inflammation
Omega-3s are super good at fighting inflammation. They can help to tone down the redness and swelling that comes with problems like acne, psoriasis, and eczema, helping your skin look and feel better.
- Anti-Aging
Remember how we talked about linoleic acid found in essential fatty acids? Well, the an equally important acid found in EFAs is alpha-linolenic acid. Together, these super twins work wonders! They are known to reduce fine lines and other signs of skin ageing, giving off overall soft, supple skin.
- Sun Protection
Some scientists think omega-3s might help shield the skin from harmful UV rays and could even lower the risk of skin cancer. Cool, right?
- Skin Correction & Healing
EFAs help your skin repair itself. They can help make scars look better and even reduce signs of getting older, like wrinkles and fine lines.
- Vitamins & Overall Health
EFAs help your body absorb vitamins like A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are key for skin health because they help new cells grow, fight damage, and keep skin elastic and hydrated.
So, including a mix of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet is a great way to help keep your skin healthy. Just remember, like anything, don’t go overboard and always keep your diet balanced. And hey, don’t forget to chat with your doc before starting any new diet plan.
The Best Essential Fatty Acids For Skin
Here at Lovoir, we make it easy for you to get essential fatty acids into your skin. On top of loading up on a healthy diet rich in EFAs, add these skincare products to your daily routine and feed your skin from within!
Head on over to our Lovoir online shop and discover all these products and more!
Bestow Beauty Plus Oil
Our Bestow Beauty Plus Oil is like a love letter to your skin. It’s jam-packed with EFAs that your skin totally adores, in a formula that’s all about bringing out your natural beauty!
It’s made up of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, blackcurrant and coconut oils – a powerhouse combo to support the body with all the life-giving fats to keep in tip-top shape. The best part is, you won’t only feel great, but you’ll look great too!
With the Beauty Plus Oil, your skin gets a big dose of these awesome EFAs, helping it fight off inflammation, reduce redness, and protect itself from environmental stressors.
Mix one tablespoon of Bestow Beauty Plus Oil into your food every day, and treat your body AND skin to a daily dose of vitamins for that radiant glow and overall health.
O Cosmedics EFAs Max Complex
Our O Cosmedics EFAs Max Complex is not your average supplement. It’s like a turbo booster for your skin AND hair, packed with omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 and Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA).
Together, this supergroup of essential fatty acids boast tons of benefits – from supporting healthy blood circulation to improving overall well-being. As a result, they help fight inflammation and keep skin hydrated and hair healthy! That means they can help reduce problems like dryness, redness, and acne.
The best part is, these benefits aren’t just skin-deep. Taking this supplement is just as great for your heart, brain, and immune system too.
Keep in mind though: Supplements are like the sidekicks to a healthy diet – they shouldn’t be the main heroes! Make sure you’re also eating a balanced diet rich in EFAs from a variety of sources. And as always, have a chat with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement routine.
So there you have it – two skin-loving products loaded with EFAs. Whether you choose to nourish your skin from the outside with Bestow Beauty Plus Oil or from the inside with O Cosmedics EFAs Max Complex, your skin will definitely thank you. Or better yet, why not try both? You deserves all the love it can get!
Best Foods for Skin and Gut Health: More Tips for Glowing Skin!
Aside from loading up on skincare products that are rich in essential fatty acids, here are five more tips to keep both your gut and your skin happy:
1. Say Yes to Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotics are the good guys in your gut, helping to keep everything balanced. You can find them in fermented foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, or in supplements. Prebiotics are the food for your probiotics and you can find them in foods like garlic, onions, and bananas. Keep both in your diet for a happy gut and glowing skin.
2. Eat a Rainbow: Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables ensures your gut and skin get a wide range of nutrients. Different colours mean different nutrients, so aim for a colourful plate at every meal.
3. Stay Hydrated: Water is vital for both gut health and skin hydration. So, drink up! Keeping hydrated helps your digestion, keeps your skin moisturised, and helps flush toxins out of your body.
4. Cut Back on Sugar and Processed Foods: They might taste good, but they’re not great for your gut or your skin. These foods can cause inflammation and can throw your gut’s balance out of whack, which could lead to skin issues like acne and premature ageing.
5. Sleep, Relax, Repeat: Stress and lack of sleep can mess with your gut and show on your skin. Make sure to catch enough Z’s and take time to chill out. Your gut and skin will thank you!
So, there you have it, folks. Taking care of your gut is a big step towards getting that glowy, healthy skin we all crave. It’s all about balance and giving your body what it needs. Happy gut, happy skin, happy you!
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