The Link Between Gut Health and Skin | Clean Nectarine Australia

If you’ve ever had a gut feeling that your skin reflects what’s going on inside, you’re not wrong. I've been fascinated by the connection between digestion and skin for years. Back in 2011, The Beauty Chef Glow Powder was the very first product I stocked in the store, long before “gut health” became a buzzword. Fast-forward to today, and science is beginning to catch up with what many of us have intuitively known: the health of your gut can influence the look and feel of your skin.

While toxin-free skincare is vital, what we eat is so important. The growing body of research into what’s now called the “gut–skin axis” is helping us understand how digestive balance and nutrient absorption might affect hydration, texture, and tone.

What is the Gut–Skin Axis?

The gut–skin axis refers to the communication pathways between your digestive system and your skin. This includes immune, metabolic, and nervous system signals that can influence skin function and appearance. Researchers are especially interested in how the balance of gut bacteria may impact everything from inflammation to hydration.

Put simply, your digestive health might show up on your skin. If your gut is out of balance, this may correlate with changes in skin texture or clarity. It’s one reason why topical skincare doesn’t always solve the full picture.

As Carla Oates, founder of The Beauty Chef, explains: “Beauty begins in the belly. When you are healthy on the inside, your skin radiates a natural glow that no amount of cosmetics can replicate.”

Emerging Research on Digestion and Skin

Scientists are currently studying several key areas of digestive health that may relate to skin appearance. One focus is intestinal permeability. In plain terms, this means they’re looking at how the integrity of your gut lining could influence systemic health, including how your skin looks and feels.

Nutrients like zinc, vitamins A, C, and D are also under the microscope, especially when it comes to tissue repair, collagen production, and antioxidant protection. Some studies have found that people with certain skin characteristics have different levels of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila or Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, highlighting how interconnected this all may be.

Four Key Gut–Skin Wellness Areas

1. Dietary Variety

A diverse diet appears to support a diverse microbiome. One study found that people who eat at least 30 different plant foods a week have more microbial diversity than those eating fewer than 10. Think vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, herbs, and spices, all of which help feed beneficial bacteria.

2. Gut Barrier Function

The digestive tract lining is designed to act like a gatekeeper. Nutrients like vitamin A, zinc, and vitamin D are being studied for their roles in maintaining these tissue barriers. Staying hydrated also supports the mucous lining of the gut, which is essential for smooth digestive function.

3. Stress and Digestion

Ever had a breakout after a stressful week? It’s not just in your head. Researchers are exploring how psychological stress can influence digestion, microbiome balance, and possibly skin appearance. That’s why mind–body practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can be helpful tools in a skin-supporting routine.

4. Wholefood Supplements

In addition to a plant-rich diet, wholefood-based supplements are playing a supportive role. The Beauty Chef range was a trailblazer in this area. Created by Carla Oates in 2009, it combines prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and food-based nutrients to help support digestion and glow from within.

The current Glow formula includes sea buckthorn, grapeseed extract, and their exclusive Hyaluronic Complex™, along with fermented ingredients. For more targeted support, The Beauty Chef Clear Skin delivers a synergistic blend of fermented superfoods, nutrients and herbal extracts that support a clearer complexion.

Another customer favourite is the Love Your Gut Powder by Lee Holmes which is a pure, naturopathic grade Diatomaceous Earth. This superfine powder can be stirred into water or smoothies as part of your daily gut health routine.