Digestion against pimples: The intestinal flora has a direct influence on our skin

Who doesn’t know that? After the holidays, the chocolate that we have eaten more than reason leaves visible traces on the skin. But it doesn’t stop there: as an organ of digestion, the intestine has more influence on the skin than you might think. Dr. Valentina Bänninger, dermatologist, chief physician and co-founder of the dermatology clinic sweet-skin in Baar (ZG) tells us what we can do to support the intestinal flora in its work.

The sensory organ and the organ of digestion have more in common than one might think: “The intestine and the skin are the organs with the highest concentration of bacteria,” explains Dr. Bänninger. And it is not a hazard. “During development from embryo to fetus, these two organs are formed by the same tissues,” she continues. The nutrients absorbed by the intestine from food have a huge influence on the skin. According to the dermatologist, “a diseased intestine is almost always reflected in the skin”. The reverse is however less obvious, because “it is not only the intestine which is at the origin of skin problems, but also stress, tobacco, certain illnesses or the taking of certain medications”.

If nutrients are no longer transported to where they are needed, this can result in skin problems. However, a distinction must be made: “People like to make direct associations like cracks at the corners of the lips, it’s clearly your gut that’s kidding>. But in reality, the causes are multiple and, therefore, no clear marker indicates an imbalance of the intestinal flora”.

Even if a nutrient deficiency is proven, it can also be due to the fact that the individual in question does not absorb them properly. “But if the deficiencies are repeated, it is necessary to examine more closely the intestinal bacterial flora, the famous microbiota”, advises the expert. “I don’t necessarily mean by that that you have to go to the doctor. Sometimes just eating a healthy, balanced diet can make a huge difference,” she adds.

In terms of food, it is understand what the gut wants“Plant-based foods are high in soluble fiber and should make up the bulk of our diet,” says Dr. Bänninger. “The bitter substances contained, for example, in artichokes, arugula or chard are great, because they stimulate the liver and bile and thus support the intestine in its digestive activity”.

And the more colors on the plate, the better. “Biotin, vitamins C and E are also very important,” she adds. And for good reason: it is precisely the latter that protects to a certain extent against oxidative stress due to solar radiation, nicotine, alcohol or a meat diet. By limiting the consumption of dairy products, we fight against the acidification of the body and relieve the intestine more.

The effects of the intestine on the skin would almost suggest that we can definitely draw a line on creams and other skin care products. “The way we take care of our skin is nevertheless relevant,” puts Dr. Bänninger into perspective. The doctor insists on sun protection, which protects against oxidative stress and therefore has a long-term positive effect on intestinal health. A cream with a strong moisturizing power also protects the skin from drying out. On the other hand, it is necessary to avoid perfumes, parabens and potentially allergenic substances. “A healthy intestine is not a guarantee of having healthy skin, but it is a major contributor to overcoming skin problems.