5 Ways Gut Imbalances Are The Root Cause Of Your Acne | Gut-Skin Connection

If you’ve been wondering why your acne won’t clear no matter what skincare routine you follow, the answer may lie deeper in your gut. The gut-skin connection is a powerful pathway showing how digestive health impacts inflammation, hormones, and ultimately, your skin.

In this post, I’ll share the 5 key gut imbalances I see most often in my clinic that drive breakouts, including gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, SIBO, and nutrient malabsorption acne. Backed by science and functional stool test insights, these patterns explain why traditional acne treatments often fail and how you can finally heal acne from within with a clear skin diet and holistic acne treatment.

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The Gut-Skin Axis: Why Your Digestion Affects Your Skin

The gut-skin axis is the communication network between your gut microbiome and your skin. Trillions of microbes in your digestive system produce vitamins, regulate immunity, and create short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that reduce inflammation.

When balanced, your gut bacteria support a strong intestinal lining and healthy skin barrier. But when disrupted by stress, poor diet, antibiotics, or illness, gut imbalances trigger systemic inflammation, hormone imbalances, and skin issues like acne, rosacea, and eczema.

This is why addressing acne and digestion together is the key to lasting results which is something I see daily with clients in my acne Clear Skin Complete Programme.

5 Ways Gut Imbalances Cause Acne

1. Gut Dysbiosis

Gut dysbiosis occurs when harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial ones. This imbalance increases toxins such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which trigger chronic inflammation.

Research shows people with acne often present with dysbiosis on stool test acne results. The lack of anti-inflammatory SCFAs also weakens the skin barrier, making the skin more reactive.

2. Leaky Gut (Gut Permeability)

In a healthy gut, the lining acts like a selective filter. With leaky gut, the tight junctions loosen, allowing bacterial fragments to enter the bloodstream.

This sparks immune system activation and cytokine release, which fuel systemic inflammation, a well-known driver of acne. Supporting gut lining repair is therefore crucial for clear skin naturally.

3. High Beta-Glucuronidase & Hormonal Acne

Certain gut bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which reactivates oestrogen in the colon, sending it back into circulation.

High beta-glucuronidase levels mean excess oestrogen, a common trigger for hormonal acne, especially around the jawline and chin. Stool testing often highlights this imbalance, making it easier to target with nutrition and supplementation.

4. Weak Digestion & Nutrient Malabsorption

If your digestion is sluggish, you may not be absorbing the nutrients your skin needs to heal. Issues like low stomach acid, enzyme deficiencies, or constipation reduce absorption of:

• Zinc – essential for skin healing and inflammation control

• Omega-3 fatty acids – anti-inflammatory support

• Vitamins A, D, and E – strengthen skin barrier and regulate immune function

When these nutrients are missing, acne becomes harder to treat. This is why a clear skin diet must focus on both nutrient density and proper digestion.

5. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

SIBO occurs when bacteria overgrow in the small intestine, where they shouldn’t be abundant. These bacteria ferment carbs early, causing bloating, gas, and leaky gut.

SIBO has been strongly linked with rosacea and likely contributes to acne as well by promoting inflammation. In my clinic, addressing SIBO often leads to significant improvements in skin health.

How to Heal Acne from Within

Clearing acne isn’t about harsh creams, antibiotics, or quick fixes. It’s about addressing the acne root causes. A functional medicine acne approach combines:

This is the foundation of my Clear Skin Complete Programme, which has helped women transform their skin and confidence without side effects.

Find out more here.

Final Thoughts

Remember, just because you have acne doesn’t mean you have all of these gut imbalances. But if you’ve been struggling with breakouts that won’t go away, exploring your gut microbiome acne connection could be the missing link.

You don’t need to rely on band-aid solutions like antibiotics or random probiotics. With the right guidance, you can achieve clear skin naturally by supporting your gut health and reducing inflammation.

If you’re ready to go deeper, check out my free training: “How To Clear Your Acne Naturally in 6-Months or Less (Without Prescriptions or Extreme Dietary Restrictions).” It’s a complete roadmap to restoring your skin from the inside out.