Digestive acne: understanding it to remedy it

Acne isn't just for teenagers going through puberty; it can occur at any age and for various reasons such as stress, hormones, lack of sleep, and even… poor digestion.

Who has never seen a nasty pimple appear shortly after a meal that is too fatty or too sweet? For some, acne rhymes with digestive disorders and it has a name: digestive acne .

This is a skin condition linked to the functioning of the digestive system.

The skin, as the largest organ in the body, is often a reflection of what is happening inside and when the digestive system is at half mast, it is the skin that is likely to suffer.

To understand the link between the digestive system and the skin , we must look at the intestines: When the intestinal mucosa functions correctly, it acts as a barrier, preventing the passage of pro-inflammatory molecules into the blood.

However, in the event of an imbalance in the intestinal flora, the barrier becomes porous, allowing unwanted substances to reach the blood.
An immune system response then follows, which can manifest itself on the skin in the form of acne.

There is therefore an established link between diet, the balance of intestinal flora and the skin.

The underlying origin of digestive acne can be summed up in one key term: inflammation. Here are the reasons:

Unbalanced Intestinal Flora (Microbiota) 🦠:
The intestinal flora can influence the condition of the skin. Imbalances in our digestion, accentuated by stress and dietary factors, can cause an inflammatory response from our immune system, which manifests itself in the form of acne. Studies have, for example, shown that people suffering from acne have different intestinal flora from people without acne, or that taking probiotics could improve the condition of the skin.

Poor digestion:

→ Lack of Gastric Acidity: Adequate gastric pH is necessary to trigger digestion, thus facilitating the breakdown of proteins. When there is a lack of acidity in the stomach, proteins can reach the intestine in a partially digested form, triggering an immune and inflammatory response which can then be reflected on the skin.

Poor Chewing :

→ Insufficient chewing can lead to poor digestion in the stomach, increasing the workload on the intestines. This can lead to poor absorption of essential nutrients and the production of unwanted substances, contributing to inflammation.

So we try to slow down the pace when it’s time to eat!

🚨 Breaking news : Diet plays a crucial role in the beauty of the skin.
And yes, it’s always on the plate that health begins.

A healthy diet promotes good digestive balance and as we have just seen, a healthy digestive system helps keep your skin glowing. To avoid these nasty acne spots appearing, we will have to look at our food choices.

So what foods should you avoid at all costs and what foods should you favor to maintain dream skin? 🤩

❌ Refined sugars: White bread, pastries, sweets, sodas, chocolate…

These foods can cause intestinal irritation by promoting excessive fermentation, unbalancing the microbiota and contributing to intestinal hyperpermeability. So many factors that favor the appearance of these damn pimples.

If you suffer from digestive acne , leave sugar in the cupboard!

💡 Did you know ?
“Don’t eat too much sugar, it gives you spots” (well it also works with cavities 😬). This is advice you would do well to follow if you suffer from acne.

When we consume sugars, our blood sugar levels rise quickly. In response, the body releases insulin to regulate this level. However, insulin can stimulate the production of a substance, which increases sebum production. Excess sebum can clog pores and promote the appearance of acne. Everything is connected !

❌ Saturated fats: Meats, cold cuts, fried foods... Saturated fats unbalance the intestinal flora and also promote the growth of skin bacteria associated with acne.

❌ Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol can disrupt the intestinal flora and overload the liver (and cause migraines on Sunday morning 🤪).
Result: Say hello to your new skin roommates!

❌ Dairy products: cow's milk, cheese, yogurt... Dairy products and clear skin do not go well together.

Casein, a protein present in milk, promotes the production of mucus, irritating the digestive system and can cause intestinal problems and skin inflammation. In addition, cow's milk contains growth hormones which stimulate the production of sebum.

Opt for whole-grain alternatives: whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat rice, whole-wheat pasta... And prefer dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.

Choose lean protein sources like chicken, fish or lentils for example. Don't hesitate to replace saturated fats with healthier fats like those found in avocados or nuts for example.

There is no shortage of choice! Today you can easily replace cow's milk with plant-based milks: soy, hazelnut, almond, oat, etc. The same goes for yogurts (yum, hazelnut and almond milk yogurts).

As for cheese, choose sheep's or goat's milk cheeses, much better for your intestines and therefore for your skin!

To get rid of digestive acne , it is obvious that you need to take care of your little kitty.

For this, diet is essential, but other aspects must be taken into account (you didn't think that eating nuts and giving up sweets would be enough, did you?)

Maintain optimal hydration (1.5 to 2L of water per day) to support digestive function and promote well-hydrated skin.

Valuable advice in case of digestive acne : opt for a course of probiotics!
By acting on the balance of the intestinal flora, probiotics will improve digestive comfort and the condition of the skin. This is called the gut-skin axis.

Our Probio Formula , made up of six specially selected strains, acts in a targeted manner to improve digestive comfort and strengthen the intestinal barrier. It can only do you good!

How about a little sports session to take care of your skin?

Exercise stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, thus promoting better oxygenation of cells and better elimination of toxins.

Result ? A strengthened digestive system, a reduction in inflammatory responses and digestive acne . Physical activity therefore creates a virtuous circle by promoting intestinal well-being, better absorption of nutrients, and radiant skin.

Have you ever woken up in the morning after a long night of sleep with baby skin?

Sleep is essential for cell regeneration and allows the skin to repair itself, reducing the risk of skin inflammation.

So be sure to take care of your sleep by going to bed at regular times and don't hesitate to give it a boost with soothing and sedative plants.

You have now understood, to fight against digestive acne , you have to act from the inside! By understanding the connections between the digestive system and skin and making informed dietary choices, you can significantly improve the condition of your skin.

Remember that the beauty of your skin often reflects the state of your digestive system, and by taking care of one, you promote the well-being of the other! 😉