The Gut-Skin Glow Connection

If a full stomach makes for a happy heart, does it also make for happy skin? We know the warm and fuzzy feeling (and loosening your belt a few notches) with a tummy full of fries and pies, but it’s likely your skin is going get ‘pied’ in return with undesirable skin concerns changes. Likely to sink with your skin, is your gut health, which could create some troubled waters for your overall complexion.

Gone are the days when many of us brushed off old wives’ tales that eating a meat-trio ‘pie’ or Charlie’s chocolate factory would give you pizza face or greasy, acne-prone skin. While some of these tales about beauty are totally bull, there is an emerging recognition of gut health and its role in influencing overall skin health.

So, if you are mostly what you eat, then beautiful, glowing skin does begin in your gut. 100% PURE supports this skin-gut connection and advocates for holistic wellness as the foundation of radiant skin. We formulate our cosmetics from real fruit pigments and through natural skincare products.

Sit tight as we take you along our journey through the gut-skin relationship and how to achieve glowing skin from the inside out. Happy gut, happy skin!

Within the last few years, it seems there have been some interesting terms floating around the wellness realm: pre-, pro- or post-biotics, gut-skin axis, microbiome, oh my! It’s not a coincidence and everyone is not hearing crazy talk. Yes, we are all chatting about gut health, and for good reason!

Our understanding of the human body is an evolving study, and there’s so much that continues to change with our diets and lifestyles. What unites picky eaters and foodies alike is the need to consume food that makes us feel good. Unfortunately, not everything that we eat or our lifestyle choices is good for our gut health. Even more than that, there are hidden triggers in our lifestyle that can make gut health even more of an issue.

Through ongoing studies from the past to the present, it’s been proven that our guts have a stronghold on our immune system and health. And a thriving gut can not only boost our overall health, it can give your skin that much longed-after lit-from-within glow. However, to achieve this ‘happy gut, happy skin’ Zen, we must understand the gut-skin axis.

While the symptoms of gut issues can vary, the skin is a great indicator of what’s going on in the gut. This is because the gut is where 70 to 80 percent of our immune system lies. So, it’s very important to get your digestive health in check to feel well and experience clear, glowing skin. The gut also houses trillions of strains of bacteria and microbes, called the gut microbiome. It maintains balance throughout the body. If there are any gut or digestive issues, our skin will usually let us know first.

We know the gut microbiome affects our skin health, but another factor that’s less talked about is the skin microbiome. We like to think of the microbiome as an invisible shield for the skin. Our microbiome is our skin’s first line of defense against harmful bacteria and foreign organisms. It’s a layer of healthy, helpful microorganisms (yes, bacteria) that protects our largest organ. Some of the benefits of microbes include helping with health issues and being the foundation of gut health, which is ultimately linked to healthy, clear, glowing skin.

As we mentioned, the microbiome is crucial for gut health, which often directly relates to how our skin looks and behaves – or the gut-skin connection! We know that the organisms in our microbiome keep away inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis while also helping to keep our skin protected from harsh environmental conditions like UV exposure and pollution. But we also know that we don’t always take the best care of our guts (or our skin).

Breakouts and skin irritation are other ways that our body communicates challenges with gut health. Sometimes this looks like a flare-up of an existing skin condition, like eczema, while other times this looks like active breakouts on the face; especially on the cheeks below the cheekbones. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced microbiome for both gut and skin health.

We’ll be honest - up until the last few years, we didn’t know the first thing about gut health. Sure, probiotics and kombucha have been considered mainstream for the last decade at least, but those only scratch the surface of what it means to eat and live for gut health. Before we can guide foods to embrace their skin-boosting benefits, let’s take a closer look at the key factors affecting the gut-skin relationship. signs and symptoms of an unhealthy gut.

An upset stomach is probably the most obvious indicator of poor gut health. For some of us, this means severe bloating and even weight gain, especially in the evenings or even after meals that appear to be healthy. This looks like excess gas and heartburn and can also have us rushing to the bathroom or being completely backed up.

Related is an emerging food intolerance. For so many of us, this can be frequently caused by dairy products, as studies have shown that over half the population is lactose intolerant. And to be suspected, other food intolerances are typically processed foods high in sugar and gluten. What’s worse is that oftentimes, poor gut health is accompanied by food cravings and especially sugar cravings, making balancing our gut an even harder task.

Beyond the dietary choices that would often alert us that our body isn’t feeling its best, there are lifestyle factors that impact gut health. For example, a moderately or severely unbalanced gut can lead to a noticeable lack of energy, but what happens then? For some, this just leads to sleeping more or going out less. But for many of us, this impacts our lifestyle. Perhaps we decide to have takeout more often because we’re too tired to cook, or we stop working out as regularly because we simply don’t have the energy.

In another instance, we saw that poor gut health can show up in our skin’s appearance. Realistically, acne and poor skin health can affect our confidence, and for many of us, it can trigger feelings of stress or sadness. Someone suffering from a gut health-related breakout may not realize that’s the cause, and to resolve the issue they turn to buying gimmicky face treatments or loading on makeup that further irritates the skin.

These short examples are just small instances of why it’s crucial to maintain a healthy, balanced diet, be active, and find ways to reduce stress, as any imbalance of these factors impacts gut health and, subsequently, skin’s appearance. We can’t look in our gut and tell right away when we’re off balance, but if we’re able to key into the way our body communicates poor gut health and make positive changes in these areas, we can work to resolve it quickly, avoid many of the issues that come with it, and see visible improvements in skin health.

Though it can take a bit of trial and error to figure out what works for us individually, there’s hope to improve our gut health - no matter how imbalanced or inflamed it might be. With that in mind, there are some things we can do – and not do - that play a supportive role in good gut health and clear, radiant skin.

Dietary and Lifestyle Do Nots:

DO NOT Stress: While we often think about stress as a mental or emotional concept, stress is known to manifest itself physically; such as getting a stomach ache when we’re worried or a migraine when we’ve got a lot on our mind.

DO NOT Consume alcohol: Many of us enjoy wine with dinner, or letting loose with friends for a night out. Still, our bodies aren’t designed for regular alcohol consumption. Frequent drinking - even as much as once a week - can hurt our gut health.

DO NOT Eat poorly: Avoid processed foods and a high sugar intake due to their potential to disrupt gut health and skin clarity.

DO NOT Be a night owl: Staying up late hours consistently can affect many areas of your health, including your skin, mental clarity, gut health, and sleep cycle. Sleep is that part of the day when you can recharge physically and mentally. To achieve healthy sleep cycles, stick to a sleep schedule, and avoid alcohol intake and heavy meals in the evening.

Dietary and Lifestyle Dos:

DO Reduce stress: While reducing stress can sometimes be easier said than done, making more time for relaxation and meditation is a great way to be on a calmer, less stressed path. Meditation releases your worries and allows your body and mind to mentally and physically decompress.

DO Limit alcohol consumption: Finding elevated alcohol-free drinks that taste great may help with eliminating alcohol as a regular part of the diet.

DO Eat foods high in fiber: Also, known as prebiotics, fiber-rich foods aid in timely digestion and feed the healthy gut bacteria we need. Options include fan-favorite garlic and onions, smoothies, bananas and berries, and of course whole grains, oats, and nuts.

DO Incorporate probiotics: Ingesting healthy bacteria sounds weird, but it is seriously the best way to achieve gut health - and surprisingly tasty. Some of our favorite foods like yogurt and kimchi contain probiotics; but when we can’t source probiotics in our diets, adding a probiotic supplement works just as well.

DO Eat healthy foods: To maintain a healthy body and skin, it’s crucial to eat right and stay hydrated. A balanced diet of healthy foods like dark, leafy greens and fermented foods provides your body with the building blocks it needs to heal wounds, maintain elasticity and vibrancy, and balance the bacteria in your skin.

DO Stay Hydrated: Be sure to stay well-hydrated with plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help maintain your body’s fluid balance to transport nutrients throughout your body. Incorporating green tea can also boost your skin’s radiance.

DO Exercise often. The secret to de-stressing, the secret to maintaining energy, and the secret to long life is always tied up in being active and exercising. As physical activity works in sync with diet, digestion, and metabolism, staying active and fit helps to support a well-balanced gut.

DO Take care of your skin: if you practice the best clean skincare routine, you’ll be able to minimize the health risks to your skin and your body and enhance the gut-skin glow. Clean beauty includes products mindfully made that don’t contain toxic ingredients linked to harmful health effects.

Your skin is home to millions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that make up your skin microbiome. This complex ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin by protecting it from harmful pathogens, regulating pH balance, keeping it moisturized, and helping it maintain a healthy gut-skin connection.

Using skincare products that are tailored to your microbiome can help support and maintain this delicate balance, leading to healthier, clearer, and more radiant skin. By feeding your skin the nutrients and ingredients it needs, and avoiding harsh fragrances and chemicals that disrupt your microbiome, you can help your skin thrive and achieve its best possible version.

Here are some of our favorite products for a healthy microbiome and to enhance the ultimate gut-skin glow:

Fermented Rice Water Cleanser

This gentle cleanser harnesses the power of fermented rice water or sake to effectively cleanse your skin, removing impurities while preserving its natural moisture and balance. Sake acts as a natural skin care exfoliant for softening and renewing dull, lackluster skin. White mulberry, mushroom, licorice, and citrus balance skin tone, lessen the appearance of dark spots and brighten for glowing skin. Packed with antioxidants and amino acids, this cleanser leaves your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Fermented Rice Water Toner

This toner helps balance the skin's pH, tighten pores, and provide a burst of hydration. The fermented rice water balances the skin’s pH and supports a healthy microbiome. Combined with other natural ingredients, this toner incorporates hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, and vegetable glycerin to promote skin hydration and plumping.

Fermented Rice Water Serum

A powerhouse of nutrients, this serum is designed to enhance skin's radiance, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even out skin tone. It's a blend of fermented rice water, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts to help plump and smooth skin for a glowing and softened complexion.

Restorative Sea Culture Replenishing Serum

Using ingredients like hyaluronic acid is the most effective way to replenish skin from within for longer lasting suppleness and hydration. Chia gel water, sea kelp, and algae also aid in water absorption with their gelatinous texture, and yeast ferment reduces inflammation and detoxifies the skin. This silky serum is Scented with purifying essential oils like cedarwood, sage, and lavender.

Restorative Sea Culture Extra Riche Créme

This dreamy skin cream is so luxurious that it will send you to skin Zen and help melt away your stress, which we now know is a critical factor in maintaining gut and skin health. The active probiotic culture in this product, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, comes from deep sea algae and boosts hydration and protection of the skin. This natural moisturizer also features skin-nourishing nutrients from organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, and organic jojoba seed oil.

In a time where everyone is obsessed with fleeting trends, we are exploring a paradigm shift – achieving lasting beauty results while upholding health and purity standards. Say goodbye to compromises as we embrace a holistic approach to skincare that includes gut health as a central component of radiant skin.

The foundation of lasting beauty goes beyond superficial aesthetics and external treatments. True, long-lasting beauty emanates from a combination of lifestyle adjustments and the incorporation of 100% PURE products to support both gut and skin health.

Lifestyle Adjustments

The first pillar of lasting beauty is internal health. Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting the body's functions, including those related to the skin. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contributes to healthy skin from within. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provide essential nutrients that promote skin elasticity, repair, and overall vitality.

Hydration is equally vital for internal health and external beauty. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain skin moisture, flushes out toxins, and supports the body's natural detoxification processes. Proper hydration contributes to a radiant complexion and helps prevent premature aging.

Balanced lifestyle choices, including regular exercise and sufficient sleep, also play a significant role in a healthy gut-skin connection. Exercise improves blood circulation, which nourishes the skin cells, while ample sleep allows the body to repair and regenerate, promoting a youthful appearance.

Mindful Skincare

Effective and enduring beauty care involves a mindful approach to skincare. Rather than focusing solely on external appearances, it's important to consider the long-term health of the skin. This involves using products with quality ingredients that nourish and protect the skin without causing harm.

A skincare routine suitable for individual skin types and concerns can address specific issues and contribute to a radiant complexion. Regular cleansing, exfoliation, and the use of sunscreen are essential components of a mindful skincare regimen. Additionally, choosing products that are free from harmful chemicals and cruelty-free supports both personal well-being and ethical beauty practices.

In the pursuit of beauty, choosing products extends beyond efficacy; it’s a commitment to skin health and ethical standards. Opt for skincare that is not only effective but also free from harmful chemicals and unethical practices, creating a foundation for enduring beauty. Like 100% PURE, a brand devoted to harnessing the power of natural ingredients.

This clean beauty pioneer doesn't just enhance your skin; it transforms it over time, promoting health and longevity. Use these 100% PURE products that will embrace your skin with love and will provide nourishment that goes beyond the surface. It achieves the ultimate gut-skin-glow connection!

How does gut health directly impact my skin’s appearance?

The skin's microbiome and gut play a crucial role in protecting against pathogens, maintaining the skin's pH balance, regulating inflammation, and impacting your skin’s appearance. A healthy and balanced gut acts as a natural defense system, protecting against harmful bacteria and environmental damage. When your gut health is disrupted, it can lead to various skin problems, including dryness, acne, eczema, and increased sensitivity.

Can improving my diet lead to better skin?

Like sitting in the sun, the food you eat is an environmental factor affecting your skin and your health. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contributes to healthy skin from within. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provide essential nutrients that promote skin elasticity, repair, improve overall vitality, and help prevent early aging.

What are the best probiotic foods for skin health?

Ingesting healthy bacteria sounds weird, but it is seriously the best way to achieve gut health - and surprisingly tasty. Some of our favorite foods like yogurt and kimchi contain probiotics; but when we can’t source probiotics in our diets, adding a probiotic supplement works just as well.

How do stress and gut health relate to skin conditions?

While we often think about stress as a mental or emotional concept, stress is known to manifest itself physically; such as getting a stomach ache when we’re worried or a migraine when we’ve got a lot on our mind. It can also show itself as a skin condition, and lead to breakouts and acne.

Are there 100% PURE products specifically designed for sensitive skin affected by gut issues?

Amidst this evolution stands 100% PURE™, a brand that has committed to pioneering microbiome-friendly formulations that are designed for sensitive skin affected by gut issues. With a philosophy deeply rooted in producing the purest, healthiest products, we are not just a name but a testament to our dedication to purity and health. By excluding irritants and pollutants, 100% PURE™ supports the skin's natural barrier, promoting a harmonious relationship between the gut-skin connection and sensitive skin.

So, if you are (mostly) what you eat, then beautiful, glowing skin does begin in your gut. Aside from numerous studies on the connection of the gut to the skin, 100% PURE supports this skin-gut connection and advocates for holistic wellness as the foundation of a radiant complexion.

By exploring the significance of internal wellness through healthy dietary choices – probiotics, healthy foods, hydration - and lifestyle choices – managing stress and being active - we can avoid many of the health and skin issues that come with it. Balancing internal wellness with natural, external beauty elements, you’re able to achieve and maintain a healthy gut and glowing skin.

We encourage you to embrace the holistic approach championed by 100% PURE, focusing on nurturing the gut-skin connection for lasting radiance and visible improvements in skin health – and your overall health! Taking the journey through the gut-skin relationship and achieving glowing skin from the inside out means happy gut, happy skin!