How leaky gut and gut dysbiosis affect your skin

20/2/2026

Have you ever heard of the term “leaky gut” or wondered what gut dysbiosis means? These gut-related issues are often confused as the same thing, but they’re actually different conditions.

Have you ever heard of the term “leaky gut” or wondered what gut dysbiosis means? These gut-related issues are often confused as the same thing, but they’re actually different conditions, and both can have a huge impact on your skin.

At Complete Skin & Beauty, we’re passionate about helping you understand what’s happening beneath the surface. Your gut and skin are more connected than most people realise, and when your gut is out of balance, your skin often shows it

What’s the Difference Between Leaky Gut and Gut Dysbiosis?

Leaky Gut

Leaky gut happens when the intestinal lining, the protective barrier that keeps toxins and bacteria where they belong, becomes “leaky.” Tiny gaps open up between the cells of the gut wall, allowing undigested food particles, microbes, and toxins to pass into the bloodstream. This triggers inflammation and can weaken your immune system.

Gut Dysbiosis

Gut dysbiosis, on the other hand, refers to an imbalance in your gut microbiome. It occurs when there’s too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria. This imbalance can disrupt digestion, reduce nutrient absorption, and lead to inflammation throughout the body.

Although they’re different, leaky gut and dysbiosis often go hand-in-hand. Dysbiosis can cause inflammation that leads to leaky gut, and leaky gut can worsen dysbiosis.

What Causes Leaky Gut and Gut Dysbiosis?

Several lifestyle and environmental factors can contribute, including:
Diets high in sugar and processed foods, low in fibre
Excess alcohol
Gluten (in sensitive individuals)
Chronic stress
Certain medications (antibiotics, NSAIDs, acid blockers, chemotherapy drugs)
Gut infections or toxins (Candida, H. pylori, food poisoning)
Chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions
Lifestyle factors such as poor sleep, overtraining, or smoking

How Your Gut Health Shows Up on Your Skin

Your skin is one of the most visible indicators of what’s happening inside your body. When the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, the immune system reacts, and that inflammation often appears on the skin.

Gut Dysbiosis Can Look Like:

Acne
Rosacea, eczema and psoriasis
Dull, inflamed, or sensitive skin

Leaky Gut Can Look Like:

Chronic eczema or psoriasis
Hives or rashes
Redness and irritation
Premature ageing from inflammation and oxidative stress

When harmful bacteria overgrow in the gut, the body’s immune system stays on high alert. This constant immune response can weaken the skin barrier and lead to chronic skin conditions. That’s why many skin concerns, especially inflammatory ones, need both topical and internal support to truly improve.

Supporting Your Gut for Clearer, Healthier Skin

If you’ve been struggling with ongoing skin issues that just won’t settle, even with good skincare, your gut health may be part of the reason. A holistic approach that includes both professional skin treatments and gut support can make a world of difference.

Complete Skin & Beauty at MacArthur Central takes a whole-body approach to skin health. Our team can help you identify internal triggers, calm inflammation, and rebuild your skin barrier for long-term results. Book a skin consultation today to find out how your gut health might be affecting your skin and start healing from the inside out.

Why is O Cosmedics for you?

O Cosmedics is one of the newest skincare ranges to enter Complete Skin and Beauty MacArthur Central and every one of our team members absolutely love it for their skin as well as for our client's skin.

1/1/2022

How leaky gut and gut dysbiosis affect your skin

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