Gut Microbiota and Its Impact on Skin Health: Exploring the Gut–Skin Axis

The gut microbiota, composed of a diverse range of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract, plays a pivotal role in maintaining human health, including the health of the skin. Disruptions in this microbial balance, known as gut dysbiosis, have been implicated in the onset and progression of various skin disorders. Understanding the gut–skin axis has become an area of growing interest, as researchers investigate how imbalances in gut microbiota contribute to dermatological conditions.

This review explored the relationship between gut microbiota and skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, and melanoma. It examined how alterations in gut microbial populations could influence immune responses and inflammatory pathways involved in these conditions.

A key focus of the review was the therapeutic potential of probiotics in modulating gut microbiota composition to improve skin health. It summarized evidence supporting probiotic use in managing these skin disorders and described the mechanisms through which probiotics may exert beneficial effects, including reducing inflammation and restoring microbial balance.

In addition to these findings, the review highlighted the need for further investigation into the gut–skin connection. Although current research underscores the promise of targeting gut microbiota as a treatment strategy for skin diseases, significant gaps remain. Future studies are required to clarify microbial interactions, define effective interventions, and establish reliable approaches to manipulating the microbiome for therapeutic benefit.

This comprehensive review underscores the potential of gut microbiota modulation, particularly through probiotics, as a novel approach to addressing dermatological conditions, offering promising avenues for future research and treatment.

Link to the study: Probiotics and gut microbiota modulation: implications for skin health and disease management | Archives of Microbiology