UK-based surgeon and health content creator, Dr. Karan Rajan, explained in an Instagram video that neglecting "gut health" might be the biggest mistake in your skincare routine. In this article, let's explore three ways you can repair your skin from the inside out.

The Deep Connection Between Skin and Gut
According to Dr. Rajan, if you're not paying attention to your gut health in your skincare routine, that routine is incomplete. Our gut and our skin are deeply interconnected, a relationship known as the 'gut-skin axis'.

When your gut is stressed, imbalanced, or inflamed, this disruption can manifest on your face as acne, redness, or eczema. Dr. Rajan explains:

"When your gut is stressed, your face becomes the 'billboard' for that disruption. When the gut's protective barrier is compromised, inflammatory chemicals leak into the bloodstream. This leads to skin problems like breakouts and eczema."

Studies have also shown that people with acne, psoriasis, or eczema often have a deficiency of good bacteria in their gut.

3 Ways to Heal Your Gut for Healthy Skin
Dr. Rajan says the key to clear skin isn't in a new fancy product, but in healing your gut from the inside. He suggests these three "gut-first" approaches:

Prioritize Fiber
The doctor considers fiber the real hero of healthy skin. The problem is that most people don't even consume half of their daily fiber requirement.

How much is needed: Most people consume less than 15 grams of fiber per day, while we need 30 grams or more for optimal gut function.
Why it's important: Prebiotic fiber is the food for the good bacteria in your gut. These bacteria produce fatty acids like 'butyrate,' which regulate the immune system and balance oil production on the skin.

Include 'Color' in Your Diet
Dr. Rajan advises focusing on naturally colorful fruits and vegetables, especially those that are red and orange.

Benefits: Foods like carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes contain 'carotenoids.' These include elements like beta-carotene, lycopene, and astaxanthin.
Internal Sunscreen: These elements act as a kind of "internal sunscreen." They reduce oxidative stress and improve skin texture and radiance.

Manage Stress
The gut and the brain are connected through the 'vagus nerve.' This means that when you are stressed, it directly affects your gut. Stress causes digestive problems, which in turn lead to skin problems. The worry about poor skin then causes more stress, further worsening gut health.

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