Healing Rosacea from the Gut Out: What Science Says
- Debora Tentiș
- Apr 19
- 4 min read
Rosacea is often treated as a skin-deep issue — topical creams, lasers, and strict skincare routines are usually the first line of defence. But over the past decade, science has revealed something crucial: for many people, rosacea starts far deeper than the skin. It begins in the gut.
This may sound surprising, but there’s a growing body of research linking rosacea to gut health, including microbiome imbalances, intestinal inflammation, and even systemic immune responses.
If you’ve been treating your skin but still struggling with flare-ups, unexplained triggers, or recurring symptoms, your gut may be the missing link. Let’s dive into what the science says — and how healing your gut might help calm your rosacea from the inside out.
🧠 First: What Do the Gut and Skin Have to Do With Each Other?
The gut–skin axis refers to the constant communication between your digestive system and your skin. These two systems are connected through:
The immune system
The nervous system
The endocrine (hormonal) system
And the gut microbiome — the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract
When your gut is healthy, it helps regulate inflammation, immune function, and even your skin barrier. But when the gut is out of balance — whether through dysbiosis (microbial imbalance), leaky gut, or chronic inflammation — that imbalance can “spill over” to the skin.
And that’s exactly what may happen in rosacea.
🧪 Scientific Links Between Rosacea and Gut Conditions
Over the years, researchers have found strong connections between rosacea and several gastrointestinal disorders:
1. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Studies show people with rosacea are up to 13 times more likely to have SIBO
SIBO occurs when bacteria from the large intestine migrate into the small intestine, where they don’t belong
This leads to gas, bloating, food intolerances, and systemic inflammation — including skin inflammation
📖 A landmark 2008 study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology showed that when SIBO was eradicated in rosacea patients, almost all experienced skin improvement — and many had complete remission.
2. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
This stomach bacteria is known for causing ulcers, but it’s also linked to rosacea in some cases
H. pylori can trigger systemic inflammation and release nitric oxide — a compound that increases blood vessel dilation (hello, flushing)
While not every rosacea patient has H. pylori, its presence is more common in rosacea groups vs. controls
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
There’s a known association between rosacea and autoimmune gut diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
The link? Chronic immune activation, impaired gut barrier function, and a shared pro-inflammatory profile
4. Leaky Gut (Increased Intestinal Permeability)
When the gut lining is compromised, particles like undigested food, bacteria, and toxins can escape into the bloodstream
This triggers an immune response, which can present as systemic inflammation — including in the skin
While hard to diagnose clinically, “leaky gut” is suspected in people with multiple food sensitivities, skin flares, and autoimmune-like symptoms
🤔 How Do You Know if Your Gut Is Affecting Your Rosacea?
Ask yourself:
Do you have frequent bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhoea?
Do you react to foods like dairy, gluten, or sugar?
Do you feel fatigued, foggy, or moody after eating?
Do you experience rosacea flares after meals?
Do you have a history of gut infections, antibiotics, or antacids?
If you said yes to any of the above, your gut may be playing a bigger role in your skin health than you realise.
🔬 The Role of the Microbiome in Rosacea
Your microbiome — both in your gut and on your skin — plays a massive role in rosacea.
Gut microbiome dysbiosis leads to immune dysregulation and inflammation
Skin microbiome imbalance, including an overgrowth of Demodex mites (which live on everyone’s skin), can worsen redness, breakouts, and sensitivity in rosacea patients
These two ecosystems are connected — when gut health suffers, skin barrier function declines, and pathogenic microbes on the skin may take over
Recent studies suggest that modifying the gut microbiome with diet, probiotics, or targeted antibiotics can reduce rosacea flares in some people.
🥦 Healing the Gut to Support the Skin
Here’s where things get exciting: when people support their gut, their skin often improves. Here’s how to begin:
✅ 1. Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Trigger Diet
Focus on:
Cooked vegetables (easy to digest)
Lean protein (chicken, turkey, eggs, fish)
Omega-3s (salmon, chia, flaxseed)
Berries and anti-inflammatory herbs (turmeric, ginger, parsley)
Bone broth or collagen (to support gut lining)
Reduce or avoid:
Sugar and refined carbs
Alcohol (especially red wine and beer)
Gluten and dairy (common inflammatory triggers)
Ultra-processed foods
Coffee and spicy food if they worsen flushing
✅ 2. Test for and Address SIBO or Gut Imbalances
Breath testing (hydrogen & methane) for SIBO
Stool testing for microbiome imbalances or infections
If SIBO is present, treatment might include antibiotics (e.g., rifaximin) or herbal antimicrobials
A practitioner can help guide personalised gut support, including a reintroduction plan
✅ 3. Support Your Gut Lining
Supplements that may help include:
L-glutamine – supports gut repair
Zinc carnosine – reduces inflammation and heals mucosa
Marshmallow root or slippery elm – soothe gut irritation
Collagen peptides – may improve gut and skin barrier integrity
✅ 4. Use the Right Probiotics
Probiotics aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some may help rosacea, while others can cause bloating if SIBO is present.
Promising strains for skin:
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG – anti-inflammatory
Bifidobacterium infantis – gut barrier support
Lactobacillus reuteri – shown to improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation
Choose a high-quality, multi-strain probiotic or speak with a pharmacist trained in gut health.
✅ 5. Manage Stress (Your Gut Feels It Too)
Stress increases gut permeability, reduces digestion, and activates immune responses — all of which can fuel rosacea.
Incorporate:
Deep breathing or vagus nerve activation
Gentle movement like yoga or walking
Cold water face splashes
Mindful eating (chew slowly, don’t eat under pressure)
Rosacea Isn’t Just Skin Deep
Rosacea may appear on your face — but its roots often run deep. For many people, chronic inflammation, gut imbalance, and immune dysregulation drive symptoms behind the scenes.
If you’ve tried topical treatments without much success, or if your flares feel random and frustrating, it may be time to turn your attention inward.
Supporting your gut — with the right food, microbiome support, and practitioner guidance — can calm inflammation from the inside out. You don’t need to choose between skincare and gut care.
They work better together.
Start slowly. Tune into your symptoms. And remember: healing your skin may begin with healing your gut.
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