If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “why am I so bloated I look pregnant” or “how to remove gas from stomach instantly”, you’ll know just how much gut issues can impact your life. A bloated stomach, endless burping or even those sulphur burps (yes, they’re as unpleasant as they sound) aren’t just uncomfortable and unwelcome – they can also show up on your face. 

This two-way street between your digestion and your complexion is called the gut–skin axis. It explains why problems like flatulence, constipation or abdominal distension don’t just affect your stomach – they can also play out as acne, redness, dullness or breakouts. 

‘The gut is often described as the body’s control centre because of its profound influence on multiple systems, from immunity and hormone regulation to inflammation and nutrient absorption,’ explains our Head of Nutrition, Laura Jennings Registered Associate Nutritionist ANutr MSc BSc. ‘When your gut is out of balance, it can send ripple effects throughout the body, and the skin is one of the first places this imbalance often shows up.’

Let’s keep this simple. The gut–skin axis is the communication line between your digestive system and your skin. When your gut is balanced and regular, your skin usually looks brighter, calmer and more resilient. When it isn’t – you might experience bloating, constipation and trapped gas – inflammation tends to spike, and your skin shows it. 

Three key players: 

‘Around 70-80% of our immune cells reside in the gut, where they are in constant communication with the trillions of microbes that make up the microbiome,’ explains Laura. ‘This interaction helps the body distinguish between harmful invaders and friendly bacteria. When this balance is disrupted, it can drive inflammation that not only affects digestion but can also show up on the skin as irritation, breakouts or flare-ups of conditions like eczema and rosacea.’ 

Ever thought “why am I so gassy” or “why do my farts smell so bad”? Beyond being a social inconvenience, these are signs your microbiome might be out of sync. Gut imbalances can lead to bloating after eating, excessive burping, trapped gas pain or a distended stomach – and that’s before you even get to the skin issues. 

What it can look like on your face: 

'When the gut is out of balance, it can increase intestinal permeability where pathogens and harmful bacteria enter circulation,’ explains Laura. ‘This causes systemic inflammation, which is one of the key reasons we see flare-ups on the skin, from acne to eczema. Women are particularly vulnerable because hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause all interact with the microbiome, making them more prone to gut-driven skin changes.’ 

Good news – what helps your digestion usually helps your complexion too. Here are some of the best foods and natural remedies for double-duty gut and skin support: 

‘I see time and time again in clinic that when patients start nourishing their gut with fibre, healthy fats, polyphenols, probiotic-rich foods and adequate hydration their skin often follows suit,’ notes Laura. ‘A healthier microbiome reduces inflammation, improves nutrient absorption and supports hormone balance, all of which show up as clearer, calmer and more vibrant skin.’ 

Ever noticed your stomach feels heavy and bloated before your period, or that breakouts and cramps seem to arrive hand-in-hand? Stress and hormones are major players in the gut–skin story. 

‘Stress hormones like cortisol can slow gut motility, disrupt the microbiome and drive inflammation, all of which worsen bloating and skin flare-ups,’ explains Laura. ‘For women, hormonal shifts add another layer. Elevated prostaglandins around menstruation speed up digestion and may trigger diarrhoea, while the drop in progesterone removes its muscle-relaxing effect on the gut.’  

‘Earlier in the cycle, when progesterone is higher (around and just after ovulation), slower gut transit often leads to constipation,’ adds Laura. ‘These fluctuations explain why many women notice digestive and skin changes tracking closely with their cycle.’ 

Sometimes skin flare-ups are just the visible side of a hidden gut issue. Common culprits include: 

'If skin flare-ups keep recurring it’s worth looking deeper for telltale gut symptoms, such as, persistent bloating, constipation, unexplained abdominal pain or excessive gas,’ explains Laura. ‘These can all signal imbalances that affect how well you absorb nutrients and regulate inflammation, both key for healthy skin.’  

‘Rather than masking the surface problem, getting to the root cause with professional support from a Registered Dietician or Nutritionist can help make a lasting difference to both digestion and complexion,’ adds Laura.  

Supplements can be a smart addition to your gut-health routine, while subsequently supporting your skin from the inside out for a more balanced complexion and healthier-looking glow.  

Some nutritionist favourites: 

'In today’s busy world, where many of us don’t always manage three balanced meals a day, supplements can act as valuable nutritional insurance alongside a healthy diet,’ explains Laura. ‘The key is to choose products with clinically relevant dosages that actually make an impact and with bioavailable ingredients, meaning they’re in active forms that your body can absorb and use effectively. Just as we consume food in combinations, certain nutrients work synergistically in supplements too; for instance, vitamin C enhances iron absorption, while vitamin D supports calcium uptake.’  

‘That’s why formulas like WE ARE. REGULAR. 01. Bowel + Bloat Relief are so beneficial – as they’re designed with synergies in mind to maximise absorption in the gut.’ Think Magnesium, L-Glutamine, Vitamin C and Ayurvedic herbs.  

'What sets WE ARE. REGULAR.’s formula apart is the way its ingredients work together in synergy. Magnesium supports healthy bowel motility, easing constipation and trapped gas, while vitamin C not only drives collagen synthesis for skin health but also acts as a powerful antioxidant to calm inflammation in the gut,’ explains Laura.  

‘Prebiotic fibres, such as, barley grass nurture beneficial gut bacteria, encouraging the production of short-chain fatty acids that enhance nutrient absorption. Botanicals like ginger are clinically backed for reducing bloating and inflammation, adding another layer of support,’ adds Laura. ‘By reducing gut inflammation and optimising nutrient uptake, the formula helps to lower systemic inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier, making it a truly comprehensive gut–skin solution.’ 

*Based on a consumer test with 25 women.