“But my digestion is fine.”
It’s something I hear regularly in clinic from people with eczema, psoriasis and acne. And it’s an important misconception to unpack.
Because you don’t have to have obvious digestive symptoms for your gut to be influencing your skin.
In this episode of The Skin Reset Collective, I explore the connection between the gut, the immune system and the skin — and why looking only at the skin can sometimes leave an important part of the picture unexplored.
This is Pillar 3 of the Skin Reset Method™: Restore Microbial Balance.
We’ll look at what happens when the balance of microorganisms in the gut changes, how intestinal barrier function can influence immune signalling, and why those signals can show up beyond the digestive system — including through the skin.
We’ll also explore something people often overlook: the microbiome that lives on your skin.
Your skin has its own ecosystem, and repeated cleansing, antibacterial products and other factors can disrupt the organisms that contribute to a healthy skin barrier.
I’ll also share how I understand digestion through the lens of Chinese Medicine, including the traditional role of the Spleen and Stomach in nourishment, transformation and the body’s overall strength.
After more than 22 years in clinical practice, one thing I’ve learned is that restoring balance is rarely about finding one magic supplement or making one dramatic change. It’s about understanding what your body is communicating and working through the right sequence for you.
In this episode:
- Why “my digestion is fine” doesn't rule out the gut
- How gut imbalance can influence skin inflammation
- The skin microbiome — and what can disturb it
- The Chinese Medicine view: Spleen, Stomach, dampness and heat
- What restoring microbial balance can look like in practice
- Your next step
Ready to understand your skin more deeply? If you've been dealing with recurring skin concerns and you're tired of trying one thing after another without understanding the bigger picture, a Skin Assessment can help you identify the factors worth exploring in your individual situation.
This episode is for general education and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare practitioner before changing any prescribed treatment.
Book a Skin Assessment with Dr Irene
Explore Salubre's herbal teas and topical range
Listen to more episodes of The Skin Reset Collective