Beautiful skin starts from within – the scientifically proven connection between the gut and skin
Skin health is not just about external care – more and more scientific research and expert experience show that the state of the gut, especially the gut microbiome, plays a significant role in how quickly our skin ages, how radiant or problematic it is. The gut is the control center of the entire body. In Western societies, people age faster due to unhealthy lifestyles, poor nutrition, stress and lack of sleep. Aging is not only an aesthetic issue, but also a health issue: faster aging is associated with increased disease risks. In her book (“Younger Skin Starts in the Gut”), naturopath and aesthetic physician Dr. Nigma Talib explains in detail that beauty truly does start in the gut.
The hidden connection between the gut and the skin
The bacteria in your gut—the microbiome—are responsible not only for digestion, but also for nutrient absorption, hormone balance, and inflammation regulation. All of these factors have a direct impact on your skin. According to Talib, poor gut function can lead to “digest-aging,” or accelerated aging.
However, if the balance is disrupted (dysbiosis), nutrient absorption deteriorates, inflammation increases, collagen production decreases, and hormonal imbalances can occur – all of which leave visible marks on the skin: dull tone, acne, rosacea, wrinkles, or dark circles.
What is okay and what is not?
Although there may be minor differences between the approaches of individual experts, modern medicine and the latest research represent a unified position on the basic principles of healthy nutrition. Regular consumption of sugar, alcohol, processed foods, gluten and dairy products should be avoided, while supporting a natural diet rich in vegetables and fruits is highly recommended. In addition, more and more research supports the fact that regular consumption of anti-inflammatory foods plays a key role in the regeneration of the body and slowing down the aging of the skin. In addition , anti-aging nutrients such as vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric are also central elements of a conscious, rejuvenating diet.
Dr. Nigma Talib's Recommendations: Nutritional Tips for Beautiful Skin and a Healthier Gut Flora
1. Avoid “aging foods”
According to Dr. Talib, certain foods cause inflammation, worsen intestinal permeability, disrupt hormone balance , and can indirectly (or directly) cause skin problems. These include:
Gluten : can cause bloating, acne, and redness.
Sugar : promotes glycation, which leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
Dairy products : may be associated with dark circles and acne.
Alcohol : dries out the skin and increases the dilation of capillaries, causing red spots.
The scientific basis of the cure is that by improving intestinal permeability ( repairing leaky gut ), toxins do not return to the circulation, thus reducing excretion through the skin, which often leads to acne and dull skin.
2. Support your gut flora and nourish your skin with beneficial foods
Prebiotic fibers: these dietary fibers are food for good bacteria, promoting the production of butyrate and other anti-inflammatory fatty acids (e.g. onions, garlic, leeks, artichokes, bananas, oatmeal)
Probiotic foods: help restore the balance of the microbiome (e.g. sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, fermented foods)
Essential fatty acids and healthy fats: these help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and strengthen the skin barrier (e.g. avocado, olive oil, nuts, salmon, mackerel, sardines).
Nutritious foods
Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for skin elasticity and regeneration:
Zinc : anti-inflammatory, helps against acne – found in pumpkin seeds, red meat, and lentils.
Selenium : antioxidant, protects the skin from oxidative stress – found in Brazil nuts.
B vitamins (especially biotin): support healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Vitamin C : key for collagen production – citrus fruits, peppers, berries.
Eat slowly and chew thoroughly – proper digestion begins in the mouth.
Don't eat in a hurry or under stress - the hormone cortisol reduces digestive enzymes.
Don't snack all day long – your digestive system needs rest too.
4. Special recommendation: 4-week CCP program (Detoxification cure for more beautiful skin)
Dr. Talib suggests a three-step system:
Clear : cleansing the intestines by eliminating aging foods.
Correct : nutritional supplementation and introduction of gut-healing foods.
Protect : stabilization of the microbiome with probiotics and antioxidants.
The scientific basis of the cure is that by improving intestinal permeability ( repairing leaky gut ), toxins do not return to the circulation, thus reducing excretion through the skin, which often leads to acne and dull skin.
Dr. Recommendations from Anthony Youn ("Younger for Life: Feel Great and Look Your Best with the New Science of Autojuvenation")
Dr. Youn introduces the concept of “autojuvenation”: supporting the body’s own rejuvenation processes to naturally reduce the signs of aging. Instead of working only with external interventions (e.g. Botox), we can restart the rejuvenation processes through internal, lifestyle changes.
The “autojuvenation” diet:
Its aim is to trigger the body's natural rejuvenation mechanisms.
prefers a Mediterranean-type diet : lots of vegetables, fruits, fish, and healthy fats.
Main focus : antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, colorful, “cell-nourishing” foods.
He recommends three main meals a day, plus vegetable juices – and avoids snacking too often.
Dr. Youn also recommends modern medicine and biohacking tools (e.g., intermittent fasting, cold therapy, infrared sauna, NAD+ supplementation) that can support auto-rejuvenation at the cellular level. According to his research, a combination of the following activates the body's self-rejuvenation mechanisms: diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and skin care.
Internal and external care go hand in hand
Conscious nutrition and restoring balance to the microbiome are therefore essential if we want radiant, youthful skin. However, Dr. Talib also emphasizes: “The best skin is achieved by treating it from the inside and outside.”
ParisLeaf provides support in this regard: our products use the combined power of nature and science to nurture and support the skin's barrier function and microbiome balance.
Anti-inflammatory effect – for the internal balance of your skin
Inflammation is the central factor behind most skin problems – whether it’s acne, rosacea, eczema or even sunburn.
When the skin is chronically inflamed, the barrier function is damaged, collagen production decreases, sensitivity increases and signs of premature aging appear sooner. Paris Leaf formulas contain powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients of plant origin that soothe irritated skin, reduce redness and support the skin’s natural regeneration processes. In this way, they not only prevent, but also actively support skin repair.
Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties – to protect problem skin
A key to clear, healthy skin is the balance of the microbiome – that is, the stable presence of beneficial microorganisms living on the skin’s surface. If this balance is disrupted (e.g. too many pathogenic bacteria or fungi appear), problems such as inflamed acne, pigmentation, or stubborn irritations can easily develop . The antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects of Paris Leaf products fight pathogens without harming the skin’s microbiome, thereby effectively treating problematic skin while supporting the skin’s self-healing ability.
Regenerates, nourishes, rejuvenates
The aloe vera in our products deeply hydrates, soothes and relieves irritations, while the antioxidant effect of natural vitamin E protects the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. This dual effect stimulates cell regeneration, promotes collagen production and helps maintain skin elasticity and smoothness.
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