Why I Test Every Acne Client’s gut Microbiome
Your digestive system and your skin are deeply connected through what’s called the gut–skin axis..and when something is “off” in the gut, your skin will often tell the story.
This is why every client I work with gets a GI-MAP stool analysis. It’s one of the most important tools I use to uncover the hidden imbalances driving acne.
What Gut Dysbiosis Really Means
Gut dysbiosis is simply an imbalance in the gut microbiome - the community of bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses that live in your digestive tract. Instead of a healthy, diverse ecosystem of beneficial microbes, dysbiosis usually looks like:
Overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast
Low levels of protective, beneficial bacteria
Parasites or pathogens that shouldn’t be there
Signs of poor digestion, inflammation, or leaky gut
When this balance is disrupted, it sets off a cascade of issues: inflammation, impaired detoxification, changes in immune signaling, and even shifts in hormone metabolism. All of these processes are closely tied to acne.
How Dysbiosis Shows Up on the Skin
Your skin is often the first place you’ll see the effects of gut dysfunction.
Bacterial overgrowth and leaky gut release inflammatory compounds that can trigger breakouts.
70–80% of the immune system lives in the gut. When it’s constantly “on alert,” it often shows up as skin reactivity.
Certain gut bacteria play a role in metabolizing estrogen and androgens. When these bacteria are out of balance, hormone-related acne can flare.
Dysbiosis can block absorption of key skin-healing nutrients like zinc, vitamin A, and B vitamins.
And so much more!
Why I Run a GI-MAP on Every Client
The GI-MAP isn’t just a stool test..it’s a window into your internal environment. It helps me see exactly what’s going on in your gut so we’re not guessing.
Some of the markers it takes a look at include:
Pathogens and parasites that may be driving inflammation
Opportunistic bacteria overgrowth
Beneficial bacteria levels that protect your gut lining and calm inflammation
Yeast/fungal overgrowth that can trigger stubborn skin issues
Immune and inflammation markers (like secretory IgA or calprotectin)
Digestive function (how well you’re breaking down food and absorbing nutrients)
By knowing what’s really happening, I can create a protocol that’s tailored to your unique gut environment..whether that’s supporting low beneficial bacteria, addressing a parasite, or calming inflammation!!
Why Blindly Taking Probiotics (and Other Gut Supplements) Can Make Things Worse
A common mistake I see is people reaching for a generic probiotic or gut-healing supplement the moment they suspect their skin issues are “gut-related.” While the intention is good, without testing, this can sometimes do more harm than good.
Here’s why:
Not all probiotics are the same. Certain strains are beneficial in one case but can aggravate another. For example, if you have an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO), adding more bacteria - even “good” ones - can worsen bloating, gas, and inflammation.
Some supplements feed the wrong bugs. Prebiotics or certain fibers might support healthy bacteria in one person, but in someone with dysbiosis, they can fuel the overgrowth of harmful species.
You’re missing the bigger picture. If a parasite, yeast overgrowth, or pathogen is at play, no amount of probiotics will fix the problem - you’ll just be layering over the root cause.
Symptom suppression vs. true healing. Supplements can temporarily mask discomfort, but without knowing what’s driving the imbalance, you risk prolonging the issue.
This is exactly why I don’t recommend a blanket supplement approach for acne and gut health (or anything!). The GI-MAP gives us the clarity to know which strains, nutrients, and supports are right for your microbiome..so you’re not throwing money (and time) at random bottles on the shelf.
At the end of the day, if gut dysbiosis is part of the picture (and for pretty much all of my clients, it is), then blindly experimenting with probiotics or gut support can leave you spinning your wheels..or even make symptoms worse.
That’s why I always come back to testing. The GI-MAP takes the guesswork out of the process, showing us exactly what’s going on so we can build a targeted, effective protocol. Instead of trial and error, we move with clarity and intention.
ORDER A GI-MAP INTERPRETED BY ME HERE
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
