SKIN SCIENCE
The Skin-Gut Connection,
pt. II
For the second part of our exploration into how our gut health contributes to the function, appearance and integrity of our skin, we interviewed functional medicine practitioner and Well Public founder Nicole McFall.
SKIN SCIENCE
The Skin-Gut Connection, pt. II
For the second part of our exploration into how our gut health contributes to the function, appearance and integrity of our skin, we interviewed functional medicine practitioner and Well Public founder Nicole McFall.
Can you share a bit about yourself and the work you do within functional medicine and gut health?
I am a board certified nurse practitioner with a primary interest in functional medicine. I launched Well Public in 2019, as I believe having the knowledge and support to make self-directed decisions for improving gut health is essential for well-being—and understanding the gut-skin connection is just as important.
What inspired your path toward a more integrative, root-cause approach—and what drew you to focus on the gut in particular?
In my life, I have been attracted to natural methods while having fundamental feelings for science. I think a mix of both my personal and professional experience inspired me to look more into a root cause approach.
What inspired your path toward a more integrative, root-cause approach—and what drew you to focus on the gut in particular?
In my life, I have been attracted to natural methods while having fundamental feelings for science. I think a mix of both my personal and professional experience inspired me to look more into a root cause approach.
In your view, how exactly does gut health influence the skin, particularly when it comes to persistent inflammation and imbalance?
The gut-skin axis is a two-way connection between the digestion system and our skin health. Sometimes damage to the intestinal barrier and/or imbalances in the gut microbiome can trigger an immune response, causing inflammatory skin issues.
What are some of the most telling signs on the skin that may point to an underlying issue in the gut?
Inflammatory skin issues can vary but often involve symptoms like: redness, dry/flaky or cracked skin, rashes/hives, itchy/painful skin lesions, bumps/blisters/pustules, etc.
Are there particular skin conditions—such as acne, rosacea, or eczema—that you consistently see linked to gut dysbiosis or leaky gut?
Yes, I see this often. Acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis have been linked to imbalances in the gut microbiome and often improve with diet and lifestyle changes.
What are some of the most effective and sustainable ways to support gut repair for long-term skin improvements?
It’s best to reduce refined sugar intake and processed foods. A whole food plant-diverse diet is key—as well as daily stress regulation, weekly movement, low tox skin care, and 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep.
When someone begins making dietary or lifestyle changes to support their gut, do you often see temporary flare-ups on the skin?
Yes, when eating an anti-inflammatory diet, temporary flare-ups may occur but are not as common when incorporating other key measures like daily stress regulation, supportive skincare, and a pre-bedtime routine for good sleep.
What’s the best way to support the skin during those transitions—especially when inflammation or purging might make it feel worse before it gets better?
Stress regulation techniques and a relaxing pre-bedtime routine can support the gut-skin connection and provide structure during these frustrating times. Also, a gentle skin care practice can be healing and therapeutic.
Do you believe skin care can actively support internal healing? What types of topical ingredients or textures do you tend to recommend for inflamed or acne-prone skin during gut healing protocols?
I often recommend organic, minimal ingredient, non-comedogenic products that are low tox. Examples include unscented plant-based/natural soaps and clean serums. Anti-inflammatory plant oils that have a low likelihood for clogging pores include jojoba, argan, and rosehip. Find all of these in LESSE formulas.
When someone commits to healing their skin through gut health, what is a realistic timeline for seeing visible changes—especially for conditions like acne or redness?
Results can vary. Usually 3-6 months but in some cases, depending on root cause, within days or a few weeks.
Fig 3.
Image credit: Well Public
To learn more about the gut-skin connection, read part I of this series here.
Find Nicole at wellpublic.com and @wellpublic.