Emerging research highlights a powerful, bidirectional communication network between the gut, liver, and skin, which is often referred to as the gut–liver–skin axis. This interconnected system helps regulate inflammation, immunity, detoxification, and nutrient metabolism, all of which influence skin clarity, elasticity, and resilience. Disruptions in any part of this axis can manifest externally as acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or premature aging.

How the Gut, Liver, and Skin Interact

1. The Gut-Skin Axis

The gut microbiome plays a central role in regulating systemic inflammation, immune responses, and nutrient absorption. Imbalances in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. ^{2, 4} A healthy gut supports:

• Reduced systemic inflammation, meaning a widespread inflammatory response in the body
• Improved nutrient availability for collagen formation, which supports skin and joints
• Balanced immune responses
• A stronger intestinal barrier, preventing inflammatory compounds from entering circulation

2. The Gut-Liver Axis

The liver receives approximately 70% of its blood supply from the gut via the portal vein. When the gut barrier is compromised, endotoxins and metabolites can overload the liver, increasing oxidative stress and inflammation. This can impair detoxification pathways and influence hormone metabolism – both of which affect skin clarity and oil production.

3. The Liver-Skin Axis

The skin often reflects liver burden. When detoxification pathways are strained, the body may redirect metabolic byproducts through the skin, contributing to irritation, breakouts, or dullness. Conversely, optimal liver function supports:

• Healthy collagen synthesis
• Balanced hormones
• Reduced oxidative stress
• Clearer, more resilient skin

Together, these systems form a dynamic loop: gut health influences liver function, liver function influences skin health, and skin symptoms often signal deeper internal imbalances. ³

The Skin as a Reflection of Gut Health

Ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long taught that the skin mirrors the internal state of the body, particularly the gut and liver systems. In TCM theory, disruptions in digestion, nutrient assimilation, and the smooth flow of Liver Qi can manifest externally as acne, eczema, rashes, or dull complexion. This holistic view positions the skin as an extension of internal organ harmony, especially the digestive system, which is responsible for transforming food into Qi and Blood that nourish the skin. ¹

In recent years, Western biomedical research has begun to validate what TCM practitioners have observed for centuries. Studies on the gut–skin axis demonstrate that gut microbiome imbalances, intestinal permeability, and systemic inflammation can directly influence skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Modern findings show that gut dysbiosis can trigger immune responses and inflammatory pathways that present visibly on the skin, which aligns closely with TCM’s long‑held belief that internal disharmony reveals itself externally. ^{2, 3, 4}

This convergence of ancient wisdom and contemporary science highlights a shared understanding: healthy skin begins with a healthy gut, and supporting digestive and liver function is essential for maintaining clear, resilient, and vibrant skin.

Supporting the Gut-Liver-Skin Axis with Skin Friend AM

For individuals seeking a simple, daily way to support general wellbeing and skin vitality, Skin Friend AM offers a nutrient‑dense formulation designed by nutritionist and eczema researcher, Karen Fischer. While not a treatment for medical conditions, it provides foundational nutrients that contribute to:

• Skin repair and collagen formation
• Energy production
• Immune system function
• Healthy blood sugar metabolism
• Nail strength
• Gut lining integrity
• Reduction of acne‑related symptoms

Its formulation makes it suitable for those experiencing eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, chronic acne, or simply wanting to support their skin or overall health from within.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles in Human Physiology

The following nutrients contribute to general health and normal physiological function:

Ingredient	What It Is	How It Interacts with the Body	General Benefits
Glycine	Amino acid	Supports collagen synthesis and gut lining integrity	Skin elasticity, gut repair
Thiamine (B1)	Water‑soluble vitamin	Essential for carbohydrate metabolism and energy production	Energy levels, nervous system function
Riboflavin (B2)	B‑vitamin	Involved in antioxidant pathways	Reduces oxidative stress, supports skin clarity
Nicotinamide (B3)	Form of vitamin B3	Supports cellular repair and energy metabolism	Skin barrier support, reduced redness
Pyridoxine (B6)	B‑vitamin	Helps regulate amino acid metabolism	Hormonal balance, immune support
Mecobalamin (B12)	Active B12 form	Supports red blood cell formation	Energy, neurological function
Levomefolic acid (Folate)	Active folate	Supports DNA synthesis and cell repair	Skin regeneration
Pantothenic acid (B5)	B‑vitamin	Supports fatty acid metabolism	Skin hydration, reduced oiliness
Biotin	B‑vitamin	Supports keratin production	Hair and nail strength
Magnesium	Mineral	Cofactor in 300+ enzymatic reactions	Energy, muscle and nerve function
Chromium	Trace mineral	Supports normal blood sugar metabolism	Stable energy levels
Zinc	Essential mineral	Supports immune function and wound healing	Acne symptom relief, skin repair
Molybdenum	Trace mineral	Supports detoxification enzymes	Liver function
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)	Antioxidant vitamin	Required for collagen synthesis	Skin elasticity, immune health
Colloidal anhydrous silica	Mineral compound	Supports connective tissue	Skin, hair, and nail strength
Lysine hydrochloride	Essential amino acid	Required for collagen formation	Skin repair, immune support

Together, these nutrients help maintain the internal systems that influence skin appearance and overall vitality.

Pairing Skin Friend AM with Supportive Foods

To optimise nutritional intake, pairing the supplement with nutrient‑dense foods from both Eastern and Western traditions can enhance its benefits.

Eastern Dietary Supports

• Miso, natto, kimchi – fermented foods that support gut microbiome balance
• Seaweed – rich in iodine, minerals, and antioxidants
• Bone broth – provides glycine and collagen precursors
• Green tea – polyphenols that support liver detoxification
• Lotus root, burdock root – fibre‑rich foods supporting gut health

Western Dietary Supports

• Berries and citrus fruits – vitamin C for collagen formation
• Oats and whole grains – B‑vitamins and fibre
• Leafy greens – folate, magnesium, antioxidants
• Yogurt and kefir – probiotics for gut balance
• Nuts and seeds – zinc, biotin, healthy fats

While supplements can provide a concentrated source of key nutrients, they work best when paired with a diet naturally rich in those same vitamins and minerals. Whole foods supply fibres, phytonutrients, and cofactors that support absorption and help the body use supplemented nutrients more effectively, creating a stronger foundation for overall wellbeing. Combining these foods with Skin Friend AM Multi creates a holistic approach to supporting the gut-liver-skin axis and promoting overall wellbeing.

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.

Hippocrates

References

Aldebaran Healing. (2023, September 20). The liver in Chinese medicine. https://www.aldebaranhealing.co.nz/articles/the-liver-in-chinese-medicine

Chai, J., Deng, F., Li, Y., Wei, X., & Zhao, J. (2024). Editorial: The gut‑skin axis: Interaction of gut microbiome and skin diseases. Frontiers in Microbiology, 15, 1427770. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1427770

Jimenez‑Sanchez, M., Celiberto, L. S., Yang, H., Sham, H. P., & Vallance, B. A. (2025). The gut‑skin axis: A bi‑directional, microbiota‑driven relationship with therapeutic potential. Gut Microbes, 17(1), 2473524. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2025.2473524

Zhao, Y., Yu, C., Zhang, J., Yao, Q., Zhu, X., & Zhou, X. (2025). The gut‑skin axis: Emerging insights in understanding and treating skin diseases through gut microbiome modulation. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 210. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5651