The topic of “candida overgrowth” and, in turn, how to improve gut health to clear acne is a popular one here at Face 5 for adult and teenage acne sufferers alike.

Today, we are discussing in-depth the gut-acne connection, what candida overgrowth is (and why it matters for your skin’s health), and how Face5 can help you stabilize your gut health for good…in the name of better skin and better general health!

The Gut-Acne Connection

It’s often forgotten that your skin is your body’s largest organ: as such, the health of your skin is a reflection of the foods, medicines, and other substances you put into your body.

Long-standing advances in research of the gut microbiome (the scientific name for the trillions of microbes within the gut) have reinforced that a balanced gut equals balanced skin.

Other than acne, common symptoms of an imbalanced gut include:

  • Fatigue
  • Chronic urinary tract infections
  • Digestive concerns
  • Frequent sinus infections
  • Fungal infections (most commonly on the nails and skin)
  • Joint pain

What Candida Overgrowth Is (And How An Overgrowth of Candida is a Common Acne Trigger)

Candida is a type of yeast: in fact, small amounts of candida live harmlessly both inside and outside of the human body. However, it becomes a concern when certain triggers cause this yeast to multiply…which results in what is commonly called “candida overgrowth” or a “candida infection.”

Candida overgrowth is oftentimes triggered by:

  • Prescriptions for acne, such as isotretinoin (most commonly seen in teenagers)
  • Acne-related antibiotics like clindamycin 
  • A diet high in dairy, fatty meats, processed foods, and/or sugar
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • Oral contraceptives 
  • Stress
  • Nicotine

An overgrowth of candida is a common acne trigger due to its inflammatory nature, which supports breakouts and extends their duration.

How to Improve Your Gut Health to Clear Acne

At Face 5, we recommend an anti-candida diet rich in whole grains, unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and lean meats, in conjunction with our Face 5 Acne Solutions Program.

For even faster and more long-lasting results, it is recommended to take a high-quality prebiotic and probiotic daily to balance the amount of candida in your body: our favorites are the InnovixLabs Multi-Strain Probiotic and InnovixLabs Broad Spectrum Prebiotic.

We recommend our skin care products alongside your internal healthcare provider’s support. Reach out today if you have further questions about your potential gut-acne connection!