#letsbefrank we need to talk about your gut. Usually I say trust it. But when it’s put of whack it’s as dodgy as that guy trying to sell you Gucci out the back of his commodore.  Most of us know that IBS and bloating are common symptoms of issues with gut bacteria but did you know it can also affect your skin? Carla is the queen of gut health and beauty so I’ll let her explain.

Firstly, what does gut health have to do with your skin?

I firmly believe that beauty begins in your belly. There are so many studies to show the impact that what we put into our bodies can have on our skin. For example, we know that a lack of hydrochloric acid in the gut can contribute to skin conditions such as rosacea and acne. What increases levels of this acid is lactic acid bacteria which can be found in fermented foods.
Studies also show that where there is inflammation in the gut, there will be inflammation in the skin. And studies show that people with a healthier gut microbial profile have a better fatty acid profile in their skin – meaning their skin is more hydrated, moisturized and plumper.

I’ve been teaching my babes a lot about eating to feed your skin, what do you recommend eating to feed your gut and make your skin glow?

For beautiful glowing skin, I recommend taking all the processed and packet foods out of your diet and adding some lacto-fermented, probiotic foods instead. Processed, sugary foods are inflammatory and inflammation is the skin’s number one enemy.
Lacto-Fermented foods are rich in bio-available nutrients to feed the skin from within (fermentation predigests the food, so the nutrients are more available for the skin and body to use) and are great for improving digestion as they contain both prebiotics and probiotics. Great examples are sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi, or try The Beauty Chef Glow Advanced Inner Beauty Powder.
Also, drink lots of filtered water – water is important for every biological function in the body

Some babes believe eating healthy is just more expensive, how do you combat that?

If you want more radiant and glowing skin, you might be surprised to know that the answer lies more in your digestive tract rather than on how much you’re spending on creams and cleansers. When we restore healthy digestion, our skin can revitalize, so when you shift your mindset, think about how much you would be willing to spend on products and spa treatments.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. In terms of eating organically; check out your local farmer’s market, join a food co-op or buy organic in bulk and divvy up between friends. It makes certified organic very affordable and also fun.

I’m natural skincare and I know I work, but for those non-believers out there, how is natural skincare better than synthetic? What are the results you can get?

When I became a beauty editor some 15 years ago, I was concerned with the amount of toxic chemicals in skincare products and I felt very passionate about helping to change the paradigm in the beauty industry. Organic beauty for me is embracing and employing organic, chemical free ingredients and processes – such as fermentation – as well as natural ideologies around beauty. It is a win-win; better for your skin, better for wellbeing and better for the environment.

Want to know how to swap toxic beauty ingredients for clean ones? Oh look here’s a handy article from yours truly.

x frank.