Summer Skin & Gut Connection: Acne, Eczema, and Rashes
Sunny hikes, late nights, sunscreen, and ice cream—summer brings a lot of joy... and sometimes, a lot of skin flare-ups. If you’ve noticed that acne, eczema, or rashes tend to worsen in the warmer months, you’re not imagining things.
At Sun Valley Natural Medicine, we see this seasonal shift all the time—and one thing is clear: your skin health is deeply connected to your gut health.
Why Summer Triggers Skin Reactions
Summer comes with unique environmental and lifestyle changes that can stress both the skin and the digestive system:
Heat and sweat can clog pores and increase bacterial growth
Dietary indulgences (sugar, dairy, alcohol) can inflame the gut and skin
Outdoor allergens (grass, pollen, chlorine) can trigger histamine responses
Sunscreen and body products may irritate sensitive skin or affect the skin microbiome
Travel and schedule disruptions often throw off gut rhythm and immunity
This seasonal combination can cause—or worsen—issues like:
Acne breakouts, especially on the face, chest, and back
Eczema flares, triggered by sweat, heat, or stress
Heat rashes or hives, especially in kids or those with sensitive skin
The Skin–Gut–Immune Axis
Your gut and skin are more than just digestion and appearance—they are two of our frontline immune systems. When your gut lining is compromised or inflamed, it can show up on your skin. Here’s how the gut–skin connection works:
A disrupted gut microbiome can lead to systemic inflammation, worsening acne and eczema
Leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability) can trigger immune reactions on the skin
Histamine intolerance from gut dysbiosis can result in itchy, rashy skin
Poor detoxification (especially via liver and bowels) may push toxins out through the skin
In short: when your gut struggles, your skin often speaks up.
How to Support Skin and Gut Health This Summer
At Sun Valley Natural Medicine, we take a whole-body approach to skin flare-ups—especially when they show up during seasonal transitions. Here are some top strategies to prevent and calm summer skin concerns:
Eat Anti-Inflammatory, Gut-Friendly Foods - Choose fiber-rich fruits and veggies, fermented foods (like kimchi or kefir), and cooling, hydrating meals. Limit sugar, alcohol, and processed foods that feed inflammation.
Stay Regular & Hydrated - Aim for one full bowel movement per day and drink plenty of filtered water to support detox through the gut—not the skin.
Use Gentle, Non-Toxic Skin Products - Swap out harsh chemical sunscreens and body washes for clean, fragrance-free options. We can help you choose safe products that support your skin barrier.
Balance the Microbiome - We use stool testing to assess gut health and tailor probiotics, antimicrobials, or herbal support as needed—especially for chronic eczema or acne cases.
Calm the Nervous System - Heat, overstimulation, and travel can stress your nervous system—impacting both gut motility and skin inflammation. Breathwork, gentle movement, and sleep support all help.
Personalized Help for Acne, Eczema & Summer Rashes
Whether you’re struggling with stubborn breakouts, itchy patches, or recurring rashes, we get to the root cause. Our naturopathic approach includes:
Functional gut testing (microbiome, pathogens, digestion)
Food sensitivity evaluation
Topical + internal herbal support
Detox and liver support
Customized skin-care recommendations
You don’t have to dread what summer does to your skin. With the right care—from the inside out—you can enjoy clear, resilient skin all year round.
Book a skin + gut health visit today at Sun Valley Natural Medicine and let’s get your skin glowing from within.