The gut-brain-skin axis: Why your gut might be starving, even if you eat “healthy”

We talk a lot about clean skincare, mindfulness, and gut health, but how well are we actually nourishing our skin, gut, and brain?

As part of our internal research here at Nourished3, we took a closer look at what people are really eating and how it impacts the gut-brain-skin connection. The results?

Less than 1% of people consistently get the nutrients needed to support healthy skin, digestion, mood, and energy.

Why the gut-brain-skin axis matters

Your gut, brain, and skin are deeply connected. When one is out of sync, the others feel it too.

This connection is known as the gut-brain-skin axis, a communication network that links your digestive system, nervous system, and your body’s largest organ: the skin.

When the gut microbiome is unbalanced, it doesn’t just lead to bloating or discomfort, it can also affect:

• Mood & stress level

• Hormone regulation

• Sleep quality

• Skin health

The role of the microbiome

Your microbiome is home to trillions of bacteria working 24/7 to keep your body in balance. 

A well-nourished microbiome helps:

• Produces calming neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA

• Regulates cortisol (your body’s stress hormone)

• Supports digestion and nutrient absorption

• Enhances skin hydration and barrier repair

• Supports immune defense and hormone balance
  

But when you’re missing key nutrients or feeding the wrong bacteria, the result is dysbiosis, and it shows up as:

• Fatigue and brain fog

• Poor digestion and bloating

• Hormonal imbalances

• Acne, redness, dry, or reactive skin

• Increased stress and poor sleep

What we found in our research

To better understand how real-world habits impact skin, gut, and brain health, we surveyed individuals across various demographics. 

The results revealed a significant gap between what people need and what they’re actually getting in their diets:

• 10% admitted to not eating any nutrient-rich foods regularly

• 18% consume the recommended daily servings of vegetables and fruits

• 16% meet the weekly intake of nuts and seeds

• 80% are deficient in omega-3s, key for skin barrier health and inflammation

• 34% eat purple produce, rich in antioxidants for brain, skin, and gut function

• Most people are lacking in B12, vitamin D, and iron, nutrients essential for skin regeneration, sleep, and cognitive clarity

These findings confirm what we suspected: even well-intentioned wellness routines often fall short. That’s why strategic supplementation and mindful nutrition are essential for full-spectrum skin-gut-brain support.

What a balanced gut-brain-skin diet should include

To support these three systems holistically, your diet would need to include:

• Leafy greens 5x/week

• 5+ servings of colorful fruits & veggies every day

• Berries 5x/week

• Nuts & seeds 5x/week

• Whole grains and legumes regularly

• Omega-3s from oily fish or algae-based sources

• Low alcohol and sugar

• High water intake

• Consistent vitamin D and B-complex intake
  

Let’s be real

Most people aren’t meeting these nutrition targets daily, and that’s perfectly human.
That’s why we created targeted support to help fill the gaps and fuel your glow from within.

The Nourished3 solution: A trifecta for skin, gut, and brain

Even with the best intentions, most of us fall short of fueling our skin, gut, and brain with everything they need, every single day.

That’s why we created Triple Biotic™, Clear Skin® Clarify Within®, and Calm Within®: to bridge the nutrition gap and bring real support from the inside out. These formulas are more than just supplements—they're precision-targeted tools designed to influence over 300+ biomarkers that impact skin-gut-brain health. Let us introduce you to: 

Clarify Within ®

Advanced Gut-Skin Support for Clarity, Digestion & Balance

This powerhouse formula blends probiotics, plant-based omegas, antioxidants, and skin-repairing vitamins to support your skin by healing your gut.

Key ingredient in Clarify Within ®:

• Cerebiome® + Saccharomyces boulardii (6B CFU): Balances the microbiome and reduces stress-related inflammation

Note: This is just a glimpse into our powerful formulation. We’ll reveal the full ingredient list at launch—but this gives you a first idea of what’s inside.

Benefits of Clarify Within ®:

• Reduces breakouts & redness

• Supports digestion & hormone balance

• Boosts immune defense

• Enhances mood & skin clarity

Calm Within ®

Advanced brain-gut support for stress, focus & skin resilience

Stress doesn’t just impact your mind – it affects your skin, gut, hormones, and sleep. Calm Within® is designed to help your body adapt to daily stressors while promoting calm, clarity, and a healthier complexion.

Key ingredients in Calm Within ®

• Livaux® (300 mg): Kiwi-derived prebiotic that supports gut flora and mood without bloating

Note: This is just a glimpse into our powerful formulation. We’ll reveal the full ingredient list at launch—but this gives you a first idea of what’s inside.

Benefits of Calm Within ®

• Promotes emotional balance and reduces daily stress

• Enhances skin hydration, tone, and texture

• Supports cognitive clarity and sustained energy

• Helps calm inflammation and cortisol-induced breakouts

Clear Skin

Advanced topical care for breakout-prone, sensitive & dehydrated skin

This science-backed skincare system delivers real, visible results—hydrating, calming, clarifying, and renewing your skin without irritation. It’s powered by a potent blend of postbiotics, exfoliants, antioxidants, peptides, and barrier-repairing ingredients, all formulated to support the skin microbiome.

Hero skin hydrators:

Aloe Vera Juice + Glycerin

• Instantly hydrates the skin 

• Soothes skin sensitivity

• Strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier
  

5x Hyaluronic Acid Complex + Ceramides + Squalane

• Delivers deep, multi-layer skin hydration

• Locks in moisture for long-lasting comfort

• Boosts skin plumpness and elasticity

Skin Renewers & Clarifiers:

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic, Mandelic, Glycolic, Citric, Malic & Tartaric Acids

• Gently exfoliate dead skin cells

• Smooth uneven skin texture

• Brighten dull, tired skin
  

BHA (Salicylic Acid) + Niacinamide

• Unclogs pores and reduces breakouts

• Calms inflammation and redness

• Balances oil production

Antioxidants:

Stabilized Vitamin C + Lingonberry Extract + Ferulic Acid

• Fight free radical damage

• Brighten skin tone and fade discoloration

• Boost collagen for firmer, more radiant skin
  

Peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 + Oligopeptide-34)

• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles

• Improve skin firmness and elasticity

• Target hyperpigmentation

Microbiome & skin barrier support:

Botanical Amino Acids + Ceramides

• Strengthen the skin barrier

• Reduce dryness and irritation

• Promote a dewy, healthy glow
  

Postbiotic: Pomegranate Enzyme & Ferment Lysate

• Gently resurface without irritation

• Deeply hydrate and smooth

• Support microbiome balance and skin renewal
  

Shop our Clear Skin collection

The Triple Biotic™ Advantage

We believe in working with your body, not against it.

That’s why our formulas are based on the science of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics:

• Probiotics (SEED): Live bacteria that support gut and skin health

• Prebiotics (FEED): Specialized plant fibers that feed your good bacteria

• Postbiotics (SHIELD): Bioactive compounds that calm inflammation and promote skin clarity

Together, this Triple Biotic™ system helps restore balance where it matters most—gut, brain, and skin—for true inside-out wellness.

The bottom line

You don’t need a perfect diet, you need a smarter strategy.

With Clarify Within ® and Calm Within ®, you're nourishing your body from the inside out—giving your skin, brain, and gut exactly what they need to stay clear, calm, and resilient.

Because when you support your internal systems, your glow shows up on the outside too.

Explore the whole collection

Disclaimer*

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.