**Relationship Between Constipation and Skin Appearance: Implications of Intestinal Health on Cutaneous Integrity**

Abstract

Constipation is a common condition and can affect the entire body, including the skin. Scientific evidence suggests that when intestinal function is impaired, there is increased absorption of toxins, imbalance of the intestinal microbiota, and a rise in inflammatory processes. These factors may contribute to skin conditions such as acne, dryness, excessive oiliness, and even premature aging. This article presents a review of scientific findings on the relationship between constipation and skin health, explaining the underlying mechanisms and highlighting simple strategies to promote both intestinal and skin health.

Keywords: constipation; gut health; intestinal microbiota; skin; inflammation.

1. Introduction

Constipation, characterized by reduced bowel movement frequency and difficulty during defecation, affects a large portion of the population. Contrary to common belief, its effects are not limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that constipation may impact other systems of the body, including the skin. Healthy skin depends on overall physiological balance, which includes proper intestinal function. Therefore, understanding the relationship between constipation and skin health is essential.

2. Study Design

A literature review was conducted using scientific articles retrieved from databases such as PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Search terms included constipation, intestinal microbiota, inflammation, and skin health. Recent studies published in Portuguese and English were selected for analysis.

3. Definition and Causes of Constipation

Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, often associated with hard stools and excessive straining during defecation. Its main causes include inadequate intake of dietary fiber and water, sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, and psychosocial factors such as stress and anxiety. These factors slow intestinal transit, alter the gut microbiota, and promote systemic inflammation.

4. The Impact of Intestinal Function on Skin Health

When intestinal function is impaired, metabolic waste products may be retained and toxins can be reabsorbed into the body. This process triggers inflammatory responses that may manifest in the skin as acne, increased oiliness, dryness, and loss of radiance. In addition, chronic inflammation can degrade collagen and elastin, accelerating the skin aging process.

5. The Role of the Intestinal Microbiota in Skin Health

The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and controlling inflammatory processes. When this microbiota becomes imbalanced—a condition known as dysbiosis—intestinal permeability increases, leading to heightened systemic inflammation. This imbalance compromises the skin’s protective barrier, contributes to inflammatory lesions, reduces cellular regeneration, and increases susceptibility to skin disorders.

6. Strategies to Improve Intestinal and Skin Health

Lifestyle modifications can significantly improve constipation and, consequently, skin health. Increasing dietary fiber intake, maintaining adequate hydration, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress are effective strategies. The use of probiotics may also be beneficial, as they help restore microbiota balance and reduce inflammatory processes.

7. Conclusion

Scientific evidence demonstrates that constipation has a substantial influence on skin health and appearance through inflammatory, metabolic, and immune mechanisms. Promoting intestinal health through healthy lifestyle habits is an effective strategy to prevent skin disorders and maintain skin integrity. Therefore, an integrated approach to gastrointestinal and skin health is essential, particularly in preventive care and therapeutic interventions.

Links de referência

• Ministério da Saúde – Saúde Digestiva
  Conteúdo institucional sobre funcionamento do intestino, alimentação saudável e prevenção da constipação intestinal.
  https://www.gov.br/saude

• Sociedade Brasileira de Gastroenterologia (SBG)
  Informações científicas sobre constipação intestinal, microbiota e saúde digestiva.
  https://www.sbg.org.br

• Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia (SBD)
  Estudos e materiais sobre a relação entre saúde interna, inflamação e aparência da pele.
  https://www.sbd.org.br

• Harvard Health Publishing – Gut Health and Skin
  Artigos que abordam a conexão entre intestino, inflamação e doenças de pele.
  https://www.health.harvard.edu

• PubMed – Gut microbiota and skin health
  Base de dados científica com estudos sobre microbiota intestinal e saúde da pele.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov