【Gut-Skin Axis Awareness Survey】67.3% Unaware that 'Gut Environment Affects Skin,' 71.0% Experienced Worsened Skin Problems Due to Disordered Spring Diet ~Aishi Clinic Survey of 300 People~

【Conclusion】Key Points of This Survey

【Conclusion】The gut-skin axis refers to the phenomenon where an imbalance in the gut environment triggers systemic inflammatory responses, manifesting as acne and skin roughness. During the spring welcome party season, increased dining out and alcohol consumption can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, making skin problems more likely to worsen. Improving the gut environment can lead to improved skin conditions, with particular importance placed on consuming fermented foods and dietary fiber, and moderating alcohol intake.

・67.3%, nearly 70%, of people are unaware that the gut environment affects the skin.

・71.0% have experienced worsened skin problems due to disordered eating habits in spring (increased welcome parties/dining out).

・Among those conscious of gut activity, 78.7% feel their skin condition has improved.

Terminology Explanation

■ What is the Gut-Skin Axis?

The gut-skin axis is a concept that the gut environment and skin condition are closely related. It refers to a mechanism where an imbalance in gut bacteria can impair intestinal barrier function, allowing inflammatory substances to spread throughout the body via the bloodstream, leading to skin problems such as acne, skin roughness, and atopic dermatitis.

■ What is Gut Flora?

Gut flora is a collective term for over 100 trillion bacteria of approximately 1,000 species living in the intestines. It consists of a balance of beneficial bacteria, harmful bacteria, and opportunistic bacteria. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to a weakened immune system and systemic inflammatory responses, causing skin problems.

■ What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition where the permeability of the intestinal tract becomes abnormally high, allowing substances that should not be absorbed to leak into the bloodstream. It occurs when the intestinal wall is damaged due to a poor gut environment, leading to systemic inflammatory responses and exacerbating skin problems and allergic symptoms.

Comparison of Methods to Improve Gut Environment

Comparison Item

Diet Improvement

Supplements

Lifestyle Improvement

Time to See Effects

2-4 weeks

1-2 weeks

2-6 weeks

Estimated Cost (monthly)

Adjustable within food expenses

3,000-10,000 yen

Almost free

Ease of Continuation

Medium

High

Highly variable by individual

Perceived Skin Effect

Gradual improvement

Relatively fast

Gradual improvement

Main Practices

Consume fermented foods/dietary fiber

Lactic acid bacteria/Bifidobacteria

Points to Note: Sleep, exercise, stress management

Points to Note

Beware of unbalanced diet

Beware of excessive intake

Habituation is a challenge

*These are general guidelines and individual differences apply.

Medical Corporation Tetsuyukai Aishi Clinic, which operates six dermatology and plastic surgery clinics in Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Omiya), conducted an 'Awareness Survey on the Gut-Skin Axis (Connection between Gut and Skin)' targeting 300 men and women in their 20s to 50s nationwide. We report the results of this survey, conducted amidst the spring welcome party season where opportunities for dining out and drinking increase, and the impact of gut environment disruption on skin problems.

Survey Background

April is a time when opportunities for dining out, such as welcome and farewell parties, increase, and alcohol consumption tends to rise. At our clinic, we also see an increasing trend of consultations during this period for 'severe skin roughness recently' and 'sudden increase in acne.' Recent research has highlighted the concept of the 'gut-skin axis,' clarifying that gut health and skin health are closely related. However, general awareness and the connection to spring eating habits have not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, our clinic conducted a survey on the awareness of the gut-skin axis and the impact of changes in spring eating habits on the skin.

Survey Overview

Target Audience: Men and women aged 20-50 nationwide who have experienced skin roughness or acne problems within the past year.

Survey Period: April 6, 2026 - April 15, 2026

Survey Method: Internet survey

Number of Respondents: 300 people

Survey Results

【Survey Result】67.3%, nearly 70%, of people are unaware of the connection between gut environment and skin.

Question: Were you aware that 'the gut environment affects the condition of the skin?'

Awareness of the gut-skin axis concept is low, with approximately 70% responding that they were unaware. Even including those who 'vaguely heard about it,' only about 10% correctly understand it, suggesting the need for enlightenment.

【Survey Result】Approximately 80% experienced increased dining out/drinking during the spring welcome party season.

Question: Do your opportunities for dining out and drinking increase during the spring welcome party season (March-April)?

Combining 'significantly increase' and 'somewhat increase,' 78.7% responded that their dining out and drinking increased during the spring welcome party season. This suggests that changes in eating habits during this period are highly likely to affect the gut environment.

【Survey Result】71.0% experienced worsened skin problems due to disordered spring eating habits.

Question: Have you experienced worsened skin roughness or acne during the spring welcome party season (March-April)?

Combining 'clearly worsened' and 'felt slightly worsened,' 71.0% experienced worsened skin problems during the spring period. This indicates a connection between increased dining out/drinking and skin problems.