By Felicity O’Dea
For centuries, bone broth has been valued for its nourishing and healing properties. Rich in collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and essential minerals, it provides key nutrients that support skin repair and overall health. While bone broth is often praised for promoting a glowing complexion, emerging research and anecdotal evidence suggest it may also help manage skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
This article explores how bone broth’s nutritional profile contributes to skin healing and inflammation reduction, making it a promising dietary addition for those struggling with chronic skin issues.
The Link Between Gut Health and Skin Conditions
A growing body of research highlights the gut-skin connection, suggesting that an imbalanced gut microbiome and increased intestinal permeability (commonly referred to as “leaky gut”) may contribute to inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis (Salem et al., 2018).
Bone broth supports gut health by:
✅ Healing the gut lining – Gelatin and glycine in bone broth help restore gut barrier function, preventing toxins and undigested food particles from triggering immune responses that can worsen skin inflammation (De Santis et al., 2021).
✅ Balancing gut bacteria – The amino acids in bone broth may support a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a role in reducing skin flare-ups (Bowe & Logan, 2011).
Bone Broth for Acne: Reducing Inflammation & Balancing Hormones
Acne is often driven by chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and hormonal imbalances. Bone broth may help in the following ways:
🔹 Anti-inflammatory Properties – The amino acid glycine found in bone broth has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key drivers of acne breakouts (Wang et al., 2019).
🔹 Hormonal Balance – Collagen provides amino acids that help regulate cortisol levels and support liver detoxification, potentially aiding in hormone balance and reducing acne flare-ups (Huang et al., 2020).
🔹 Nutrient-Rich Support – Zinc, found in bone broth, is crucial for wound healing and regulating oil production, both of which are important for acne-prone skin (Ogawa et al., 2018).
Bone Broth for Eczema: Strengthening the Skin Barrier
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is linked to immune system dysfunction, gut inflammation, and a compromised skin barrier. Bone broth can be beneficial because it:
🔹 Supports Collagen Production – Collagen and proline help maintain skin integrity and hydration, improving the skin barrier and reducing dryness and irritation (Bergmann et al., 2021).
🔹 Reduces Histamine Reactions – Some amino acids in bone broth, such as glycine, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help lower histamine levels and reduce allergic reactions associated with eczema (Minich, 2019).
🔹 Aids Gut Repair – Since leaky gut is often a contributing factor to eczema, the gelatin and glutamine in bone broth may help heal intestinal permeability, reducing immune system overreactions that trigger skin flares (De Santis et al., 2021).
Bone Broth for Psoriasis: Reducing Autoimmune Triggers
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by rapid skin cell turnover and chronic inflammation. Bone broth may offer relief by:
🔹 Lowering Inflammation – The amino acids proline and glycine help modulate immune responses, potentially reducing psoriasis severity (Kong et al., 2020).
🔹 Supporting Detoxification – The liver plays a key role in eliminating toxins that could exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Bone broth provides glycine, which aids liver detoxification and supports overall immune function (Huang et al., 2020).
🔹 Rebuilding Skin Tissue – Collagen and essential minerals like zinc and sulfur help strengthen the skin and promote healing, making bone broth a valuable dietary addition for psoriasis management (Bergmann et al., 2021).
How to Incorporate Bone Broth for Skin Health
To experience the skin-healing benefits of bone broth:
✅ Drink a cup daily – Warm, homemade bone broth or high-quality store-bought versions can be sipped on its own or used in soups.
✅ Use it in cooking – Replace water with bone broth in recipes like stews, rice, or sauces for added nutrients.
✅ Choose high-quality sources – Opt for organic, grass-fed bones to ensure the broth is free from harmful additives or antibiotics.
Conclusion
Bone broth is more than just a comfort food—it’s a powerful, nutrient-dense remedy that can support gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing. While more research is needed, its benefits for conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis are promising.
If you struggle with chronic skin conditions, adding bone broth to your diet may be a simple, natural way to help your body heal from the inside out.
Have you tried bone broth for skin health?
References
Bergmann, H., et al. (2021). "Collagen supplementation for skin health: A review." Journal of Dermatological Science, 103(2), 123-131.
Bowe, W., & Logan, A. C. (2011). "Acne vulgaris, probiotics, and the gut-brain-skin axis: From anecdote to translational medicine." Gut Pathogens, 3(1), 1.
De Santis, S., et al. (2021). "Gut microbiota and atopic dermatitis: The role of diet." Nutrients, 13(5), 1523.
Huang, A., et al. (2020). "The role of glycine in liver function and detoxification pathways." Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 121, 109635.
Kong, X., et al. (2020). "Amino acids and immune function: A focus on psoriasis." Frontiers in Immunology, 11, 531346.
Minich, D. M. (2019). "Nutritional strategies for histamine intolerance." Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 18(2), 30-34.
Ogawa, Y., et al. (2018). "Zinc and skin disorders." Nutrients, 10(2), 199.
Salem, I., et al. (2018). "The gut microbiome as a major regulator of the gut-skin axis." Frontiers in Microbiology, 9, 1459.
Wang, Y., et al. (2019). "Glycine protects against oxidative stress-induced inflammation in keratinocytes." Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 139(5), 1012-1021.
