Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) support skin health

When we talk about the gut–skin connection, probiotics and anti-inflammatory foods usually take centre stage. But there’s another group of powerful compounds quietly doing the heavy lifting in the background: postbiotics – specifically short-chain fatty acids, or SCFAs.

These tiny compounds, produced when your gut bacteria ferment fibre, play a surprisingly powerful role in keeping your skin clear, calm, and resilient.

What are SCFAs, and why do they matter for your skin?

SCFAs like butyrate, acetate, and propionate are natural byproducts created when your gut bugs break down fibre. They help maintain a healthy gut lining, regulate the immune system, and lower inflammation – all of which are essential for clear skin.

Think of SCFAs as chemical messengers between your gut and your skin, constantly relaying information and regulating inflammation. They –

Reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines that can trigger skin flares¹
Help regulate insulin sensitivity, which can influence hormonal breakouts²
Strengthen the gut barrier (which prevents toxins and pathogens from leaking into the bloodstream and impacting skin)³
Support skin barrier repair and hydration indirectly, through anti-inflammatory action⁴

How low SCFA levels can show up on your skin

When your gut microbiome isn’t producing enough SCFAs – often due to low fibre intake, antibiotic use, or dysbiosis – you might notice it in your skin:

Acne that won’t budge despite a good skincare routine
Dry, irritated, or inflamed skin (eczema, psoriasis)
Skin that’s reactive to everything
Post-antibiotic skin flares

Low SCFA levels can also contribute to intestinal permeability (or ‘leaky gut’). This is where unwanted substances pass through the gut lining into the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation, including on the skin.

Best foods to boost SCFA production

The key to making more SCFAs? Feeding your gut bacteria the right kinds of fibre, particularly fermentable fibres and resistant starches. These are the foods your microbes turn into skin-loving compounds like butyrate.

Here are some of the top foods to include regularly –

Resistant starches

Fermentable fibres (prebiotics)

Polyphenol-rich foods

Berries
Green tea
Olive oil
Dark chocolate (85%+)
Red cabbage and red onions¹⁴

Aim for at least 30 different plant foods per week for maximum microbiome diversity, including fruits, veg, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, herbs, and spices. Check out Shopping for plant diversity for easy tips on eating more plant foods!

How to boost your SCFA production naturally

SCFA production hinges on one key thing: fibre. The more diverse and fermentable fibres you eat, the more fuel your microbes have to create SCFAs. Here’s how to support your skin through the Chuckling Goat Gut Health Protocol –

1. Add prebiotics to your daily routine

Prebiotics are the food your beneficial gut bacteria love. Chuckling Goat’s Complete Prebiotic contains a rich blend of fermentable plant fibres that specifically feed SCFA-producing microbes. It’s an easy and effective way to boost butyrate and other SCFAs, supporting both your gut health and skin from the inside out.

2. Drink REAL kefir every day

Live fermented foods like Chuckling Goat’s Kefir not only introduce good bacteria to the gut, but also help maintain a diverse microbiome that efficiently turns fibre into SCFAs. Our kefir is also a great source of butyric acid! The tartness that you taste in the kefir is due to butyric acid.

Think of it as seeding the garden (kefir) and feeding the soil (prebiotics).

3. Support gut barrier repair

If your gut lining has been compromised, SCFA production alone might not be enough. Adding Pure Fish Collagen to your routine can help rebuild and support gut barrier integrity, reducing the systemic inflammation that contributes to skin issues.

You can slather on all the serums in the world, but if your gut isn’t producing enough SCFAs, your skin may still struggle. By feeding your gut the fibre it needs and supporting the beneficial bacteria that live there, you can naturally increase SCFA production and nourish your skin from within.

Want to learn more about how your gut is impacting your skin? Find all things skin-related here! For all-natural skincare products, check out our probiotic soaps and lotions.

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.