Constipation can indirectly affect your facial appearance by contributing to skin problems.
The Link Between Constipation and Facial Skin Issues
When you're constipated, undigested food remains in your gut longer than usual. This can lead to a buildup of toxins. These toxins, according to Dr. [Source: "When constipation is present, the food we eat is not completely broken down and digested. This leads to toxins being released into the body, creating an environment that encourages inflammation and can cause irritating skin conditions such as cystic acne, eczema, psoriasis and even rosacea," says Dr. 07-Apr-2023], can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation throughout the body, including the skin on your face. This inflammation can manifest as various skin conditions:
- Cystic Acne: Inflammation can worsen acne breakouts, particularly cystic acne, which involves deeper, more painful blemishes.
- Eczema: This inflammatory skin condition can cause dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, potentially affecting the face.
- Psoriasis: This chronic autoimmune disease can lead to raised, red, scaly patches on the skin, including the facial area.
- Rosacea: This skin condition causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the face. While the exact cause isn't fully understood, inflammation plays a significant role.
It's important to note that constipation itself doesn't directly cause facial changes. The link is indirect, through the body's inflammatory response to the accumulated toxins. Other factors also contribute to these skin conditions.