🌿 Gut, Skin, and the Aftermath of Antibiotics: What I’m Learning Through Folliculitis
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in skincare: the gut-skin connection — especially what happens to your skin after a round of antibiotics. Can antibiotics cause breakouts? Let’s find out!
As someone who formulates skincare rooted in balance and nature, I’m currently walking through a reminder of just how connected our internal and external ecosystems really are. Recently, I experienced a bout of folliculitis (a skin condition where hair follicles become inflamed or infected), and while healing, I’ve leaned heavily into a more intentional, supportive skincare routine.
I’m one of those lucky gals who’s skin tells me everything. Food sensitivity? BREAKOUT, Inflammation? Yep, breakouts. So of course I knew that the antibiotic treatment (the only thing recently changed in my lifestyle) was the culprit of my current situation and I had to dive into the science behind this phenomena.
I figured I am probably not the only one who has dealt with this before and had questions. So let’s unpack what’s actually happening when antibiotics enter the picture + how we can support our skin (and our gut) during the process.
How Antibiotics Disrupt the Gut (and What That Does to Your Skin)
Antibiotics are incredibly useful when needed, but they don’t discriminate — they wipe out good and bad bacteria in your gut AND on your skin. That sudden imbalance in and on our natural microbiome can:
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Weaken digestion and nutrient absorption
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Increase inflammation system-wide
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Allow overgrowth of yeast or opportunistic bacteria
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Disrupt hormone processing (especially estrogen)
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Lower skin resilience
All of this can show up as:
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Acne or folliculitis
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Rosacea or flushing
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Dry, reactive, or inflamed skin
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A dull or “off” tone that doesn’t respond to products like usual
Learn more about gut health + acne here
The Gut-Skin Axis: Why Balance is Everything
Your skin is like a messenger. When something’s off inside — especially in the gut — it often speaks through breakouts, rashes, or unexpected sensitivities. Antibiotics, while often necessary, can throw your skin into a temporary “what is happening?!” mode.
For me, that’s exactly what happened. I’ve been navigating a case of folliculitis on my face, neck, and chest area while recovering from the gut imbalance that followed antibiotics. It’s been humbling — and clarifying.
🌿 How I’m Supporting My Skin While I Heal
I’ve leaned into skincare that’s grounding, antimicrobial, and barrier-friendly — without being harsh or freaking out and panicking. That’s where patchouli oil comes in.
If you’ve been with Grounded Sage for a while…you’ll know how much we love patchouli around here! It’s antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make this ingredient a fan fave that continues to prove itself worthy. Here’s what’s been in my rotation to heal my skin as of late with the help of patchouli oil:
Clarifying Sage Cleanser
Gentle, plant-based, and packed with sage + patchouli oil: two natural anti-microbial ingredients that cleanse without stripping. Perfect for keeping follicles clean and calm.
Acne B.O.P. Mist
Formulated to reduce inflammation, breakouts, and oil imbalance with botanical support. I use it mid-day and post-cleanse.
Patchouli Moisturizer
Nourishing but not heavy — it’s no surprise my tried and true patchouli moisturizer offers me the support I need during a flareup. The Patchouli oil helps treat my skin while jojoba, shea, and a bit of titanium dioxide support the barrier. A little goes a long way too which is always nice when I need to use it over a larger area like my décolletage.
Together, this trio gives my skin the space to breathe, keeps the bad bacteria at bay and the good bacteria supported, and re-centers my mind while my skin recovers.
Internal Support Matters Too
While topical care is essential, I’m also supporting my body from the inside:
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Probiotics + fermented foods + healthy fiber to restore gut flora
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Hydration (lots of water + herbal teas like dandelion root)
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Anti-inflammatory foods (greens, flaxseed, turmeric)
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Rest + patience — always underrated, always essential
What I’ve Learned
The short answer… Yes antibiotics can cause breakouts…along with a whole other slew of fun side effects (especially digestive ones) But, this is temporary and normal.
Skin healing isn’t linear. Sometimes even the most balanced routines get disrupted — and that’s okay. It’s not about perfection. It’s about paying attention, making adjustments, and treating your body with grace while it recalibrates.
If you’re going through something similar — whether it’s post-antibiotic skin flares, folliculitis, or a mystery breakout season — you’re not alone. Grounded Sage products are here to support your skin with honesty and intention, no matter what stage you’re in.
With you in healing,
Amilee
Owner & Artisan, Grounded Sage
