Ep. 85 | Repairing Skin Through the Gut-Brain-Skin Axis with Dr. Barb Paldus

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The Gut-Brain-Skin Connection: Why Healing Your Skin Starts in the Gut

Welcome back to What the Gut, the podcast where we take the overwhelm out of functional medicine, gut health, and holistic wellness. I’m your host, Allison Smith—double board-certified family nurse practitioner turned functional medicine guide—and I’m here to help busy women heal from the inside out.

If you’ve been struggling with skin issues like eczema, breakouts, or rosacea and feel like the answers you’ve been given barely scratch the surface, this episode is for you.

I sat down with the brilliant Dr. Barb Paldus—Stanford Ph.D., biotech trailblazer, and founder of Codex Labs—to talk about something you need to know about: the gut-brain-skin axis. Spoiler: it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to treat skin issues at the root cause.

What Is the Gut-Brain-Skin Axis?

Picture this: your gut, brain, and skin are having a constant conversation. When your gut gets inflamed—whether from poor diet, stress, medications, or even antibiotics—those inflammatory signals ripple out. And guess where they often land? Right on your skin.

Dr. Barb breaks it down in the most approachable way, explaining how inflammation in the gut can fuel conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Functional medicine doesn’t just ask what is happening on your skin—we ask why.

Conventional Skin Care Is Failing Us

Antibiotics, steroid creams, and harsh prescriptions might offer short-term relief, but they often do long-term damage to your gut and microbiome. I know this firsthand—years of treating my eczema and psoriasis from the outside only led to more flares, more frustration, and zero answers. Healing finally came when I looked inward… to my gut.

Dr. Barb’s story mirrors that truth. Her company, Codex Labs, is leading the charge in science-backed, microbiome-safe skincare that supports the skin’s natural defenses without disrupting the gut.

Real Healing Starts with Food

One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation? Food is medicine. Barb and I both believe that what you eat shapes your gut, your skin, and your overall health. Cutting back on sugar, ditching ultra-processed foods, and focusing on anti-inflammatory whole foods can completely shift your skin health.

It's not about perfection—it’s about intention. Small, consistent changes lead to lasting results.

Skincare That Supports Your Microbiome

At Codex Labs, Barb is formulating products that work with your body, not against it. From their eczema relief lotion to lactobacillus-based ferments that act as natural preservatives, everything is backed by science and built to heal.

One of my favorite things? These products avoid the trap of over-sterilizing the skin, which often makes things worse. Instead, they support your skin’s natural microbiome—and that’s where real change happens.

Feeling Stuck in the Flare-Up Cycle?

You are not alone. If you’re bouncing between gut issues and skin flare-ups, we shared simple, holistic strategies that work:
✔️ Use microbiome-friendly cleansers
✔️ Add more omega-3s and antioxidants to your meals
✔️ Prioritize sleep, gentle movement, and stress regulation

This is functional medicine at its best: practical, holistic, and deeply healing.

Innovation Meets Holistic Healing

Dr. Barb also shared exciting developments from Codex Labs—like their Gut Builder prebiotic and targeted probiotics for skin conditions. These aren’t forever supplements, but they can help reset your system and give your body the tools it needs to restore balance.

And guess what? She’s offering a special giveaway of her INTO supplement, designed to support those struggling with eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Head over to [your website or link here] to enter!

Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Skin

Your skin is trying to tell you something—and the answer isn’t just more prescriptions or stronger creams. It’s time to look deeper, to listen to your body, and to treat the root cause—not just the symptoms.

This episode reminded me (and I hope it reminds you) that we don’t have to choose between science and soul. You can have both. You deserve both.

So, if you’ve been told “you’re fine” when your gut—and your skin—say otherwise, keep digging. Keep questioning. And never stop advocating for your health.

Thanks for tuning in. And as always—nourish your gut, trust your body, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

✨Get 15% off at CodexLabs with code ALLISONGETSWELL!✨

Connect with Dr. Barbara Paldus:

• Instagram: @codexlabs 

• Website: CodexLabsCorp

Connect with Allison:

• Instagram: @allisongetswell

• Facebook: allisongetswell

• Website: www.allisongetswell.com 

WELCOME TO WHAT THE GUT

Are you a busy mom seeking balance and wellness? Join me on this journey towards vitality and holistic health. I understand the challenges of juggling endless tasks while striving for a healthier life.

In this podcast, we dive into the nitty-gritty of everyday struggles. From battling fatigue to navigating gut health, I'm here to offer holistic solutions. Say farewell to feeling overwhelmed and let's bring in that vibrant life you've been craving.

I'm Allison, a Double Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in Functional Medicine. I've been right where you are, facing the same hurdles. Through faith and functional medicine, I reclaimed my gut health, energy, and well-being. Now, I'm on a mission to help other moms break free from exhaustion and prioritize their health.

This podcast is your haven, providing actionable insights, functional medicine expertise, and tailored lifestyle strategies. Let's unravel the secrets together, empowering you to thrive in motherhood while nurturing your well-being, guided by faith.