Skin problems can make your life miserable.
In this post, I’m covering the surprising root of skin problems.
Going Below The Surface of Skin Problems
You Aren’t Just What You Eat; You Are What You Can Digest & Assimilate
(And yes, using skincare products with known irritants or ingredients that strip skin of moisture can also play a role. Shop the brand I recommend here. They have over 1500 ingredients on their Never List.)
How Inflammation Can Make Skin Problems Worse
What To Do About Inflammation
- Increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids (ex: fatty cold water fish, fish oil, evening primrose oil) that calm inflammation
- Reduce your intake of inflammatory foods like industrial seed oils, sugar, alcohol, and processed foods
- Consider a 30-day elimination diet to test foods you may be sensitive to
Why Digestion Matters For Skin Problems
How to Support Digestion
- Take 5-10 deep belly breaths before you dig into your meal
- Slow down at meal time and chew well
- Drink homemade bone broth daily
- Eat probiotic rich foods or take a high-quality probiotic daily
But What About Hormones and Skin Problems?
If you’re a woman, consider that hormonal birth control – though often prescribed to treat acne – doesn’t address underlying dysfunction. It can further disrupt your microbiome and deplete B vitamins (including B6, B12, and folic acid), magnesium, and zinc.
Zinc, for example, plays an important role in hormonal balance and has anti-inflammatory effects. If you’re on hormonal birth control, it’s a good idea to consider consuming more zinc-rich foods and supporting your gut health.
Ways to Support Your Hormones
- Support good digestion and blood sugar management
- Eat regular meals
- Include high-quality protein in your meals
- Reduce stress daily
- Increase sleep to 7-8 hours a night
- Get sunlight during the day and avoid light from devices at night
What About Aging?
Support for Aging Skin
- Stay hydrated
- Include collagen-rich foods like bone broth or consider supplementing with collagen
- Dry brushing to increase lymph movement and circulation
- Eat adequate healthy fats
- Use a high-quality hydrating moisturizer
My Own Personal Experience with Skin Problems
For most of my life – even as an adult – I had acne. It was actually the worst on my hairline and back, and I could never seem to get rid of it. Unfortunately, no amount of benzoyl peroxide or harsh acne treatments every really helped. And, I suffered from super dry skin on my hands, face, and scalp.
However, it wasn’t until I completely overhauled my nutrition in 2010 that things began to improve. For the first time, I started cutting down on excess sugar (hello, inflammation). Next, I introduced healthy fats into my previously fat-phobic diet. And, I fell in love with raw fermented foods like sauerkraut and kvass, eating them daily.
Over time, my skin problems started resolving. My acne went away, and aside from the random zit here or there, it’s stayed away. And my dry skin resolved without the use of heavy moisturizers. I may be wearing makeup in these professional photos, but I rarely wear it in my daily routine. I turn 40 in five months, and my skin is the best it’s ever been.
Overall, I credit the things I mentioned in this article: reducing inflammation, increasing my healthy fat intake, and improving my gut health.
Do you have a good protocol for skin brushing? I’ve done some research, but there are a million different opinions. How many strokes? To the heart, away from the heart? I love how it makes me feel and my skin look. Any thoughts?
Hey Jen…I sort of have my own method that I’ve put together but yes, always from the end of your limbs toward the heart, ideally the left armpit. I go in straight lines up the entire arm/leg and use 3-5 strokes per area. It’s what works for me.
This is such a wonderfully informative, and helpful read! It’s amazing how easy it can be to overlook the most obvious causes and connections for so many issues — the gut! What we eat, and what we can digest is a huge part of our daily lives whether we realize it or not. This impacts us in so many ways from skin to sleep and all that falls in between.
Thanks for stopping by!
How helpful!! I actually just ordered some Beautycounter lipstick this week and cannot wait to try the brand for the first time. 🙂
Fantastic!! What did you get?
LOL, like most people, I’m not great at gauging other people’s age, but I am in awe that you are turning 40 in five months… I would have guessed 25-26, with an upper limit of 28, and keep in mind that this isn’t to flatter, but instead applaud you for taking such good care of yourself–you look amazing! Thank you for sharing this content/info.
Thanks Mary! I appreciate the kind words.
Intuitive Eating Community
Want food freedom?