Sam and Alyssa, Integrative Health Practitioners and co-owners of Balanced Friends, met in dental hygiene school in 2010. Frustrated by the flaws in the American healthcare system, they transitioned to holistic health, drawing from their shared upbringing in low-income households.
Common skin issues such as acne, dryness, redness, and premature aging are often frustrating and challenging to manage. While many people focus on topical treatments, achieving truly radiant and healthy skin requires a deeper approach. In this article, we will explore practical solutions to these common problems by addressing them from the inside out and at a root cause cellular level. By understanding the critical role of gut and hormone health in skin wellness, along with the importance of nutrition and avoiding certain triggers, we can unlock the secrets to glowing, beautiful skin.
The gut-skin connection
Radiant skin isn't just about topical treatments; it starts from within, particularly in the gut. The gut-skin axis is a complex relationship where gut health directly impacts skin condition. A healthy gut microbiome aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function, which all play crucial roles in skin health. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, can lead to inflammation and skin issues like acne, eczema, and rosacea. Improving gut health through a balanced diet, gut detoxification, and probiotics can lead to clearer, more radiant skin for the long term.
Hormone health and skin health
Hormones are another critical factor in skin health. Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can lead to breakouts, oily skin, or dryness. Key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and androgens regulate sebum production, skin hydration, and elasticity. Maintaining hormonal balance through proper nutrition, stress management, and possibly supplementation can help achieve and maintain glowing skin. It’s also helpful to run at home functional medicine lab tests to uncover your unique hormone levels and nutrition deficiencies.
Top supplements for skin health
Probiotics - Support a healthy gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and improving nutrient absorption, which in turn promotes healthier skin.
Omega-3 fatty acids - Found in fish oil, these essential fats help reduce inflammation, support skin hydration, and improve elasticity.
Collagen - A structural protein that strengthens the skin, improves elasticity, and helps reduce wrinkles.
What to avoid for better skin health
To achieve lasting beauty from within, it's crucial to avoid certain triggers that can harm skin health:
Harsh Chemicals - Found in some skincare products, these can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its barrier.
Sugar - High sugar intake can lead to increased inflammation and glycation, which damages collagen and elastin, resulting in premature aging. Too much sugar is also harmful for our gut microbiome.
Dairy - For some, dairy can exacerbate acne and other skin conditions due to hormones present in milk. Dairy is also a common food sensitivity that can show up as skin issues. It’s best to lab test for food sensitives to identify which foods work with our unique body and which foods do not.
Gluten - Individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease may experience skin issues like dermatitis herpetiformis, a gluten-induced skin condition.
Conclusion
Glowing, healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness, deeply influenced by gut and hormone health. By nurturing your body from the inside with a balanced diet, detoxification, appropriate supplements, and avoiding harmful substances, you can achieve and maintain radiant skin. Ready to get to the root of your skin issues?
Samantha Harnish & Alyssa Burke, Integrative Health Practitioner – Detox Expert
Sam and Alyssa, Integrative Health Practitioners and co-owners of Balanced Friends, met in dental hygiene school in 2010. Frustrated by the flaws in the American healthcare system, they transitioned to holistic health, drawing from their shared upbringing in low-income households. The creation of the Balanced Friends Instagram page in 2017 unexpectedly propelled them to become Certified Integrative Health Practitioners. Today, their virtual practice offers functional medicine detox programs for mold, metals, parasites, liver, and gut health. Perfectly designed to disrupt the broken healthcare system and to guide clients toward a more vibrant and balanced life.
