If you’ve ever struggled with acne and asked yourself, “Does gut health affect acne?” you’ve landed in the right place! Did you know there is a “gut-skin axis” within our bodies?  I’m sharing my most effective skincare routine to address healing from the inside out.

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If you’ve ever struggled with acne and asked yourself, “Does gut health affect acne?” you’ve landed in the right place! Did you know there is a “gut-skin axis” within our bodies?

The gut-skin axis describes the close and important relationship between our gut and skin, specifically, how they affect one another. Yes, that’s right. The health of your gut directly impacts the well-being of your skin (or lack thereof). In other words, your gut plays a key factor in addressing the root causes of skin issues like acne, eczema, and more. 

So, the question is, are you ready for an acne-safe and anti-aging skin glow-up? 

If so, I can’t wait to tell you how my acne improved once I focused on my gut health and share my personal skincare routine, which has been an absolute game-changer for acne, wrinkles, and overall skin elasticity! 

DOES GUT HEALTH AFFECT ACNE?

The gut-skin axis explains how our gut microbiome affects our skin health. The majority of people with skin issues also experience gut dysfunction. Coincidence? I think not. 

Here’s what you need to know about acne and gut health: 

My Personal Experience with Skin Issues

Skin health holds a special place in my heart because I struggled with chronic cystic acne for years. From a very young age, I struggled with acne that covered my entire face. It was painful and inflamed, and nothing would help it. My family tried to help by taking me to dermatologists and other skin specialists. 

I was given antibiotics, birth control, topical prescription treatments, and even tried an advanced (and costly) laser technology to heal my skin. Nothing helped, and I saw no improvements with acne regardless of what I was trying. It also got worse during my cycle as my hormones shifted. 

It wasn’t until I found out I had Celiac disease and needed to give up gluten that my acne cleared up pretty quickly. I realized the impact inner health had on my skin and I finally started to see improvements in my chronic acne. 

I quickly recognized skincare products could only get me so far. What matters is the overall health of your body, including toxin burden and gut health. Healing my gut led to a complete change in my skin. But I’m not the only one. I’ve witnessed this change in the majority of the clients I work with, too!

The Importance of Inner Health

Your inner health describes health factors that aren’t always seen physically, such as stress, exhaustion, nutrient status, gut integrity, and more. The truth is your inner health will eventually show up through your skin. 

Here’s why the root cause of skin issues is always important. The skin is your largest organ and is a protective barrier to your body. It also acts as a primary pathway of detoxification. When your body detoxes pathogens and toxins from inside, it often purges through the skin (AKA sweat). 

When our inner health is dysfunctional or subpar, it can wreak havoc on our delicate skin. Many inner health factors affect our skin health, including:

• High toxin load
• Systemic inflammation 
• Bacterial overgrowth 
• Hormonal imbalances
• Chronic stress
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Chronic dehydration
• Underlying infections
• And more

One or more of these factors can negatively impact common skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. This explains why I always take an inside-out approach to achieving glowing, acne-free skin.

Intestinal Permeability and Acne Root Causes

In regards to skin health, Intestinal Permeability is of the utmost concern. Intestinal Permeability (or Leaky Gut Syndrome) occurs when junctions in the gut lining of the small intestine loosen and allow undigested food particles to leak into the bloodstream. This elicits immune responses throughout the body, increases overall inflammation, and potentially triggers autoimmunity.

Unaddressed Intestinal Permeability can lead to food sensitivities, gut dysbiosis, SIBO, and other chronic gut dysfunctions. Additionally, poor nutrient absorption directly results from the loosened junctions, leading to nutrient deficiencies. 

These damaging effects of Intestinal Permeability can significantly contribute to skin problems, which is why it’s such an important root cause to address. Unaddressed Intestinal Permeability can cause a cascading effect within the body, leading to more dysfunctions and unwanted symptoms, including but not limited to skin issues.

Taking a Holistic Approach to Heal the Gut-Skin Connection

Taking a holistic approach to healing the gut-skin connection means looking at the big picture and addressing the root cause of symptoms. It’s not just a bandaid approach that masks symptoms, which is why it works. 

To take a holistic approach, consider the following:

Functional Medicine Testing

As with any health condition or dysfunction, it’s always essential to test, not guess! Regarding skin health, I recommend using functional tests, like the GI Map, food sensitivity testing, micronutrient testing, and a leaky gut test, to identify dysfunctions within the gut that could contribute to skin issues. 

It is important to work with a trusted healthcare practitioner who can interpret the results with you. A skilled practitioner can help customize a protocol based on lab findings so you can see the best results possible. 

Optimize Nutrition

Adopting a whole-food, balanced diet is the key to addressing nutrient deficiencies, reducing inflammation, and healing the gut. Focus on consuming an anti-inflammatory diet with whole food sources, including plenty of healthy fats, and limit refined, processed foods.

If you suspect a leaky gut, implementing this specific leaky gut diet can also be beneficial in supporting skin. 

In addition, there are particular nutrients that support healthy skin, such as collagen, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants. You can read an in-depth breakdown of the essential skin nutrients in this article here. 

Lifestyle Shifts

We can’t neglect the importance of a healthy lifestyle on overall health, especially the skin. A skin and gut-healthy lifestyle includes adequate sleep, proper hydration, stress management, daily movement, and switching to non-toxic products. Keep reading to learn about my favorite non-toxic skincare products!

Consider Probiotics

As we now know, achieving optimal gut health is critical for the health of our skin, and probiotics are vital to the gut. Probiotics increase the beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome while killing off the harmful bacteria. Correcting this bacterial balance helps heal gut dysfunction. Consuming probiotic supplements and probiotic-rich foods are both effective.

A holistic approach heals the body from the inside out, which is why it effectively improves the gut-skin axis. 

IMPORTANCE OF NON-TOXIC SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR ACNE

While healing the body from the inside out is key, what we put on our skin is also important. Our skin is the body’s largest organ and quickly absorbs anything that is applied to it. 

Risks of Toxic Ingredients

Many conventional skincare products contain toxic ingredients, like endocrine disruptors, that mimic hormones and damage the gut. Some of the most common cosmetics products contain heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and mercury. 

When all toxic ingredients are applied to the skin and enter the bloodstream, the toxic load increases, leading to higher levels of inflammation. As a result, skin issues can worsen as the liver gets congested due to toxin accumulation. 

Benefits of a Natural Skincare Routine

The toxic effects of conventional skincare products further prove the importance of a holistic approach. Healing the body from the inside out, in conjunction with using non-toxic, natural skincare, is a necessary approach. 

Switching to natural beauty products protects the gut and reduces the risk of autoimmunity. When your skin no longer absorbs the toxic chemicals and ingredients found in many skincare products, you naturally reduce your toxin load, which is an important step in reversing autoimmunity. Natural products also reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve skin health.

WHY I CHOOSE CLEARSTEM FOR MY FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE SKINCARE ROUTINE

One of my biggest regrets is not starting a high-quality skincare routine earlier. It can have such a drastic and lasting impact on the health of our skin! 

As a functional medicine practitioner who has struggled with problem skin in the past, ClearStem is my choice for natural skincare.

ClearStem’s Unique Benefits

ClearStem is the #1 nontoxic skincare brand for acne-prone skin. Bonus: their products are anti-acne and anti-aging, making them practical for all ages! 

ClearSteam products are free of pore-cloggers and hormone-disrupting ingredients. Made with all-natural, effective formulas, the high-quality cleansers, serums, exfoliators, and moisturizers are ideal for daily use. All of their products were developed by acne specialists and support ethical and sustainable practices.

Personal Testimony Using ClearStem

After working hard to heal my chronic acne from the inside out, I knew my next step was choosing non-toxic skincare. Once I found ClearStem, I experienced a significant reduction in wrinkles and fine lines within only a few weeks. Several people who are close to me and see me often even mentioned a noticeable difference. 

Three weeks after I started the ClearStem system, my skin was even clearer, glowing, and radiant. I love their products so much that I was adamant about sticking to my regime even while in labor with my son. And, no, this isn’t a paid advertisement; it’s genuinely how much I love ClearStem! 

MY EASY AND EFFECTIVE SKINCARE ROUTINE

If you’re curious about my daily routine with non-toxic skincare, it’s easy, quick, and effective! Although this list may sound overwhelming and long, it is so easy once you get the hang of it after the first week. 

Step 1: Cleanse Step

Start by cleansing with GentleClean Cleanser. Take a quarter-size amount and lather it into the skin with room temperature or lukewarm water (not warm or hot as it kills skin cells). I like to lather in circular motions gently for a solid minute before removing with water. Pat dry with a new microfiber cloth or these disposable, non-toxic facecloths. 

This cleanser removes makeup, debris, bacteria, impurities, and everything else for a clean slate. I also love that it is non-drying and safe for sensitive skin! 

Step 2: Acne + Clear Skin Step 

Apply 2-3 pumps of Clearity and massage into skin gently. Wait at least 15 minutes to dry before moving to the final steps below. Clearity is known as the “blackhead dissolver.” Not only does it unclog pores, but it diminishes blackheads, too! 

Clearity contains antioxidants such as Vitamin C, green tea, and bioflavonoids for a bright and smooth complexion. My favorite feature of the Clearity step is that it naturally produces collagen. I notice my skin elasticity improves almost instantly after applying this product! 

Step 3: Anti-Aging Serums Step 

Think Botox, but make it natural! Shake both serums first! Combine two pumps of Bounceback serum + 2 pumps of Cellrenew Serums together and mix into your hands well. Apply to skin gently, working through areas of wrinkles. Mixing these serums with a toner can help absorb them into the skin. 

Cellrenew calms skin inflammation at the source and contains hyaluronic acid (known as nature’s botox). It is also formulated with key ingredients that regulate oil production and hormonal acne, such as saw palmetto, green tea, and reishi. 

Bounceback is a concentrated stem cell multi-peptide formula that enhances collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is what you want on hand to “bounce back” from environmental skin triggers like pollution, UV damage, toxins, stress, and acne scars. 

Step 4: Eyes + Lip Step 

Apply a tiny amount of Brighteyes Eye Cream under the eyes and around the eyelid (avoid the eye area to prevent burning). Brigheyes reduces puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles around crow’s feet. I also add it to the lip area for extra nourishment for dry lips in the winter months. The formula has a cooling effect that feels refreshing! 

In addition, I like to apply the Lips & Cutes balm to my lips. Out of all the chapstick I have used, this wins! I will not leave home without it! It isn’t sticky and stays on for a long time to add hydration to the lips. As a bonus, it works really well on chapped cuticles, too! 

Step 5: Moisturize + Lock Step 

For the last step, apply a quarter-sized amount of Hydroglow Moisturizer to the full face. This is one of the best moisturizers I’ve ever discovered. It smells amazing and hydrates the skin so perfectly with bakuchiol (a natural alternative to retinol). This is where you see the “glow” in your skin. 

ClearStem also has a HydraBerry mask and moisturizer you can layer on top of Hydpglow in this step. I don’t do this daily, but if I feel my skin has been damaged from wind, sun exposure, or wearing makeup that day, I will add a tiny amount on top of the Hydroglow. This goes a long way and lasts a while! If you have irritated or peeling skin, or have a compromised skin barrier for any reason, this is a really good additional moisturizer to keep on hand and combine with Hydroglow! 

In this last step, I like to use Abyssinian oil as a top and final layer to lock in my moisturizers. 

There you have it! I am so excited for you to try the same routine and experience the difference in your skin! ClearStem has many other great products that I have used, but the ones I mentioned above are the ones I have been consistent with and have been going back to since starting the routine. 

Lastly, if you made it this far and want to try ClearStem out, you can save 15% off your entire purchase through my client affiliate link and use the coupon code: NIKKIYELTONRD at checkout! 

BONUS SKINCARE ROUTINE ADD ON’S

Every week, I love to treat my skin to some bonus pampering. Here are the other things I add to my routine as a bonus: 

Bonus #1: Gentle Exfoliation 

I like to use the Vitamin Scrub Exfoliator once or twice weekly. It removes dead cells for a fresh start, and my skin is smoother and brighter when I use it. The vitamin scrub exfoliator is another product that lasts long since I don’t use it daily. 

For the best effects, massage a quarter-sized amount of the Vitamin Scrub Exfoliator with lukewarm water into the skin using circular motions for about 30 seconds and rinse off. 

On the days you decide to exfoliate, you can add this right after the first cleanse step. As always, ensure you aren’t over-exfoliating to protect the skin barrier. On the days I exfoliate, I make sure to layer the Hydraberry skin barrier protector during the moisturizer step. 

Bonus #2: Anti-Aging Face Mask

Apply the Pre-Game Facemask once a week for the ultimate glow and spa-like treatment.

This is hands down my favorite product. I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I have. Whenever I am going somewhere the next day, such as a wedding, photoshoot, video recording day, a speaking event, or just a date night out with my husband, I like to apply this Pregame Face Mask the night before. 

It contains potent pineapple enzymes, alpha hydroxy acid, and bamboo to brighten, resurface, and smooth. If you want a serious smooth glow the next day, this is it! I also notice this tightens my skin like nothing else has. It also gently exfoliates and works with your skin when you let it sit for 5 minutes. You WILL feel (and see) the effects of this one after you rinse it off. 

To apply this Pre Game Face Mask, I’ll start with the Gentle Cleanser I mentioned in my main routine above. Then, I’ll follow the mask up with the rest of my regular skincare routine, starting in the serum stage. 

What I also love about this product is that it lasts a long time. I have had this same bottle of pregame for over a year since I only use it for special occasions. 

Bonus #3: Tone & Set

Tone and set often throughout the day. 

For makeup setting and a hydration boost throughout the day, I always keep ClearStem Skinspray All Day with me. It is an easily applied spray that not only sets makeup but also hydrates, tones, balances, and soothes the skin with hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid is known to reduce the bacteria load and clear the skin. This is an excellent way to prevent environmental toxins from building up and harming the skin barrier. 

If you have questions about the best ClearStem products for your skin type, visit their website or contact customer service for support. They have been so helpful in answering my specific questions. 

Lastly, if you made it this far and want to try ClearStem out for yourself, you can save 15% off your entire purchase through my client affiliate link. Use the coupon code NIKKIYELTONRD at checkout! 

IF THIS ROUTINE SOUNDS TOO TIME-CONSUMING & INTENSE, HERE ARE SOME TIPS! 

By now, you might be thinking, “How in the world will I have time to do this routine every day?” And I get it! I asked myself the same question when I first started using my current skincare routine. I was never a skincare person until I discovered ClearStem. I would simply wash my face, put on a non-toxic serum, and call it a day! 

The routine I explained in this article gets easier once you get the hang of it. From start to finish, it takes me only 5 minutes after the Clearity has set in. I am a busy mom of a three-year-old toddler and one-year-old. I barely have time to brush my teeth these days, but I have yet to skip my skincare routine because it is a part of my day that is relaxing and enjoyable! 

Ideally, you would do the routine I wrote out both morning and night. Honestly, as much as I would love to do this, I only have time to do it at night before bed after the kids sleep. In this season of my life, this is what works best for me, and it is the only way I can keep the routine consistent and see results. 

If you find yourself in a busy season, give yourself grace and aim for once a day! Even doing it only once per day can result in noticeable and significant improvement! If you can do it twice per day, that’s even better! 

OTHER THINGS I DO TO SUPPORT MY SKIN

Over the years, I have made a few other tweaks to support my skin, including good nutrition, supplementation, ClearStem skincare, and adequate hydration. 

Here are some of the other things I have noticed to help my skin: 

• Using Red Light Therapy twice per day
• Rinsing with cold water 
• Switching to Acne-Safe Makeup 
• Going makeup-less often and as much as possible
• Always wearing safe SPF (even in winter months) anytime I leave the house
• Skin rolling + lymphatic drainage (you can do this with a roller or gua sha) 

WRAPPING IT ALL UP

Hopefully, you can see that gut health can affect acne! Embracing a holistic, inside-out approach is the key to achieving lasting, glowing, and acne-free skin. By prioritizing the health of your gut and opting for non-toxic skincare, you can address the root causes of skin problems, internally and externally. 

For effective, ethical, and non-toxic skin care, consider trying ClearStem and the skincare routine I wrote in this article. You can use code “NIKKIYELTONRD” at checkout to save 15% on your ClearStem purchase! If you try these products, please comment on this post and let me know if you have. I get such great feedback from my clients who switch to ClearStem, and I hope you have similar results, too. I would love to hear about your experience! For additional help healing your gut and addressing the root cause of imbalances, check out my 3-phase Microbiome Makeover program. It provides personalized 1:1 functional medicine testing, coaching, and support to help you heal your gut and reverse autoimmunity!

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