5 ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR CLEARER SKIN: What I would do if I was starting all over from the beginning.

Embarking on a journey to clear your skin and achieve a radiant glow can feel overwhelming. Below, I've distilled five key steps that can pave the way for healthier skin:

1. EMBRACE FIBRE & COLOURFUL PLANT FOODS: Incorporating fibre-rich foods and brightly colored plant foods into your diet will modulate the gut microflora, in turn affecting the state of your skin via the gut-skin axis. These foods are packed with prebiotics (food for the beneficial gut bacteria, or probiotics) and polyphenols, which nourish the beneficial microbes in your gut such as Bifidobacteria and Akkermansia. A healthy level of good bacteria are needed in the gut to regenerate the gut mucosal lining, and to produce post-biotics such as butyrate (a short-chain fatty acid) for tightening the junctions between colon cells and reducing intestinal permeability. I’m currently using a Reds Powder from Layer Origin to increase my intake of polyphenols (antioxidant compounds found in pigmented fruits & vegetables). Use code NELLIE10 for a discount!

2. UNDERSTAND HORMONAL BALANCE: Instead of attempting to "fix" hormonal imbalances with supplements that only work on modulating the hormones, let’s take a step back and understand why they're out of balance in the first place. Factors such as stress and nervous system dysregulation, inflammation, diet, lifestyle, gut health, toxin overload and pathogenic overgrowths can all play a role. By addressing the root causes, we can work towards achieving sustainable hormonal balance, which reflects positively on the skin.

3. PRIORITIZE MINDFULNESS & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING: As our skin is our first impression to the outside world, there’s often a huge emotional connection tying our skin to how we feel about ourselves. We often adopt beliefs that we’re not worthy of being seen, feeling the need to hide and reject our true self. This then shows up in all other areas of our lives and acts as a vicious cycle by perpetuating the physical symptoms. At the core of healing, is working on cultivating a safe emotional environment through practices that reinforce self-love, acceptance and worth. Incorporating practices such as meditation, visualization, journaling, mirror work, EFT /tapping and breathwork into your routine can help not only regulate the nervous system but also shift your beliefs about yourself, promoting emotional well-being.

4. SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE: While it's tempting to navigate the world of skin healing alone, working with a qualified practitioner can save you both time and money in the long run. A professional in the space can assess your unique needs, recommend personalized healing protocols, and guide you through your healing journey with efficiency. This also gives you the opportunity for access to things like testing to dig into the root causes of the issues at hand.

5. CARE FOR YOUR SKIN BARRIER: I definitely used to overdo the use of exfoliating acids (like glycolic and lactic acid), using them almost daily because I thought they would help eradicate my acne. However, this can strip away your skin's natural protective barrier, leading to irritation and further breakouts. Instead, prioritize gentle skincare products and techniques that support your skin's natural balance. When in doubt, be gentle with your skin.

By following these five essential steps, you can lay a solid foundation for clearer, healthier skin from the ground up. Reversing inflammation and working towards clear and glowing skin is a journey— be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of nurturing your skin towards radiance and vitality.