The Healthy Skin Show

In Part 2 of this dairy vs. dairy-free milk series, we explore the unspoken ethical and environmental concerns. From additives and heavy metals to worker treatment, animal welfare, and sustainability, this episode lays out critical considerations beyond nutrition. So if you're dairy-free (or plant-based or vegan) because you believe that there are problems with the dairy industry, you'll...

This is the first of a three-part series exploring the complex debate over dairy vs. dairy-free milk. While you probably want a simple answer about whether dairy is really bad for you, the reality is far more nuanced. After digging into the research, I uncovered surprising (and unsettling) truths about both options—ones that challenge the emotionally-driven narratives we often hear (especially peo...

Did you know the microbiome in your mouth is considered a “gateway” microbiome? It actually has a powerful influence on your gut microbiome. Even more fascinating—the mouth microbiome is closely linked to the placental microbiome, which helps shape a child’s immune system before birth. But what causes your oral microbiome to become inflammatory? Today Dr. Mark L. Cannon, Professor of Otolaryngolog...

Have you ever heard of progesterone hypersensitivity—or experienced mysterious rashes during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle? Often considered rare, this "progesterone allergy" can be a hidden trigger that's often overlooked.  Today’s guest, Sarah Tyler, FNP, is not only a practitioner but someone who’s lived through this rare condition herself. After connecting through Ins...

Ever heard of the atopic triad—eczema, allergies, and asthma? Sometimes called the atopic march, doctors have traditionally held to a “wait and see” approach for kids, which turns out probably isn't the best option, especially in the first year of life. We now know that delayed food introduction in babies has turned out to have profoundly BAD impacts on the rate of food allergies. Joining me...

If you’ve ever felt defeated after trying natural remedies that worked for others—but only made your skin worse—this episode is for you. When I suffered from dyshidrotic eczema (hand eczema) in 2016, no natural remedies helped, and I was left to turn to topical steroids. Since now working with over 1000 chronic skin problem cases, I know why all these alternative medicine strategies can backfire,...

Let’s bust a myth: Just because something is natural (including food, nutrients, and herbs) doesn’t mean it’s safe or free from triggering a reaction. Yes, you can react to herbal remedies—and it’s time we talked about it honestly. Herbs can be very helpful, but you need to be aware of potential issues before assuming you won't react to them. To help unpack the science behind botanicals, I’m...

Many people in my audience are interested in adrenal health because steroid exposure is a common issue for many (especially those who end up with HPA axis dysfunction because of the steroids). So, I brought in a very popular expert... on thyroid health. Wait, what's the connection between your thyroid and adrenals? Most people who have thyroid issues end up having some form of adrenal dysfunc...

Like other common skin rash conditions, there are many pervasive myths that you can read online or that people think about rosacea that simply is not true! My hope is that by talking about these six common myths, you’ll discover that there is more to rosacea than a frustrating diagnosis. Since April is Rosacea Awareness month, I want to dive into common questions to help you connect some dots that...

My audience is people who are struggling with rashes and, let's be honest, there are some rashes that appear in areas that you're not going to want to, you know, show to a Facebook group. Not only are they uncomfortable physically, but it can be very hard for some to talk to their provider about it. That's why I'm so grateful to today's expert, who is an open book on this...

Many of you now by now that my dad was an ophthalmologist, so I guess there's a certain place in my heart for eye issues. However, when we talk about skin on the show, we might not think about the connection to our eyes, but a lot of people struggle with eye issues, especially since some medications that are taken to help  skin conditions  sometimes exacerbate eye issues. Today's guest i...

If working with an alternative medicine or integrative practitioner on your skin problems has been on your wish list, you must listen to this! Hopefully you’ll find this episode before you commit to working with anyone because the process of  finding an integrative or alternative “skin rash-literate” practitioner  isn’t as simple as it may seem. That’s because addressing chronic skin problems like...

If you've ever joined a Facebook group and uploaded a picture of a crazy, bumpy rash and someone told you to just put a cream on it, there's no shame here. However, some people may actually have shingles, and you can't just "put a cream on it"! In honor of National Shingles Awareness Month and Week, I wanted to bring in an amazing expert on the topic to dish out the facts...

You go to the doctor, get blood panels run, but you're told you're fine. However, you don't feel well.  Have you ever felt that maybe there's a step missing somewhere or something is just being overlooked?? Today you'll hear from someone who might be able to give you some insight on why things have shifted in the medical system and what you  can do to support health, espec...

If you're a longtime listener, you know that I HATE crazy food dogmas. I will say it OVER and OVER again! So, with this conversation, one of the important pieces that I want people to walk away from today is that this is not black and white- are certain foods good or bad for you, should you only eat Organic, you need to eat only after a certain time of day, etc. Food restrictions or diets are...

If you’ve heard that skin rashes are caused by underlying gut problems, this can definitely be a factor – especially looking at gut function + your gut microbiome. That said, gut issues are just one factor in a case, so skin problems aren’t entirely gut problems ! While I’ve discussed other gut problems that are associated with chronic skin issues, I haven’t yet dove into the link between low stom...

You could be doing all the right things- eating clean, whole foods, tossing out all itchy clothing, and making sure you drink plenty of water. But you're still flaring. Today's guest speaks on possible external triggers that he's been researching that may be causing flares, and it can be everything from where you live to what specific chemicals are in your environment. My guest toda...

Stress is a VERY hot topic right now, and I'm actually thankful it is because in the past, I think many brushed it off and just didn't talk it about it. However with new research, we know that it's not just a stressful "event" such as a divorce or a family member's terminal diagnosis that can have negative effects on mind and body. It can be chronic things such as con...

As anyone who has worked with me in my clinical practice may know, I feel very strongly about monitoring thyroid function and trying to optimize it. Plus, I get questions ALL the time surrounding it. Because of that, I am so excited to have an expert on the thyroid, Dr. Eric Balcavage, on this episode to talk about this important topic. Dr. Eric Balcavage is a functional medicine practitioner, chi...

Today, it's all about the eyes, which are somewhat the extension of our brain, so treating ANY condition with them can be scary. I've gotten a lot of questions from listeners about dupilumab (Dupixent) and the side effects specifically when it comes to the eyes. So to dive in on this topic, I brought in today's guest, Dr. Roselie Achten, since her PhD focuses on ocular surface disea...

There are SO many causes to itch. Each person's skin condition is truly unique. My guest today, Dr. Shawn Kwatra, is deep in the trenches with research varying from what causes itchiness to the gut microbiome could be a major causes for things like eczema and psoriasis. Shawn Kwatra, MD is a Director of the Johns Hopkins Itch Center and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Johns Hopki...

It can be helpful to hear from others going through the same struggle or journey as you. My guest today shares her powerful story of determination and never giving up on finding the root cause for her rashes which started in childhood. Ashley Ann Lora, today's guest, was diagnosed with eczema (atopic dermatitis) as a baby. She suffered a lot growing up due to lack of education and awareness o...

Ever wonder how energy medicine works? For many it sounds WAY out there. But energy medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities can be a powerful tool to support your healing journey! Today's guest, Juliann Abecassis-Walsh, is a former Mayo Clinic Acupuncture Physician and a Diplomat of Oriental Medicine. She is NCCAOM Board Certified in Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupunctur...

It can be helpful to hear from others going through the same struggle or journey as you. My guest today shares her powerful story of determination and never giving up on finding the root cause for her rashes which started in childhood. Today's guest is Dominika O'Sullivan, a former city girl thriving in the beautiful West of Ireland and transitioning to countryside living. She is a lifel...

Have you ever heard of cold laser therapy (or the CAP laser ) and how it can help with skin issues? Contrary to what most people think, it’s actually not a laser! It is called Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP), and it is a type of ionized gas. My guest today delves into how it can help! Today's guest is Jing Rui Yeo, long-term TSW (topical steroid withdrawal) warrior and co-owner of Skin Solace A...