To The Root

In this episode of To The Root , the host for today is Abby Malloy, who sits down with Clear Skin Lab client Carita to discuss her long and emotional journey with cystic acne and the transition from conventional treatments to a functional, root-cause approach to healing. After developing severe acne in her mid-20s, Carita found herself struggling not only physically, but emotionally as well. She s...

In this episode of To The Root, the host for today is Abby Malloy, who sits down with Clear Skin Lab client Jamie to discuss her long journey with acne and the transition from conventional treatments to a functional, root-cause approach to healing. After years of relying on Accutane, birth control, topical treatments, antibiotics, lasers, and restrictive diets, Jamie found herself frustrated by te...

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler provides a clear, evidence-informed breakdown of three common skin concerns: the connection between H. pylori and acne, why breakouts often flare after travel, and the deeper physiological factors that can contribute to persistent neck acne. Robyn explains how infections like H. pylori rarely occur in isolation—they often take advantage of underlying...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler explores the complex relationship between stress physiology, cortisol regulation, adrenal function, and chronic skin conditions. Moving beyond the oversimplified narrative that “stress causes breakouts,” Robyn provides a clear, evidence-informed explanation of how cortisol rhythms and stress resilience influence skin health at a physiological level....

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler explores the often-overlooked connection between thyroid health, metabolic function, and chronic skin conditions. While conventional research rarely draws a direct line between thyroid disorders and symptoms like acne or eczema, Robyn breaks down why the relationship is far more significant than it may appear on paper. She explains how thyroid hormone...

In this special episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler shares the deeply personal story behind her family’s journey to parenthood. After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, Robyn and her husband made the intentional decision to pursue adoption while continuing to navigate their fertility journey—choosing to “open all doors” rather than follow a single path. In this episode, Robyn offers a tra...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler shares her journey through recurrent pregnancy loss after five pregnancies, including chemical pregnancies, a miscarriage, and an ectopic pregnancy. She breaks down her medical timeline, the limitations of conventional fertility care, and the deeper testing she pursued to uncover root causes. Robyn highlights key findings that shaped her treatment pl...

In this episode of To The Root , functional dietitian and founder of the Clear Skin Lab, Robyn Spangler, answers listener-submitted questions and provides expert insights into some of the most commonly misunderstood skin challenges. Robyn discusses why post-inflammatory pigmentation is a sign of progress rather than a setback, the nutrients and treatments that support healthy skin repair, and why...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler offers an in-depth exploration of melasma as a complex, internally driven skin condition—not simply a cosmetic concern or a consequence of sun exposure. Robyn breaks down the interconnected roles of estrogen signaling, iron metabolism, antioxidant status, and light exposure in driving melanin overproduction. She explains how hormonal shifts, impaired...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler explores the essential but often overlooked role of the skin microbiome in maintaining healthy, resilient skin. Rather than focusing solely on bacteria elimination, she discusses a balanced, science-driven approach to supporting the skin’s natural ecosystem. Robyn explains how harsh topicals, long-term antibiotics, stress, and overuse of actives can...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler speaks with Clear Skin Lab client Alexi about her long-term struggle with cystic acne and the turning point that led her away from conventional dermatology and toward a functional, root-cause approach. After years of cycling through antibiotics, Accutane, spironolactone, and topical treatments, Alexi reached a point where treating symptoms no longer...

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler, explores the powerful connection between gut health and skin health — specifically how a compromised gut lining can trigger chronic inflammation that surfaces as acne, eczema, rosacea, and more. Robyn breaks down the science behind “leaky gut” (also known as intestinal permeability) and explains how everyday factors like stress, poor nutrient absorpt...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler sits down with women’s health practitioner Meg Langston to explore two widely misunderstood topics in women’s health: iron dysregulation and the clinically backed benefits of creatine for women. Meg discusses why iron issues are not just a matter of “too little” or “too much,” but often a problem of impaired iron movement and storage. She explains ho...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler takes you behind the numbers to uncover what your blood work is really saying about your skin. If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” while your skin continues to flare, this episode will help you understand why “normal” lab ranges don’t always mean optimal health . Robyn explains how to interpret your results through a functional lens—id...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler explores the two most common approaches to managing chronic skin conditions: conventional care and functional medicine. While conventional care often relies on long-term prescriptions and symptom management, functional medicine can leave patients overwhelmed with extensive testing, supplement regimens, and restrictive diets. Robyn shares her personal...

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler addresses one of the most common questions from prospective clients: “Why can’t I just do one or two sessions?” She explains why the Clear Skin Lab program is designed as a six-month commitment rather than a short-term or piecemeal option. Drawing on over a decade of experience, Robyn outlines the realities of chronic skin healing—including why result...

Use the code ROOT at check-out for 10% off Rayvi: https://rayvishop.com/   In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler explores the complex role histamine plays in chronic skin conditions, with a focus on eczema and related flare patterns. While histamine is often blamed as the culprit, Robyn explains why it is actually a messenger of underlying imbalances—ranging from nutrient deficiencies and...

Use the code ROOT at check-out for 10% off Rayvi: https://rayvishop.com/   In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler unpacks one of the most confusing—and frustrating—skin-health mashups: PCOS and acne. Far beyond the misconception that PCOS is simply “cysts on the ovaries,” Robyn explains how insulin resistance, elevated androgens, and stress responses can directly influence breakouts. She o...

Use the code ROOT at check-out for 10% off Rayvi: https://rayvishop.com/   In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler speaks with Clear Skin Lab client Kolby about her 20-year struggle with psoriasis and cystic acne. After years of conventional treatments—including Accutane, birth control, and countless topicals—Kolby found that these approaches offered only temporary relief. Her story highlig...

Use the code ROOT at check-out for 10% off Rayvi: https://rayvishop.com/   In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler speaks with Clear Skin Lab client Emma about her 15-year struggle with cystic acne—a journey that included four rounds of Accutane, repeated flare-ups, and years of emotional and physical challenges. Emma shares how her skin condition affected major life moments, from her weddi...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler explores a stage of the healing journey that many people experience but few talk about openly: when you're doing all the right things, but your skin hasn't caught up yet. Robyn unpacks the physiological and emotional reasons why skin healing can feel more difficult before it starts to improve. From the deep internal work your body is doing...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler tackles a widespread myth in the skin health world: that Candida is the root cause of acne and other chronic skin conditions. While Candida overgrowth may play a role in certain symptoms, Robyn explains why it's rarely the primary driver — and why simply following anti-Candida diets or supplement protocols often fails to deliver lasting results....

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler speaks with Kelly, a client whose experience with psoriasis began in early childhood and persisted for over three decades. From topical steroids and phototherapy to restrictive elimination diets and functional medicine, Kelly shares the evolution of her approach and the emotional toll of living with a visible, chronic skin condition. Kelly walks us th...

In this episode of To The Root , Robyn Spangler offers a candid and insightful discussion on what it really looks like to pursue skin healing through a root cause approach. With years of experience both personally and professionally in addressing chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, Robyn unpacks the emotional, physical, and psychological journey clients often face when they begin functional he...

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler takes a deep dive into the complex and often misunderstood world of psoriasis—an autoimmune condition that goes far beyond the surface of the skin. Drawing from both personal experience and over a decade of clinical work, Robyn shares why addressing psoriasis requires far more than topical treatments or vitamin D supplements. This episode breaks down...