Your skin is not just reacting to products, food, or hormones. It is also reacting to time. Dr. Stacy Shillington sits down with circadian light expert Rudy Nassif to explain why the skin is a clock-regulated organ and how the light entering your eyes can quietly drive acne, inflammation, poor sleep, and that wired-at-night, groggy-in-the-morning feeling.

Rudy shares his personal turning point after years of fatigue, depression, and feeling “broken,” followed by a dramatic shift living with natural daylight and real darkness on an off-grid farm. From there, we break down the fundamentals of circadian rhythm: morning sunlight helps set the brain’s central clock, and darkness after sunset allows melatonin to rise. We also talk about why melatonin is more than a sleep hormone, how blue and green light at night can disrupt your repair biology fast, and why “eight hours” of sleep is not always equal.

We go deeper into mitochondria, energy, and the idea that modern indoor lighting can stress the system that powers healing and skin renewal. You will also hear practical strategies for building sunlight resilience safely, including how to use sunrise, sunset, and solar noon, plus what to do in winter when sunlight is limited. We wrap with Rudy’s approach to daytime, evening, and nighttime lenses to manage artificial light, along with simple bedroom rules to protect sleep quality.

If you want clearer skin, better sleep, and steadier energy, start with the environment you live in every day. Subscribe, share this with a friend who struggles with sleep or breakouts, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

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You finally quit the acne medication you were told would “fix” your skin and somehow your breakouts come back worse. If you have ever stared in the mirror after stopping the birth control pill, antibiotics, spironolactone, or Accutane and thought, why is this happening to me, we get it and we break it down clearly.

We walk through why post-pill acne and post-medication acne rebound is so common when the root cause was never addressed. I explain the core idea we use in naturopathic acne treatment: your skin is a mirror, and acne is a sign of a deeper pattern inside the body. We connect the dots between chronic inflammation and common underlying drivers like gut imbalance, detoxification bottlenecks, insulin issues, and infections that can quietly worsen while a medication suppresses symptoms.

Using the birth control pill as the main example, we talk about what it does to hormone production, why suppressing androgens can temporarily clear skin, and how nutrient depletion can build over time including zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins. We also cover how the gut microbiome can shift in an unfavorable direction and why that matters for skin health. Then we unpack the “androgen rebound” effect after stopping, when androgen activity and receptor sensitivity surge and create the perfect storm for oil production, clogged pores, and painful flare-ups.

You will leave with a grounded plan: what to do if you are still on medication and want to come off without an onslaught, and what to do if you already stopped and your skin is raging, including why testing can be the turning point for stubborn adult acne. If this helps you, subscribe, share it with a friend who is dealing with post-pill acne, and leave a review so more people can find clear skin answers.

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Alcohol can feel like a small, normal part of life until you realize it’s quietly pulling the same biological levers that drive acne. I’m Dr. Stacy Shillington, a naturopathic doctor who’s helped women heal acne for 20 years, and I’m sharing the personal turning point that made me stop drinking for good and why the results shocked me even with all my clinical knowledge. My skin improved, my mood steadied, and after nearly a decade of insomnia, I finally slept deeply again and woke up rested.

We break down the real connection between alcohol and acne: not that alcohol directly “causes” breakouts, but that it amplifies the pathways behind hormonal acne and inflammatory acne. You’ll hear how alcohol spikes blood sugar, insulin, and IGF-1 to stimulate oil production, how it raises inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and how it can overload liver detox so hormone metabolism slows. We also talk about the gut-skin axis, because gut lining irritation and microbiome disruption often show up on the skin, especially when you’re already acne-prone.

If you’re not ready to quit completely, I still want you to have options. I share practical, skin-friendly harm reduction tips like choosing lower-sugar drinks (dry wine, champagne, tequila with soda, vodka, gin), avoiding sugary cocktails and beer, eating protein or fat before drinking, hydrating with electrolytes, and supporting detox with cruciferous vegetables and antioxidant-rich foods. I also explain why alcohol wrecks deep sleep, drives cortisol higher, and slows skin healing, which is often the missing piece for persistent breakouts.

If you want a structured clear skin plan, I’ll point you to my seven-week clear skin program and my one-on-one program for complex cystic acne cases. Subscribe, share this with a friend on a clear skin journey, and leave a review if it helps so more women can find this support.

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Thinking about laser resurfacing to fade acne scars but not sure where to start? We pull back the curtain on fractional CO2 with a step-by-step guide to matching treatments to scar types and a candid look at real downtime, pigment changes, and the slow arc of collagen remodeling. You’ll hear why some scars respond beautifully to fractional CO2 while others demand TCA cross, punch excision, or subcision first—and how sequencing those choices makes all the difference.

We begin by mapping the three major scar types: ice pick (deep, narrow channels), boxcar (shallow to moderate depressions with sharp edges), and rolling (wavy, tethered skin). From there, we outline a practical roadmap: TCA cross or excision for ice pick, subcision plus CO2 for rolling, and microneedling priming followed by fractional CO2 for boxcar. Along the way, we demystify the tech—how carbon dioxide energy creates microcolumns that trigger collagen and elastin—and compare fractional versus fully ablative approaches, including realistic recovery windows and comfort strategies.

I also share my own procedure day and three-week check-in: painless under the right meds, five days of sticky occlusives and vinegar soaks, then the reality of pinkness and temporary pigmentation as the barrier rebuilds. We get specific about who should hold off: anyone with active acne, rosacea, a fragile barrier, or a strong tendency to hyperpigment. The golden rule stands—clear first, treat second. Stabilize inflammation for six to eight weeks or more, then use scar-specific tools for results that last. Ready to plan your path to smoother skin with fewer setbacks? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend who’s scar-curious, and leave a review to get a free first module of the Seven-Week Clear Skin Program.

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Breakouts that bloom along your jawline a week before your period aren’t random—they’re hormonal signals. We unpack how the menstrual cycle shapes your skin, why low progesterone lets androgens run the show, and how insulin swings, inflammation, and sluggish detox pathways keep cystic acne on repeat. You’ll hear a clear, practical framework for understanding PMS acne and a plan to calm it without chasing yet another serum.

We start by mapping the follicular and luteal phases in plain language, then connect the dots: when progesterone underperforms, estrogen becomes unbuffered, androgen activity climbs, and pores clog. We explain why lab tests can read “normal” while your face tells a different story—the issue is often receptor sensitivity fueled by infections, mold exposure, oxidative stress, or blood sugar instability. If you also see mid‑cycle flares, we break down the temporary estrogen and testosterone bump around ovulation and the common role of insulin dysregulation.

Next, we move into action. You’ll get five immediate steps to lower the volume on hormonal acne: stabilize blood sugar with structured meals, protect sleep to lower cortisol, ensure daily bowel movements for estrogen clearance, remove inflammatory triggers like sugar, dairy, and gluten, and train your stress response with short, twice‑daily flow sessions. These shifts support optimal ovulation, strengthen progesterone signaling, and reduce the flare window. For lasting results, we share why targeted testing matters—GI mapping to assess the gut, organic acids for cellular function, and oxidative stress insights to personalize detox and antioxidant support.

Our goal is bigger than clear skin. By fixing the systems that drive acne—hormones, gut health, detox, and the nervous system—you gain steadier moods, fewer PMS symptoms, better digestion, and sustainable energy. Ready to stop guessing and start healing from the inside out? Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to get the first module of our seven‑week Clear Skin Program free.

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The sugar high feels harmless until your skin tells a different story. We open up about slipping into a holiday chocolate spiral and the exact reset that brought calm, clarity, and a brighter glow back—without relying on shaky willpower. If you’ve ever wondered why cravings feel relentless or why your skin flares after dessert, this conversation connects the dots between dopamine, inflammation, and breakouts in a way that’s simple and actionable.

You’ll hear why processed sugar hits hard on two fronts: insulin dysregulation that fuels acne and glycation that stiffens collagen and speeds wrinkles. We break down the surprising role of chocolate’s alkaloids in inflammation, how taste receptors get desensitized by constant sweetness, and the reason a cold turkey approach often works better than “cutting back.” Then we map out the plan: purge the pantry, switch to whole-food sweetness from fruit, and rebuild meals around protein, vegetables, and gluten-free complex carbs to stabilize energy and skin.

The real magic lives in the craving toolkit. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, pickles, and goat or sheep yogurt can stop a sugar urge in its tracks. L-glutamine offers fast support when your brain screams for a fix. Holy basil tea steadies stress so you don’t raid the cupboard at night. We also share simple state-change moves—walks, cold showers, music breaks—that help you ride out the first tough week. Expect quick wins like calmer pores, deeper sleep, and sharper focus, with a clear note that complex acne often needs deeper testing and a tailored protocol.

Ready to reset your glow and quiet the cravings? Subscribe for more clear-skin strategies, share this with a friend who needs a sugar break, and leave a quick review so we can gift you the first module of our seven-week Clear Skin Program.

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A hard year can leave its mark on your face—and your spirit. After navigating loss, stress, and the shift into full menopause, I set a bold goal for 2026: rebuild health from the cell up and let the skin show the results. This episode lays out six priorities that work together to calm inflammation, balance hormones, and restore that clear, confident glow without needles or quick fixes.

We start with food that actually feeds skin: traditional cooking that soaks, ferments, and slow-simmers to unlock minerals and reduce anti-nutrients. I explain why I pause dairy, gluten, and sugar for acne-prone bodies, then bring them back with intention. From there, we zoom into cellular health—supporting mitochondria with hydrogen water, red light therapy, and PEMF—and how high oxidative stress shows up as breakouts, dullness, and fatigue. I share my “power hour” routine and when these tools matter most, especially through perimenopause and menopause.

Next, we move to targeted, needle-free skin strategies. I’m leaning on IPL, gentle peels, and Clear + Brilliant, plus an exciting autologous stem cell approach using hair follicles. Pair that with barrier-first skincare, smart actives like retinaldehyde or azelaic acid, and face yoga to keep expression natural and tone strong. We dig into peace as a performance enhancer: meditation, prayer, and daily bookends that raise HRV, restore sleep, and support digestion. Gentle detox remains a year-round rhythm—saunas, castor oil packs, herbal teas—especially important for “slow detoxifiers” whose skin speaks first. We round it out with smart movement: daily yoga, Pilates for strength, and nature walks for metabolism and mood.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and build a system that clears acne from the inside out, this conversation gives you a practical map and momentum for the months ahead. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a hopeful reset, and leave a review—then grab the first module of the program free as our thank you.

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Your breakouts are trying to tell you something. We dig into the Organic Acids Test (OAT) and show how a simple urine sample can reveal mold colonization, systemic candida, clogged detox pathways, low ATP, and nutrient roadblocks that keep acne inflamed and stuck. With Dr. Stacey Shillington and coach Holly Corcum Sears, you’ll hear exactly why some people shrug off a water-damaged home while sensitive detoxers spiral into rashes, fatigue, and stubborn cystic flares—and how to tell the difference between exposure and colonization.

We unpack oxalates and their link to sharp, persistent, painful acne, plus the upstream drivers that create them: yeast, mold, sluggish bile, and stalled sulfur pathways. You’ll learn why cutting high-oxalate foods offers only short-term relief, and what it takes to fix the real problem so skin calms for good. We also connect the dots between mitochondrial function and skin healing speed; when ATP is low, blemishes linger, turnover slows, and oxidative stress accelerates visible aging. Practical steps around fatty acid oxidation, especially relevant for PCOS, help explain oily-dry swings and recurrent “lymphatic” breakouts along the neck and ears.

Beyond skin-deep, we interpret neurotransmitter ratios that flag sympathetic overdrive and gut-driven anxiety, showing how dysbiosis blocks key enzymatic conversions and keeps mood and skin on edge. Finally, we explain why nutrient markers on OAT reveal function rather than just levels—like a B6 deficit driven by infection despite normal bloodwork—and how pairing OAT with a GI map and functional bloods creates a precise, staged plan. If you’re tired of guesswork and quick fixes, this walkthrough shows how to use data to target root causes and build clear, resilient skin from the inside out.

If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs answers, and leave a quick review—it helps others find the path to calmer skin.

Interested in a pair of Vivaray glasses to manage your circadian rhythm (I love the DUSK style - they look so cool!)?

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15% off Code: DRSTACEY15

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What if the clearest path to calm, radiant skin starts far from your bathroom cabinet? We open up about the raw reality of rebound acne after stopping the pill abroad, the spiral of harsh topicals and trial‑and‑error diets, and the heavier truth few talk about: the isolation, lost confidence, and stalled careers that acne can cause. From that low point came a new direction—one built on data, not guesswork.

We trace the pivotal shift from surface fixes to systems healing. You’ll hear how functional testing changed everything: GI mapping and organic acids to uncover candida, parasites, and dysbiosis; advanced hormone panels to explain post‑pill chaos and high reverse T3; and metabolic markers that revealed insulin resistance driving breakouts. Layer by layer, we connect the dots between the microbiome, detox pathways, cortisol and sleep, and how insulin and androgens push oil production and clogged pores. The outcome is a practical, compassionate roadmap: targeted antimicrobials, fiber and bile support, blood sugar balance, nervous system resets, and simple, barrier‑friendly skincare that supports—not fights—your biology.

We also share the underrated lever that moved the needle fast: removing alcohol to reduce gut permeability, stabilize glucose, and lighten the liver’s load. Alongside smarter nutrition and measured retinoid use, this shift helped turn stubborn acne into a solvable problem. If you’ve felt alone, overwhelmed, or stuck on the topical treadmill, this story offers proof that clarity is possible and faster than you might think with the right tools.

If this conversation sparks an aha moment, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a quick review. Check the show notes to watch the Clear Skin Mastery masterclass and get the first module of the Clear Skin program when you leave a review. Your skin—and your future self—will thank you.

Interested in a pair of Vivaray glasses to manage your circadian rhythm (I love the DUSK style - they look so cool!)?

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15% off Code: DRSTACEY15

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Your skin isn’t overreacting for no reason—histamine might be the missing link between “perfect” habits and persistent flares. We sit down with coach Holly Corcum Sears to unpack why wine, chocolate, aged foods, and even certain probiotics can trigger redness, heat, and sudden breakouts, and why stress or poor sleep can turn a small trigger into a full-face flush. Along the way, we connect the dots between gut lining integrity, DAO activity, histamine-producing bacteria, and detox capacity, showing how acne and rosacea often reflect an overloaded system rather than a surface problem.

We also explore the hormone connection that so many women feel but can’t name. As progesterone dips in perimenopause—or when PCOS disrupts ovulation—estrogen can go unopposed, driving histamine sensitivity and sleep-disrupting night flushes. That estrogen-histamine loop becomes a cycle unless you restore balance. We share the tests we rely on—GI mapping, functional bloodwork, and advanced hormone panels—to reveal hidden imbalances like bacterial overgrowth, methylation issues, mold exposure, and nutrient gaps that keep skin reactive.

You’ll leave with a clear plan: pause high-histamine foods and liberators, switch to histamine-safe probiotics, and use targeted supports like standalone quercetin, stinging nettle infusions, and phosphatidylcholine. Then move low and slow through gut repair, gentle detox, and hormone rebalancing so you can reintroduce favorite foods without flares. If your breakouts appear fast, your face flushes with wine, or your “healthy” probiotic makes you feel worse, this guide will help you rebuild resilience from the inside out.

If this helped, subscribe, share with a friend who battles reactive skin, and leave a review. Send us your top histamine trigger and what you’re trying first—we’re cheering you on.

Interested in a pair of Vivaray glasses to manage your circadian rhythm (I love the DUSK style - they look so cool!)?

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15% off Code: DRSTACEY15

Click here to book a FREE call to learn more about my 1:1 Clear Skin Program.

Leave a Review and Start my 7-Week Clear Skin Program for FREE:

To get immediate access to the first module of my 7-Week Clear Skin Program, leave a podcast review!  Take a screen shot of your review and email it to [email protected] and you will be sent your login information!

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