Ever wondered why your skin suddenly started breaking out after 35? The culprit might be hiding in your hormones. As progesterone levels naturally begin to decline in your mid-30s, your skin becomes vulnerable to the unopposed action of androgens – the hormones directly responsible for triggering acne flares.

But here's the revelation that changes everything: this hormonal decline isn't inevitable. Your body isn't designed to malfunction! As a naturopathic doctor who spent years battling my own stubborn acne, I've discovered that declining progesterone signals deeper imbalances that need attention. When we address the root causes – oxidative stress, chronic infections, poor detoxification, insulin dysregulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction – we can restore your body's natural ability to ovulate optimally and produce the progesterone you need for clear, glowing skin.

The perimenopausal decade (roughly 35-45) represents a critical window of opportunity. By solving these underlying issues now rather than masking symptoms with quick fixes or bioidentical hormones, you're not just clearing your skin – you're setting yourself up for vibrant health for decades to come. I navigated my entire perimenopausal journey without a single blemish, and at 51, I feel better than I did in my 30s. This transformation is possible for you too.

Ready to understand what's really happening with your hormones and skin? Watch my free Clear Skin After 35 Masterclass where I dive deeper into the testing and protocols that have helped thousands of women heal from the inside out. Your body knows how to heal – sometimes it just needs the right support to remember.

Watch my FREE Clear Skin Masterclass to learn my method to heal chronic acne.  Based on 20 years of healing acne as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Click here to listen now.

The journey to clear skin takes a different path after 35. As women approach perimenopause, persistent acne and rosacea signal deeper imbalances that require specialized attention – not just hormone therapy.

Drawing from two decades of clinical experience testing thousands of patients, I've discovered why skin issues become more stubborn in midlife. Your body carries the cumulative effects of long-term imbalances: nervous system dysregulation, chronic infections, poor detoxification, compromised gut health, and metabolic changes that create the perfect storm for inflammatory skin conditions.

By age 35, a remarkable 95% of your thought patterns are hardwired into your subconscious, making nervous system healing more challenging yet profoundly transformative. I know this firsthand – after experiencing four stress-induced heart attacks in my forties, I had to rapidly rewire my nervous system or face life-threatening consequences. While it requires dedication, achieving this nervous system balance creates an extraordinary sense of freedom and resilience.

Most women don't realize that progesterone doesn't just "naturally tank" in perimenopause – it drops because multiple bodily systems aren't functioning optimally. This explains why bioidentical hormones alone often disappoint women with persistent acne. Hormones can certainly help, but they work best in a balanced body.

At 51, I've sailed through perimenopause with minimal symptoms because I've addressed these foundational issues. Midlife can actually become your most vibrant period once these imbalances are resolved. Your skin will clear, your energy will soar, and you'll be positioned to avoid the "crash" many women experience at menopause.

Ready to understand exactly what's happening in your body after 35 and how to fix it? Join my free Clear Skin After 35 Masterclass through the link in the show notes. The clock is ticking – healing these imbalances now will determine whether you struggle or thrive in the decades ahead.

Watch my FREE Clear Skin Masterclass to learn my method to heal chronic acne.  Based on 20 years of healing acne as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Click here to listen now.

Trapped in the "acne hole"? You're not alone. The emotional devastation of persistent acne creates a dangerous cycle where we begin to believe we're unworthy, unlovable, and even incapable of healing. Looking in the mirror becomes a painful reminder of what we perceive as our flaws rather than our true essence - the beautiful, capable being underneath those temporary blemishes.

As someone who's personally experienced acne and helped thousands of women heal over twenty years as a naturopathic doctor, I understand how acne transforms from a physical condition to an identity crisis. When we remain stuck with acne too long, we sink into what I call a low vibrational frequency - a mindset that actively blocks our healing journey by convincing us we don't deserve better. The most troubling part? This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Breaking free requires three powerful steps that recalibrate your nervous system and create the internal environment necessary for healing. First, recognize and create safety in your environment - a prerequisite for nervous system regulation. Second, spend twenty minutes twice daily engaged in activities that create a flow state, where you lose track of time and access the healing alpha brainwaves that children naturally embody. Finally, surround yourself with beauty in all forms - from fresh flowers to clothing that makes you feel confident - gradually elevating your vibrational frequency until you recognize your own inherent beauty again.

This journey isn't just about clear skin; it's about rediscovering who you truly are beneath the acne mindset. When you shift your perception, you change your reality, opening doors to not just physical healing but the life you're meant to live. Ready to climb out of the acne hole? These simple practices, combined with effective protocols, create the magic that transforms not just your skin, but your entire life. Your body is miraculous and capable of healing - it's time to believe that again.

Watch my FREE Clear Skin Masterclass to learn my method to heal chronic acne.  Based on 20 years of healing acne as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Click here to listen now.

Unmasking the truth about HTMA testing for acne sufferers – is this popular test actually giving you valuable information about your breakouts?

Dr. Stacey Shillington draws on two decades of clinical experience to evaluate hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) testing, a method increasingly promoted by acne nutritionists as a key diagnostic tool. With candor and evidence-based expertise, she explores why this test provides only a tiny fraction of the information needed to truly heal acne at its source.

While HTMA effectively measures mineral levels and potential heavy metal exposure, it falls critically short in assessing the primary drivers of acne: gut health, hormone balance, liver detoxification, and inflammation. Dr. Shillington explains how claims about using mineral ratios to evaluate thyroid, adrenal, and digestive function lack scientific validation and often lead to vague, non-actionable treatment plans.

The podcast outlines the gold-standard functional medicine testing that provides comprehensive, actionable insights into acne's root causes. From functional blood work to specialized gut testing and organic acids analysis, Dr. Shillington details why these methods reveal the complete picture needed for personalized healing. She emphasizes that effective acne protocols must be individualized based on detailed testing and clinical expertise – not standardized from a single assessment.

Whether you're currently working with a practitioner or considering an acne program, this episode equips you with crucial questions to ask about testing methodology and treatment approach. Download Dr. Shillington's free lab testing guide mentioned in the show notes to understand what comprehensive testing can reveal about your unique skin condition and how proper assessment leads to lasting clear skin.

Watch my FREE Clear Skin Masterclass to learn my method to heal chronic acne.  Based on 20 years of healing acne as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Click here to listen now.

Your body doesn't make mistakes—your acne is trying to tell you something. Former acne sufferer turned holistic skin coach Nellie Labovitz shares her remarkable journey from years of failed conventional treatments to discovering true healing.

Nellie's story begins at age 11 when her first breakouts emerged alongside puberty. What followed was a decade-plus odyssey through the conventional medical system—antibiotics, harsh topicals, spironolactone, birth control pills, and eventually Accutane. Like so many before her, Nellie experienced the temporary euphoria of clear skin while on these medications, only to face devastating rebounds when her acne returned "with a vengeance" after treatment.

The most surprising twist? Throughout much of this struggle, Nellie was actually studying nutrition at university. Yet the connection between internal health and skin was completely absent from her education. It wasn't until a serendipitous trip to Southeast Asia where she encountered naturopathic medicine that everything changed.

This episode reveals the unexpected intervention that finally moved the needle in Nellie's healing journey—and it wasn't diet or supplements. Her powerful insights into the nervous system's role in skin health offer a missing piece many acne sufferers never consider. As both a patient success story and now a coach in Dr. Shillington's program, Nellie brings a uniquely valuable perspective on what truly works for lasting skin transformation.

Whether you're currently struggling with acne, contemplating Accutane, or feeling trapped in an endless cycle of topicals and prescriptions, this conversation illuminates the path toward sustainable healing. The body wants to heal—sometimes it just needs the right support to remember how.

Ready to transform your relationship with your skin? Check the show notes for links to our masterclass and the Clear Skin Transformation program that changed everything for Nellie and thousands of others.

Watch my FREE Clear Skin Masterclass to learn my method to heal chronic acne.  Based on 20 years of healing acne as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Click here to listen now.

Clear skin doesn't come from a tube or pill – it happens when you finally address what's causing your acne from the inside out. In this enlightening conversation, Coach Holly shares her remarkable journey from struggling with persistent cystic acne to becoming a functional nutritionist who helps others heal their skin naturally.

Holly's story will resonate with anyone who's been told that birth control, antibiotics, or harsh topicals are the only solutions. Despite years of conventional treatments, her acne persisted until she discovered how deeply connected her skin issues were to her digestive health, hormones, and nervous system function. The transformation wasn't just about her skin – it changed the entire trajectory of her life and career.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical wisdom shared about healing acne holistically. You'll discover why most women with acne also struggle with other health issues like digestive problems, irregular periods, or anxiety – and why treating these root causes creates lasting results that medications simply can't achieve. Holly and Dr. Stacey provide candid insights about their approach, including when testing is necessary, the critical importance of nervous system regulation, and why so many clients unexpectedly improve their fertility while clearing their skin.

Whether you're dealing with occasional breakouts or severe cystic acne that's affecting your confidence and quality of life, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective that honors your body's innate healing wisdom. Ready to understand what your acne is really telling you about your health? This episode might just change everything about how you approach clear skin.

Watch my FREE Clear Skin Masterclass to learn my method to heal chronic acne.  Based on 20 years of healing acne as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Click here to listen now.

What happens when conventional medicine fails you and acne becomes the visible symptom of a much deeper health crisis? This raw, eye-opening conversation with Katie reveals the hidden connections between gut health, hormones, and persistent skin problems that dermatologists rarely address.

Katie's journey begins with a single cyst that erupts into years of suffering after a prescription for doxycycline triggers cascading health problems – severe digestive distress, hormonal chaos, and debilitating fatigue that halts her life and career plans. For four years, she navigates the frustrating maze of specialist appointments, inconclusive tests, and treatments that only provide temporary relief while the root causes remain unaddressed.

The turning point comes when Katie discovers naturopathic medicine and eventually connects with Dr. Stacey Shillington's targeted approach for acne patients. Through comprehensive testing that reveals bacterial overgrowth, parasites, and microbiome disruption, Katie finally finds answers to her mysterious symptoms. The episode delivers fascinating insights into how seemingly unrelated issues – from food sensitivities to nervous system dysregulation – directly impact skin health, and how healing must address these foundational imbalances rather than simply suppressing symptoms.

Most powerfully, Katie shares her transformation from patient to future naturopathic doctor, driven by her own healing experience to help others avoid years of unnecessary suffering. Her story offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone battling chronic skin issues who suspects there might be more happening beneath the surface than conventional medicine recognizes. If you've tried "everything" for your acne without success, this episode illuminates a different path to clear skin and vibrant health.

Watch my FREE Clear Skin Masterclass to learn my method to heal chronic acne.  Based on 20 years of healing acne as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Click here to listen now.

Acne sufferers rarely connect their digestive health with their skin problems, but this missing link might explain why even perfect skincare routines fail to deliver results. Your skin functions as your body's "third kidney," stepping up its detoxification efforts when your primary elimination pathways aren't working effectively.

Constipation—defined as not having at least one complete, satisfying bowel movement daily—creates the perfect internal environment for acne to flourish. When waste remains in your colon, toxins and hormones that should be eliminated instead get reabsorbed into circulation through an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. This recirculation process directly contributes to stubborn breakouts, particularly hormonal acne caused by estrogen imbalance.

The root cause of constipation in most acne patients stems from an imbalanced gut microbiome. Certain bacterial overgrowths produce excessive methane and hydrogen gases that essentially paralyze your colon's natural movement. Add in factors like chronic stress, magnesium deficiency, dehydration, and poor fiber intake, and you've created an internal environment where acne thrives despite your best external efforts. Healing requires a multi-faceted approach: supporting the gut microbiome, enhancing liver function, optimizing hydration with electrolytes, supplementing with magnesium citrate, and critically, calming the nervous system from its stressed "fight-or-flight" state into a digestive-friendly "rest-and-digest" mode.

After 20 years of helping thousands of women heal their acne naturally, I'm launching my most comprehensive program yet—The Clear Skin Revolution. Starting March 26th, this 8-week live interactive program will take you beyond the basics covered in this podcast series and provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific acne type. If you're ready to liberate yourself from acne by healing your body from within, click the link in the show notes to join us!

Watch my FREE Clear Skin Masterclass to learn my method to heal chronic acne.  Based on 20 years of healing acne as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Click here to listen now.

Your skincare routine might be sabotaging your clear skin goals. Dr. Stacey Shillington reveals a counterintuitive truth in skincare: over-cleansing and over-exfoliating can actually worsen acne by damaging your skin's crucial moisture barrier.

Picture your skin cells as bricks in a wall, with ceramides, fatty acids, and lipids serving as the mortar that holds everything together. This protective barrier keeps moisture in and harmful bacteria out. When we assault this barrier with harsh cleansers and excessive exfoliation, we compromise our skin's natural defense system, leading to increased inflammation, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and—ironically—more breakouts.

The science is clear: healthy skin maintains a slightly acidic pH that naturally inhibits harmful bacteria and fungi. Many acne products disrupt this balance, creating the perfect environment for acne-causing microorganisms to thrive. For those with fungal acne (characterized by flesh-colored bumps), understanding that these yeasts feed on oils is essential for effective treatment.

Dr. Shillington offers a practical, three-step approach to rebuilding your moisture barrier: first, simplify your cleansing routine (consider skipping morning cleansers altogether); second, wean off harsh topicals like benzoyl peroxide; and third, learn how to exfoliate at a frequency that works for your unique skin type. She recommends mandelic acid as the gentlest exfoliant, especially for sensitive skin, with salicylic acid and retinoids as alternatives for specific skin concerns.

Whether you've been fighting acne for years or just beginning your clear skin journey, giving your moisture barrier the care it deserves could be the missing piece in your skincare puzzle. Ready to transform your approach to acne treatment? Listen now to discover how less aggressive skincare might be the key to the clear, healthy skin you've been searching for.

Watch my FREE Clear Skin Masterclass to learn my method to heal chronic acne.  Based on 20 years of healing acne as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Click here to listen now.

In our latest episode, Dr. Stacey Shillington guides listeners through the intricate connections between acne and emotional well-being. As we dive into week six of the Clear Skin Challenge, we explore how stress influences our skin and unearth actionable techniques for managing anxiety while nurturing self-love. Listening to this episode could change the way you perceive your skincare journey by emphasizing the importance of mental health.

Dr. Shillington's extensive experience reveals that the struggle with acne is often accompanied by deeper emotional turmoil. She sheds light on the trauma many face regarding their self-image and the damaging effects of perfectionist tendencies. Stress management emerges as a focal point; listeners will gain practical tools, including progressive relaxation and mindfulness techniques designed to foster peace and safety within.

This episode not only aims to provide relief for the physical symptoms of acne but equally emphasizes cultivating self-compassion and reflecting on our thoughts. Dr. Shillington encourages building awareness of harmful mindsets and replacing them with empowering affirmations to foster healing.

Concluding the episode, she outlines simple yet effective steps for listeners: establish a feeling of safety, embrace compassion for oneself, and engage in body-centered practices. By integrating these practices, you can begin to shift your nervous system from a state of survival into one of healing.

Tune in to discover transformative insights that can enhance your relationship with your skin, encourage emotional healing, and empower you on your journey to clear skin. Don't forget to leave a review for exclusive access to the first module of Dr. Shillington's Clear Skin Group Program.

Watch my FREE Clear Skin Masterclass to learn my method to heal chronic acne.  Based on 20 years of healing acne as a Naturopathic Doctor.

Click here to listen now.