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 hormones regulate essential processes that directly influence skin health—such as cellular turnover, blood flow, oil production, digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Robyn also clarifies why standard thyroid labs may miss key patterns, especially when the issue lies not in hormone production, but in hormone conversion or cellular utilization.

You will gain insight into how metabolic slowdowns can contribute to hormonal imbalances, digestive dysfunction, reduced detox capacity, nutrient deficiencies, and immune hyperreactivity—all of which play major roles in chronic skin symptoms. Robyn also provides guidance on how to properly assess metabolic health using labs, body temperatures, mineral testing, and symptom patterns.

This episode offers a clear, actionable framework for anyone seeking to understand whether underlying metabolic or thyroid dysfunction may be standing in the way of long-term skin healing.

If you're ready to understand the deeper drivers behind your skin symptoms, explore Robyn’s free two-part training on metabolic, digestive, and hormonal foundations for skin healing at theclearskinlab.com/freecourse. 

Highlights:

• How thyroid hormones influence skin turnover, barrier function, oil production, and inflammation
• The difference between glandular dysfunction, conversion issues, immune-related thyroid disorders, and cellular utilization problems
• Why conventional thyroid markers may not capture the full picture of metabolic health
• How sluggish metabolic function contributes to hormonal imbalance, impaired digestion, and nutrient deficiencies
• The connection between metabolic health, gut dysbiosis, and increased risk of intestinal permeability
• Key nutrients impacted by poor digestion and how they affect skin repair
• Why addressing metabolic health is foundational—before gut protocols, hormone supplements, or detox strategies
• Objective ways to assess metabolic function, including full thyroid panels, body temperature tracking, and mineral analysis
• An overview of how personalized nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and mineral support can help restore metabolic balance
  
  
  

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

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 plan and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and personalized care.

This episode offers insight and guidance for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of fertility challenges and potential underlying factors.

Tune in now!

If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1 of this series, we encourage you to go back and tune in to hear the beginning of Robyn’s journey—including the story behind Scottie and the song written for her: https://www.theclearskinlab.com/opt-in/to-the-root-podcast 

Highlights:

• A detailed timeline of Robyn’s recurrent pregnancy loss journey
• Clinical distinctions between chemical pregnancies, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy
• Overview of standard fertility workups and their limitations
• The role of advanced and self-directed testing in identifying potential root causes
• Insights into uterine health, microbiome imbalances, and chronic endometritis
• Findings from surgical evaluation, including uterine septum identification and repair
• Considerations around sperm quality and DNA fragmentation
• The importance of patient advocacy within the fertility care system
• Emotional considerations when navigating repeated loss and uncertainty
• Key interventions that contributed to a successful pregnancy outcome

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Testing & Resources Mentioned:

Tests/procedures with did with the fertility doc:

-Full recurrent loss panel

-Progesterone

-All the hormone tests

-immune & inflammation labs

-АМН

-Full thyroid health

-Blood clotting factors

-Genetics (including mthfr & karyotype)

-Laparoscopy procedure to screen for endometriosis

-Hysteroscopy + checking for open tubes

-Uterine lining checks

-Uterine biopsy (with plasma cell testing) during hysteroscopy procedure 

-Sperm testing with DNA fragmentation (multiple- via fertility clinic & on our own via  Legacy   Use code Robyn for a discount.

Testing we did on our own:

-Sperm Analysis with DNA fragmentation - via Legacy  Use code Robyn for a discount.

-Mold/mycotoxins - Vibrant Wellness* 

-Minerals - HTMA via Trace Elements*

-Heavy metals- via HTMA Trace Elements*

-Stool tests- Via GI MAP*

-Fertilysis- Female microbiome Test (tests vagina and uterus microbiome)

-Fertilysis - Reproductive Immunology Test

-Evvy vaginal microbiome testing

-plasmalogen testing via Prodrome Science*

Any tests with a * are only available via licensed practitioners which I was able to order given my profession.

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 transparent look into the adoption process, from initial education and working with consultants, to completing a home study, applying to agencies, and ultimately being chosen by a birth mother.

She also reflects on the emotional complexities that accompany adoption—the intersection of joy, grief, hope, and responsibility—and the importance of approaching the process with awareness, compassion, and respect for everyone involved.

Robyn shares the beautiful story of meeting their daughter, Scottie, the unique relationship they’ve built with her birth parents, and what the post-placement period looks like as they move toward finalization.

This episode also includes something incredibly special—at the end, you’ll hear a song written by Robyn’s husband during their time in the NICU, capturing their journey to Scottie in a deeply meaningful way.

Tune in now and be sure to listen all the way through to the very end to experience this special moment.

If you are exploring adoption or navigating your own journey to parenthood, Robyn welcomes you to reach out. She is happy to share resources, provide guidance, and connect you with trusted professionals who supported her throughout the process.

🎧 Listen to the song Scottie Jean: https://suno.com/song/60ee587e-6382-4f05-86d2-3fa94d5e907c?sh=CmtVWQrUgbV5XWtu

Highlights:

• The decision to pursue adoption alongside ongoing fertility efforts
• An overview of the adoption process, including consultants, home studies, and agency selection
• What to expect during a home study and why it plays a critical role
• How adoption agencies operate and what it means to present your profile
• The experience of being selected by a birth mother and the steps that follow
• Building a relationship with birth parents within an open adoption
• Insights into the hospital experience and early days after placement
• Understanding post-placement visits and the path to legal finalization
• Where Robyn and her family are now in their journey 

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

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 topical solutions often need to be paired with targeted internal strategies for meaningful results.

She also addresses post-birth-control cystic acne—what drives it, why a year-long rebound is worth deeper investigation, and how root-cause testing can uncover underlying issues with gut health, mineral status, hormones, and iron recycling.

Finally, Robyn explores why low androgen levels don’t always rule out hormonally-influenced acne, how hormone relationships matter more than single lab values, and why jawline breakouts aren’t exclusively hormonal in origin.

This episode offers a clear, data-driven perspective for anyone seeking to understand the complexity of acne and pursue personalized, sustainable solutions.

Listen now!

Get root cause answers with data - check out our Acne Labs Panel!

Highlights:

• Why lingering pigmentation often signals successful acne resolution
• Key nutrients that support skin repair and cellular regeneration
• Treatment options for hyperpigmentation, including considerations based on skin type, budget, and sensitivity
• Post-birth-control acne: what to evaluate when breakouts persist beyond the expected transition period
• The impact of hormonal birth control on gut health, mineral status, and iron metabolism
• How acne location can inform potential root causes and areas for assessment
• Why low androgen levels don’t necessarily explain the absence of breakouts
• The importance of evaluating full hormone panels, not just isolated markers
• When jawline acne may reflect mineral or gut imbalances rather than hormonal dysfunction
• How comprehensive lab testing supports effective, personalized treatment planning

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Visit: https://www.theclearskinlab.com/programs/acnelabs

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 iron recycling, nutrient imbalances, and a disrupted circadian environment can create a biological environment that fuels hyperpigmentation, and why addressing melasma requires more than topical management.

You will gain insight into the importance of comprehensive assessment, realistic timelines for improvement, and targeted interventions that address root causes rather than short-term symptoms. Robyn emphasizes that sustainable change is achieved by supporting physiological pathways—not by restrictive diets or aggressive skin treatments.

This episode provides a clear, evidence-informed framework for understanding melasma from a functional and integrative perspective, and highlights why internal investigation is essential to long-term results.

Listen now!

Get root cause answers with data - check out our Acne Labs Panel!

Highlights:

• How estrogen receptors on melanocytes influence pigment production, especially during pregnancy, perimenopause, or hormonal therapy
• Why “anemia” may mask impaired iron recycling and how excess unbound iron contributes to oxidative stress and pigmentation
• The role of vitamin E and antioxidant status in supporting cell membrane stability, skin resilience, and hormone metabolism
• Expected timelines for meaningful change in melasma and why long-term strategy is essential for success
  The impact of artificial blue light, disrupted circadian rhythms, and strategic natural light exposure on pigment regulation
• Why melasma is rarely diet-driven and does not typically require restrictive nutrition protocols
• The value of comprehensive testing to evaluate hormone metabolism, iron status, nutrient sufficiency, and detoxification capacity

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Free Course: https://www.theclearskinlab.com/opt-in/freecourse 

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 disrupt the skin barrier, increase inflammation, and create an environment where opportunistic pathogens thrive. She also highlights the connection between gut health and skin outcomes, including how immune and lymphatic pathways link internal and external microbiomes.

You will learn practical, research-informed strategies for restoring balance, including simplifying routines, choosing targeted barrier repair products, and nourishing the microbiome from the inside out. Robyn also shares client examples that illustrate how data-driven, personalized care can accelerate healing and improve long-term outcomes.

This episode is designed for anyone interested in understanding the science behind acne and chronic skin issues—and how to approach skin health with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

Listen now!

Get root cause answers with data - check out our Acne Labs Panel!

Highlights:

• Understanding the skin microbiome as a protective, interconnected ecosystem
• How disruptions to the barrier contribute to inflammation, sensitivity, and breakouts
• The role of topical routines in either supporting or damaging skin health
• Evidence-based approaches to barrier repair, including targeted ingredients and probiotics
• The relationship between gut health, immune function, and skin outcomes
• The concept of “leaky skin” and its implications for inflammation and healing
• Why a simplified, individualized topical approach can improve results
• How internal nutrient and microbiome support can positively impact skin conditions

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Free Course: https://www.theclearskinlab.com/opt-in/freecourse 

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 felt sufficient. She shares how comprehensive testing—including GI mapping, mineral analysis, hormonal assessment, and blood work—revealed underlying infections, nutrient absorption issues, and stress-related patterns that traditional care had overlooked.

Alexi also reflects on the emotional and psychological impacts of living with visible skin conditions, the pressure of navigating public perception on social media, and the experience of setbacks during the healing process. Rather than framing healing as a quick or linear journey, she emphasizes the importance of education, long-term lifestyle shifts, and compassionate self-awareness.

This conversation provides a thoughtful exploration of what it means to heal from the inside out—and why sustainable skin health requires both biological insight and behavioral change.

Tune in now!

Highlights:

• Alexi’s early experiences with cystic acne and conventional treatments
• Limitations of pharmaceutical approaches for long-term outcomes
• The role of root-cause testing in uncovering gut, hormonal, and nutrient imbalances
• How stress, lifestyle, and mineral depletion influence skin physiology
• The impact of diet, supplementation, and personalized protocols on whole-body health
• Normalizing non-linear progress and relapse during the healing journey
• Reframing self-worth beyond physical appearance
• The emotional toll of public feedback and unsolicited advice
• Why sustainable results require lifestyle alignment over quick fixes
• Encouragement for individuals pursuing a holistic or functional path

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

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 absorption, and microbial imbalances can quietly fuel skin flare-ups. She also shares The Clear Skin Lab’s structured, evidence-based approach to repairing the gut, restoring the skin barrier, and calming inflammation from within — without resorting to restrictive diets or guesswork.

Whether you’re navigating stubborn acne, managing eczema, or simply curious about the gut-skin connection, this episode offers clear guidance, real clinical insights, and a refreshing take on what true root-cause healing looks like.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing, explore Robyn’s free training to learn how The Clear Skin Lab helps clients uncover the root causes of their skin conditions and create sustainable, personalized plans for long-term results.

Listen now!

Highlights:

• The science behind intestinal permeability “leaky gut” and its impact on the immune system
• How gut inflammation contributes to acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and other chronic skin conditions
• The roles of stress, cortisol, and nervous system regulation in skin healing
• Why quick-fix “leaky gut” protocols often fall short — and what to do instead
• Common underlying factors such as nutrient deficiencies, iron overload, and liver congestion
• How The Clear Skin Lab’s phased, data-driven approach personalizes gut and skin repair
• Why addressing metabolic function and stress resilience is essential for lasting results

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

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 how cofactors such as copper and retinol are essential for proper iron regulation, and how deficiencies can contribute to hormonal imbalances, gut dysfunction, autoimmune challenges, and persistent skin concerns.

The conversation then shifts to creatine as a valuable tool for cognitive function, muscle health, metabolism, and aging, and why it should be considered beyond athletic populations. Meg highlights the science behind creatine, its role in women’s health across the lifespan, and factors that distinguish high-quality formulations.

This episode offers a research-grounded, approachable discussion designed to help women understand their physiology, make informed decisions, and build health strategies that support both present and long-term wellbeing. Listen now!

Highlights:

• Why iron imbalances in women are often driven by dysregulation, not deficiency
• How soil depletion, fortified foods, and medications influence iron load
• The role of copper and retinol in iron transport and metabolism
• Links between stored iron and hormonal, digestive, immune, and skin issues
• Why common gut or detox protocols may fail without addressing iron
• Clinical benefits of creatine for brain health, muscle strength, and metabolism
• Why creatine is not limited to athletic performance or “bulking”
• How formulation quality impacts tolerance, absorption, and outcomes

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Links:

Follow Meg at https://www.instagram.com/meg_langston/ 

share Empower Formulas link and code for creatine Robyn 15 for 15% off

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—identifying subtle imbalances that conventional medicine often overlooks—and how to connect those findings to your skin symptoms.

From the difference between disease-based and functional ranges to practical examples of what real root-cause interpretation looks like, this episode empowers you to become an informed participant in your healing process. Robyn also discusses the importance of pairing lab data with your personal story and shares how The Clear Skin Lab creates individualized plans that go beyond quick fixes or one-size-fits-all supplement protocols.

Tune in to learn how to decode your labs, identify your unique root causes, and take strategic action toward lasting, healthy skin.

Use the code ROOT at check-out for 10% off Rayvi: https://rayvishop.com/

Highlights:

• Why “normal” blood work doesn’t always reflect optimal health
• How functional lab interpretation reveals deeper patterns behind chronic skin conditions
• The role of minerals, hormones, and inflammation in clear skin
• Why The Clear Skin Lab emphasizes personalized, phased care over one-time plans
• How emotional resilience supports long-term healing
• The value of combining lab data with your personal health story

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn 

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com