The Clear Skin Chronicles Katie Stewart, RHN & Cris Brown, RHN

In this eye-opening episode of The Clear Skin Chronicles, our Licensed Esthetician, Ashley Shkodra, joins us to uncover the hidden hazards lurking in your beauty and personal care products. We unpack the truth about harmful ingredients such as parabens and phthalates, which can disrupt hormones and pose serious health risks. Through personal experience and expert insights, we guide you through the murky waters of product labels, shedding light on deceptive practices that could be affecting your well-being. 
The conversation takes a practical turn as we share our favourite non-toxic alternatives for cosmetics, skincare, and household cleaning, from the simplest pantry solutions to trusted brands that prioritize your health. We discuss the risks of chemical-based sunscreens and the benefits of essential oil perfumes. We are on a mission to equip you with knowledge to make safer, smarter choices in your daily routine, prioritizing your inner health!
Ready to detoxify your life and embrace a cleaner, greener beauty regime? Tune into this must-listen episode! Don't forget to arm yourself with useful apps like EWG and Think Dirty for a healthier lifestyle, and let's champion conscious consumerism together!
 
In this episode, we discuss:
The Science of Skincare and Health RisksChemical Ingredients and Their EffectsRecommendations for Safe Product UseSkin-Friendly Brands and Practices 
Show Note Links:
Blog: Toxic Ingredients In Your Skincare ProductsBlog: How to Pick an SPF for AcneBrands: ATTITUDE, BEAUTYCOUNTER, Cosmedix, Eminence, Osmosis Beauty, Skin Essence, Three ShipsSPF: BEAUTYCOUNTER, Color Science, CLEARSTEM, Super GoopPerfume: 7 Virtues, BEAUTYCOUNTER, Clean Reserve, doTERRA, Maroma Perfume Oils 
Let's Connect:
Apply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet here.Follow Katie on Instagram here. 

How does perioral dermatitis differ from other skin conditions like acne, and why is it important to make a proper distinction?
So, let's dig into the world of skin health, with a focus on perioral dermatitis (PD), a skin condition characterized by red, inflammatory eruptions around the mouth. We break down the importance of tackling internal health issues like gut health, stress, and diet, emphasizing that vibrant skin comes from within. As we chat about our own experiences and share knowledge from the Clear Skin Solutions program, you will learn about the interconnectedness of the gut, brain, and skin, and how addressing stress and nutritional imbalances can lead to clearer, healthier skin. 
The conversation also covers vital skincare tips for managing PD, highlighting ingredients to avoid, like irritants, fragrances, and harsh chemicals, and those that can soothe inflamed skin, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. We advocate for a simple, nurturing skincare routine paired with a nutritious diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and omega-3s. 
In this episode, we discuss: 
Perioral Dermatitis (PD) and Its CausesDietary Triggers and Hygiene Factors Influencing PDGut Health and Its Connection to PDStress Management and Mental Health in Relation to PDSkincare Practices and Recommendations for PDThe Psychological Impact of Skin Conditions 
Join us on the next episode where we'll peel back the layers of the toxic components hiding in skincare products. Learn how to identify harmful ingredients and protect your skin and overall health.  
Let's Connect
 
Apply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. 

Hey there! Welcome back to the second part of Acne Meds! Today, we're diving into the world of antibiotics and gut health. We'll chat about our own experiences and the big costs, both in terms of finance and how our bodies feel, in a healthcare system that loves quick fixes and prescriptions. We'll dig into the not-so-fun side effects of antibiotics, like messing up our gut bacteria and how acne can come back after treatment. 
 
We'll mix in some serious thoughts with funny stories, all to remind ourselves why it's important to question our treatments and stand up for what we need. Let's ditch the idea of instant fixes and focus on making lifestyle changes that keep our guts happy. After all, our gut health is connected to everything else going on in our bodies! So, get comfy as we share our own tales of long-term antibiotic use, and remember, it's all about finding that balance between what helps and what hurts. Let's dive in!
 
In this episode, we discuss:
High Cost of Healthcare and Gut HealthThe Side Effects of Oral AntibioticsGarlic's Efficacy in Preventing Gastrointestinal IssuesSpironolactone and Antibiotic HerbsChallenges of Western Medicine and Pharmaceutical Use Implications of Continuous Antibiotic Use 
Show Note Links: 
 Antibiotics use in Canada: Preserving antibiotics now and in the future 
Let's Connect
Apply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet here.Follow Katie on Instagram here. 

Are you ready for a pop quiz and a lot of insights into the complexities of acne treatment? Today, we're exposing truths, debunking myths, and sharing personal stories from our own encounters with acne medications. We unpack the allure and limitations of isotretinoin, a medication once hailed as a 'miracle drug,' detailing its wide range of potential side effects, from dryness to birth defects. Through personal clinical experiences, we discuss the gravity of choices around medication, reminding you that while isotretinoin can target acne causes like excess oil and inflammation, it may not address the root problem.

Switching gears, we also explore the multifaceted impact of birth control pills and highlight the importance of understanding bodily responses to hormonal changes. From gut health to mental well-being, we paint a holistic picture of the consequences of birth control and the concept of estrogen dominance, proving that education is pivotal!
In this episode, we discuss:
Birth Control and Acne MedicationsImportance of Medical SupervisionPersonal Experiences with Birth ControlEstrogen Dominance and CandidaRegulating Detoxification ProcessesTransitioning off Birth Control
Are you ready to embark on a journey of informed health choices? Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into acne medication and birth control, and arm yourself with knowledge. See you next Wednesday for part2, The Impacts of Antibiotics & Spironolactone!

Let's Connect
Apply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, her 

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of acne and skin health, shedding light on the often-confusing topic of hormones. We're busting myths left and right, making it clear that skin problems aren't just about hormones—they're connected to gut health, stress, what you eat, and more. We'll chat about how estrogens play different roles and suggest some easy lifestyle changes, like starting your day with music or busting a move with your family, drinking more water, eating more fiber, and tackling estrogen dominance with tests like the DUTCH test.
We're all about making small, doable changes for overall health. We always suggest taking it easy with detox, making sure your liver is happy, avoiding nasty chemicals that mess with your hormones, and using apps to keep track on your menstrual cycle for extra insights!

In this episode, we discuss:
Hormonal Imbalances and Estrogen Dominance
Period Trackertemp: FloTempDropBristol Stool Chart: Why Your Poop Causes AcneIG Post: Acne & Your CycleThe CSS Lesson: Optimizing Your Menstrual CycleBlog: Ayurvedic Sleep TonicBlog: Stress Acne & The Vagus Nerve 
Show Note Links:
Period Trackers: Flo, P TrackerTempDropBristol Stool Chart: Why Your Poop Causes AcneIG Post: Acne & Your CycleSeed Cycling Lesson from The Clear Skin SolutionGut loving cheat sheet linkSLeep ayurvedaStress blog
Let's Connect

Apply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here.

Welcome to the second part of ‘Ask the Nutritionists,’ where we dive deep into the realm of functional health and skincare.  This episode offers information on gut health, chronic bloating, and the elusive world of minerals and their effects on our well-being. We also tackle personalized skincare routines with budget-friendly recommendations and share insights into managing stress levels. In the final segment, you’ll get exclusive tips on managing period pain through hormone balance and dietary adjustments, and you'll discover how resolving emotional issues may be the key to clearer skin!

In this episode, we discuss:
Importance of Minerals in the BodyRecommendations for Cost-Effective SkincareHormonal Balance and Dietary ImpactSpecific Conditions Related to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)Dental Health and InflammationHistamine IntoleranceStress Management TechniquesMenstrual Health Management
Show Note Links:
Blog: The Best Diet for AcneSee Client Before & Afters from HTMAsRael Pimple Patches 
Let's Connect
Apply to work with us in The Clear Skin Solution, here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here.