Hello, lovely readers! I’m so excited to share another great Rosacea episode from Facially Conscious, Nutrition, Rosacea, Acne & Inflammation with Elissa Goodman where my co-hosts and I had an incredible conversation with holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman. Elissa is a certified guru in helping people cleanse their bodies and lives, and her personal journey is nothing short of inspiring. Diagnosed with cancer, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, and celiac disease, Elissa transformed her health through diet and lifestyle changes. Now in her 60s, she’s thriving and helping others reclaim their vitality.
This episode was all about the deep connections between nutrition, inflammation, and skin health—particularly how they relate to rosacea and acne. Keep reading if you’ve ever wondered how your gut impacts your glow!
The Gut-Skin Connection
Elissa opened the conversation by explaining the critical role of the gut microbiome in overall health. I am so happy people have begun to focus more on the microbiome and how it relates to our skin and gut health. Our skin has its very own microbiome which is so fascinating. If you want to learn more about the skin microbiome, you must listen to this amazing episode, Rebooting the Biome with authors, Dr. Doris Day M.D. and Thomas M. Hitchcock, Ph.D
Now, back to our gut, think of the gut as your first line of defense against the outside world. A healthy microbiome supports digestion and impacts mood, immunity, and, yes—skin health. Unfortunately, modern diets loaded with sugar, processed foods, and stress destroy this delicate balance. For those with conditions like rosacea or acne, an imbalanced microbiome can be a major trigger.
Elissa emphasized the importance of probiotics, both through foods and supplements, to support gut health. Her cleanse program includes fermented vegetables, which improve digestion and curb sugar cravings—a win-win for your body and skin! I am a huge believer in daily probiotics for the skin!
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: A Game-Changer
If you’re struggling with skin inflammation, Elissa recommends starting with an elimination diet to identify food triggers. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, sugar, eggs, and even nightshade vegetables like tomatoes and eggplant. While everyone’s body is different, cutting back on inflammatory foods can work wonders for calming flare-ups.
She highlighted her favorite anti-inflammatory powerhouses: turmeric, omega-3s, and curcumin. However, Dr. Vicki reminded us of an interesting twist: while omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, they may sometimes enlarge capillaries and exacerbate rosacea. This is why personalization and experimentation are so crucial.
Rosacea Triggers and Solutions
The approach to treating rosacea needs to be gentle and thoughtful. Common triggers include alcohol, spicy foods, hot showers, and even certain skincare products. I remind people that finding your personal triggers is key. Keeping a food and lifestyle diary can help identify patterns and minimize future flare-ups.
A soothing skincare routine is so very important. I always recommend products designed for sensitive skin, focusing on repairing the skin barrier. Gentle cleansers, mineral-based sunscreens, and calming masks are my go-to solutions. Cooling treatments like chilled gel masks or ice globes can work wonders for rosacea flare-ups.
Debunking Dairy and Exploring Supplements
One of the most debated topics in skin health is dairy. Elissa strongly advises avoiding cow’s milk due to its casein protein, which is hard to digest and often inflammatory. If you must have dairy, opt for goat or sheep varieties—they’re easier on the gut and less likely to cause skin issues.
Elissa also shared her love for collagen powder and colostrum supplements, both of which support gut lining repair and overall skin health. Her favorite colostrum brand, ARMRA, has transformed her own skin, helping with hydration and thickness as she ages.
Acne, Stress, and Constipation: The Unseen Links
Acne isn’t just a surface-level problem—it’s often tied to stress and digestive health. Elissa explained how stress shuts down the digestive system, preventing nutrient absorption and leading to skin issues. Constipation is another common culprit, as toxins linger in the body instead of being flushed out.
Her advice? Focus on hydration, fiber-rich foods, and magnesium supplements to keep things moving. She also recommends small gut cleanses with natural ingredients like grapefruit seed extract and oregano oil to balance the microbiome.
Final Takeaways
This episode covered everything from rosacea and acne to gut health and nutrition. Here are some quick tips to remember:
- Support Your Gut: Incorporate probiotics through food or high-quality supplements.
- Calm Inflammation: Embrace anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric and omega-3s, but test what works for your skin.
- Customize Your Skincare: Use gentle, barrier-repairing products and avoid known rosacea triggers.
- Hydrate Wisely: Add minerals to your water to improve absorption.
- Simplify Your Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and avoid inflammatory ingredients like added sugar and processed oils.
Elissa’s passion for health and her practical advice make it clear: what we eat and how we care for our bodies directly impact our skin. If you’re curious to learn more, you can find Elissa’s tips and resources on her website.
Ready to take control of your skin health? Tune in to the full podcast episode for more in-depth detailss and actionable advice. Your skin (and your gut) will thank you!
