How I Healed My Acne: Gut Health, Treating H. Pylori & Skincare
In this episode of the Pursuit of Wellness podcast, host Mari recounts her decade-long struggle with acne that plagued her self-confidence. She shares her journey of uncovering the underlying cause—a Helicobacter pylori infection—through comprehensive lab testing and naturopathic care.
Mari details the intense treatment process of antibiotics and rebuilding her gut health, which finally led to her skin's transformation. She provides insights into the diet and lifestyle changes that supported her recovery, along with her acne-safe skincare routine, featuring gentle cleansers, targeted treatments, and recommended products like ClearStem.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 3, 2024 episode of the Pursuit of Wellness
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1-Page Summary
Mari's Decade-Long Acne Struggle and Self-Discovery
Mari shares her decade-long battle with acne that eroded her self-confidence and how it ultimately taught her to appreciate herself beyond her appearance. As Mari explains, the acne on her lower face became an obsessive focus that prevented her from making eye contact with others. Yet her loved ones assured her they valued her for who she was, not her skin condition, helping Mari find deeper self-love.
Uncovering the Root Cause Through Lab Testing
After trying natural remedies and diets, Mari sought naturopathic care. While initial treatments for issues like mold exposure and SIBO provided temporary relief, Mari's acne persisted. Ultimately, comprehensive lab testing by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon revealed high H. Pylori bacteria levels in Mari and her husband, known to cause digestive and skin problems.
Treating H. Pylori and Rebuilding Gut Health
Mari and her husband embarked on an intense round of antibiotics to eradicate the H. Pylori infection. As Mari recounts, the initial treatment caused nausea but improved over time. Post-antibiotics, they focused on rebuilding their gut health with supplements like glutamine, HCl, and digestive enzymes. Since treating H. Pylori, Mari's skin has dramatically cleared up, with only hyperpigmentation and scarring remaining.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
The treatment allowed Mari to reintroduce previously restricted foods like dairy and sourdough bread without issue, indicating her gut's healing. While maintaining a balanced diet focused on protein, healthy fats, and clean carbs, Mari can now enjoy a wider range of foods without breakouts.
Mari's Acne-Safe Skincare Routine
Mari shares her gentle, acne-safe skincare routine, starting with Bioderma makeup remover and ClearStem's cleanser. Her morning regimen includes products targeting pigmentation, hydration, and sun protection. At night, she uses targeted acne treatments, red/blue light therapy, and hydrating masks. Mari stresses using acne-safe lip, body, and hair products and recommends ClearStem with a discount code "POW".
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The link between H. Pylori and acne is not conclusively established in medical literature, so attributing the skin improvement solely to its eradication might be an oversimplification.
- Antibiotics can be effective against H. Pylori, but they also have the potential to disrupt gut flora, which could lead to other health issues.
- The use of supplements to rebuild gut health post-antibiotics is not universally supported by evidence, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person.
- Reintroducing foods like dairy and sourdough bread without issues may not be directly related to gut health or the eradication of H. Pylori, as food sensitivities and acne triggers can be highly individual.
- While a balanced diet can contribute to overall health, its direct impact on acne is complex and can be influenced by many factors beyond diet alone.
- Skincare routines and products that work for one individual may not be effective or suitable for another due to the highly personal nature of skin conditions.
- The promotion of specific products and the use of a discount code could be seen as lessening the objectivity of the skincare advice provided.
Actionables
- You can track your skin's reaction to different foods by keeping a detailed food diary, noting any changes in your skin condition. Start by eating a clean, simple diet and gradually reintroduce various foods, documenting how your skin responds to each. This method helps identify potential triggers without needing extensive medical tests.
- Create a personalized skincare routine by experimenting with various acne-safe products, starting with the most basic necessities. Begin with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, then slowly add products targeting specific concerns like pigmentation or hydration, observing how your skin reacts before introducing the next product.
- Enhance your evening skincare routine with DIY relaxation techniques that complement topical treatments. For example, practice deep breathing or meditation while wearing a hydrating mask, or listen to calming music during light therapy sessions to create a holistic self-care experience that supports both mental and skin health.
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Mari's personal journey with acne and its impacts
Mari shares the details of her decade-long battle with acne and how it not only affected her skin but also deeply impacted her sense of self and her relationships with others.
Mari struggled with acne and breakouts for over 10 years, which severely impacted her confidence and self-image.
Mari’s acne journey was not just a series of breakouts, but a prolonged, ten-year struggle that took a significant toll on her confidence and her interactions with people. She notes that the acne was concentrated on her lower face, which made her constantly aware and self-conscious about her appearance. From the cheekbone down—the cheeks, jaw, chin area, and around the mouth—the repeated breakouts became synonymous with her self-perception. For Mari, it was an obsessive battle, one that ruined her ability to look people in the eye and that sharply undercut her confidence.
The intense focus on her skin's condition led Mari to engage in anxious behaviors such as skin picking, and her thoughts would often circle back to the state of her acne. Now, with her skin the clearest it has been in a very long time, Mari can appreciate her body’s ability to heal and can look people in the eye without the shadow of her past insecurity.
While the acne was difficult, Mari reflects that it taught her to appreciate herself beyond just her looks and that others loved her for who she is, not her appearance.
Mari also shares the profound lessons that came from grappling with this skin condition. ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Mari's personal journey with acne and its impacts
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can start a daily gratitude journal focusing on non-physical attributes to cultivate self-appreciation beyond appearance. Each day, write down three qualities or achievements you're grateful for that have nothing to do with your looks. This practice can shift your focus from skin concerns to personal strengths and accomplishments.
- Create a "compliment jar" where you collect and write down positive remarks you receive that aren't related to your appearance. Whenever you're feeling self-conscious, read a few to remind yourself of the value others see in you that isn't skin deep. This can help reinforce the idea that your worth extends beyond your physical features.
- Engage ...
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The process of identifying the root cause through lab testing
Mari shares her journey of trying various natural remedies and restrictive diets to combat persistent acne, and how advanced lab testing eventually led her to uncover the root cause.
Exploring Advanced Lab Testing
After the failure of conventional solutions, Mari sought out naturopathic care and lab testing to delve into the underlying issues contributing to her acne.
Early Findings and Temporary Relief
Working with a naturopathic doctor, Emily Morrow, Mari found that she had several issues including mold exposure, SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth), candida, and heavy metal toxins in her system. A regimen of all-natural supplements addressed these problems, and as a result, Mari saw clearer lab tests and an improvement in her skin condition.
Despite initial progress, Mari's acne flares returned, leading her to believe that there was a deeper root cause that the lab tests were not fully identifying.
Uncovering the Deeper Underlying Cause
In search of answers, Mari connected with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon who conducted an even more comp ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The process of identifying the root cause through lab testing
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The efficacy of natural remedies and restrictive diets can vary greatly among individuals, and while they did not work for Mari, they may be effective for others.
- Advanced lab testing can be helpful, but it is not always conclusive or the only method to identify the root cause of a condition like acne.
- Naturopathic care may offer benefits, but it should be considered complementary to conventional medicine rather than a replacement, as it is not universally accepted or validated by the wider medical community.
- The identification of issues such as mold exposure, SIBO, candida, and heavy metal toxins could be coincidental to acne, as these conditions may not be directly related to skin health for everyone.
- The use of all-natural supplements should be approached with caution, as they are not always subject to the same rigorous testing and regulation as conventional medications.
- The return of acne flares after initial improvement could suggest that the treatment was not addressing the actual cause or that acne has a multifactorial nature that requires a more holistic approach.
- The comprehensive lab tests conducted by Dr. Lyon, while thorough, may not be ...
Actionables
- You can start a health journal to track your symptoms and potential triggers. Note down daily food intake, stress levels, sleep quality, and any skin reactions you observe. This can help you identify patterns or specific factors that may correlate with your skin condition, similar to how Mari identified her triggers through lab testing.
- Consider a home environment audit to assess potential irritants or allergens. Use a mold test kit available at hardware stores to check for mold, and research ways to reduce heavy metals and other toxins in your living space, such as by using water filters and air purifiers.
- Engage in a partner health c ...
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Treating the underlying gut health issue (H. Pylori)
Mari and her husband both discovered high levels of H. Pylori bacteria and addressed it with a comprehensive treatment plan, which led to significant improvements in her chronic acne conditions.
Mari and her husband underwent an intense round of antibiotics to eradicate the H. Pylori infection.
Mari's journey to resolve her gut health issues began with an intense antibiotic regimen.
This antibiotic treatment was challenging at first, causing nausea, but improved over time.
Mari recounts that she and her husband underwent one round of rigorous antibiotics for two to three weeks that included multiple types of antibiotics. During the initial days, Mari felt nauseous, but as the treatment continued, her symptoms got better.
After the antibiotics, they focused on a gut rebuilding phase, taking supplements like glutamine, HCl, and digestive enzymes.
Following the antibiotics, Mari and her husband embarked on a gut rebuilding phase, emphasizing the intake of supplements. They included glutamine, hydrochloric acid (HCl), and digestive enzymes to aid in recovery and strengthen their gut health.
Since treating the H. Pylori, Mari has not had any active breakouts, a dramatic improvement from her previous chronic acne.
The treatment not only combated the H. Pylori infection but also led to profound improvements in Mari’s skin health.
Mari's skin is now clear, with only residual hyperpigmentation and scarring remaining.
As a result of the treatment, Mari's skin cleared up significantly, leaving her with only hyperpigmentation and scarring. She describes being able to run her fingers over her face and not feel any bumps, indicating the absence of active breakouts.
Mari has been able to reintroduc ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Treating the underlying gut health issue (H. Pylori)
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While treating H. Pylori can lead to improvements in conditions like chronic acne, it is not universally accepted as a cause for acne; other factors could also be at play in Mari's improvement.
- Antibiotics are a common treatment for H. Pylori, but they can also disrupt the gut microbiome, which may have long-term consequences that are not addressed in the text.
- The nausea experienced during antibiotic treatment is a common side effect, but it's important to note that not all patients improve over time and some may experience persistent or additional side effects.
- The use of supplements like glutamine, HCl, and digestive enzymes post-antibiotics is not universally supported by clinical evidence, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person.
- The absence of active breakouts post-treatment is a positive outcome, but it cannot be definitively attributed to the eradication of H. Pylori without considering other variables such as lifestyle changes, hormonal fluctuations, or concurrent treatments.
- The clear skin and ability ...
Actionables
- You can keep a food and symptom diary to track potential correlations between what you eat and skin health. Start by noting down everything you consume and any skin changes you notice. Over time, this can help you identify if certain foods seem to trigger breakouts or other skin issues, similar to how reintroducing foods helped Mari gauge her gut health.
- Consider scheduling a comprehensive health check-up with your doctor to discuss any persistent health issues, including skin problems. Explain your concerns and ask if testing for H. Pylori or other gut health assessments might be appropriate for you, as addressing gut health was a turning point for Mari's skin condition.
- Explore incorporating a balanced d ...
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Mari's acne-safe skincare routine
Mari shares her personal skincare routine designed for acne-prone skin, emphasizing gentle and acne-safe products that promote healing.
Cleansing and Makeup Removal
Gentle and effective removal to start the routine
Mari begins her skincare routine with a focus on removing makeup and cleansing, setting the stage for an acne-safe regimen. She starts with Bioderma Makeup Remover, applying it with a cotton swab to remove the first layer of makeup. If she has worn makeup that day, she follows up with Rococo Botanicals Pore Cleansing Oil to ensure thorough cleansing. On makeup-free days, the Bioderma is sufficient.
For her daily cleanser, Mari turns to the Gentle Cleanser by ClearStem, a trusted acne-safe brand.
Morning Routine
Specific products to address pigmentation and provide hydration
In the morning routine, Mari uses Face Reality Mandelic Acid and Beta Gel by DMK after cleansing to help with pigmentation and scarring. She follows this up with a brightening serum called Vivid Brightening Serum by Hydrenity and then an antioxidant peptide by Face Reality.
For hydration, she applies a Ceramide Booster by Rococo Botanicals and ends her morning routine with Eruption Emulsion moisturizer, ensuring skin protection with Clear Stem SPF.
Nighttime Routine
Targeted treatment and soothing practices
At night, Mari follows a similar routine, with the addition of targeted acne treatment. She incorporates the Acne Med product by Face Reality to address any active blemishes.
To support her skin's healing, she uses Red Light and Blue Light therapy, Epicutus Lipid Recovery Face Masks for extra hydration, and applies ice as needed.
Supporting Products
Consist ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Mari's acne-safe skincare routine
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Mari emphasizes gentle and acne-safe products, some individuals may find that even products labeled as "gentle" can still irritate their skin or cause breakouts, as skin sensitivity varies greatly from person to person.
- The use of both Bioderma Makeup Remover and Rococo Botanicals Pore Cleansing Oil may not be necessary for everyone, as double cleansing can potentially strip the skin of its natural oils, especially if not wearing heavy makeup.
- The daily use of active ingredients like mandelic acid and other serums in the morning routine might be too much for some people's skin, leading to over-exfoliation or irritation.
- The effectiveness of Red Light and Blue Light therapy is supported by some studies, but results can vary, and these treatments may not be beneficial for everyone.
- The use of single-use Clean Skin Club towels could be seen as less environmentally friendly compared to reusable options.
- The promotion of a specific brand and the offering of a discount code could be perceived as less of a genuine recommendation and more of a marketing strategy, which might not suit everyone's needs or budget.
- The routine includes a large number of products, which could be overwhelming or impractical for some people, both in terms of time and financial investment.
- The recommendation of specific products ...
Actionables
- You can create a personalized skincare journal to track your skin's reaction to different products and routines. Start by noting the current state of your skin, then record daily observations as you introduce new products or practices. This will help you identify what works best for your unique skin type and can guide you in making informed decisions about your skincare routine.
- Experiment with DIY skincare recipes using gentle, non-comedogenic ingredients to complement your routine. Research ingredients like honey, oatmeal, or aloe vera that are known for their soothing properties and create simple masks or scrubs. This allows you to control what goes on your skin and avoid potential irritants.
- Optimize your e ...
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