The Root Cause of Acne, Overcoming Self-Doubt, And The Foundations Of Health With Hannah Derrickson
Overview
In this episode, I am joined by Hannah Derrickson, an integrative nutritional health coach and functional practitioner. We discuss the importance of finding the root cause of acne and the foundations of health. Hannah provides practical tips for optimizing skin health, including reducing toxin exposure, avoiding pore-clogging ingredients, and focusing on nutrition. She also is currently impacting lives through her online practice and plays a pivotal role as an acne lab specialist with Clearstem Skincare (see links below for more info!).
What you'll learn in this episode:
00:00 | Intro
05:57 | Becoming a functional practitioner and her credentials.
09:21 | The difference between modern medicine and functional medicine.
10:09 | Underlying infections and toxic burden.
12:03 | The importance of blood work
12:51 | Many clients have been gaslit by doctors
13:57 | Band-aid solutions
14:20 | "Normal" is not the same as "optimal" when it comes to lab results
18:05 | MBCE practitioner group
19:18 | Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome
21:03 | Clearstem acne lab panels
25:11 | Resisting the quick fix mentality in functional medicine
26:56 | The challenge of committing to lifestyle changes
28:02 | Band-aid solutions like birth control
28:40 | The importance of finding the root cause for long-term results
30:29 | Skin purging and what to expect
34:05 | The foundations of health: mindset, nutrition, sleep, and movement.
42:37 | Pore clogging ingredients.
Resources:
Hannah Derrickson's Instagram
Hannah Derrickson's Website
Clearstem Skincare Website
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Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.
Product links may contain affiliate links that are eligible for a small commission.
Transforming Skin Health: Insights from Functional Medicine and Acne Management
Skincare goes beyond just what products we apply on our skin; it transcends into the realm of what we do daily, what we eat, and how we manage stress. For those dealing with acne, the journey towards clear skin is more than skin deep. The Mom Guilt Podcast brought together Vanna, a dermatology nurse practitioner transitioning to wellness, and Hannah Derrickson, an integrative nutritional health coach and functional practitioner, to dissect the root causes of acne and provide actionable advice for those struggling with it.
Key Takeaways
Functional medicine offers a root cause solution: Unlike conventional approaches, functional medicine seeks to identify and address the underlying issues that contribute to acne.
Daily habits influence skin health: It's essential to optimize daily routines, such as food intake and toxin exposure, to improve overall skin conditions.
Embrace a patient and holistic approach: Achieving clear skin is a marathon, requiring patience, lifestyle modifications, and a holistic view of health.
Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Approaches
The dialogue highlighted a stark contrast between conventional medicine and functional medicine. While the former focuses on treating symptoms often through medication, functional medicine adopts a preventative lens. "Conventional medicine will focus more on treatment and functional medicine will focus more on prevention," Hannah articulated. This shift in focus allows functional practitioners to spend more time uncovering the root causes of health issues.
Functional medicine's outlook on the human body as an interconnected system cannot be downplayed. Hannah speaks fervently about not treating the body in "siloed symptoms," bringing to light that an issue in one area, such as the gut, could manifest in the skin. As Hannah notes, "if your liver is burdened, it's going to come out on the skin."
Emphasis on Toxin Burden and Infection
A recurring theme is the impact of toxins and infections on the body and, by extension, on the skin. Hannah points out that issues like "underlying infection and toxic burden" are often at the root of various symptoms, including acne. By resolving these deep-seated issues, not only does one move toward clearer skin, but there is also a broader potential for increased longevity and disease prevention.
Addressing Acne with Daily Habits
When asked what changes could immediately affect one's skin, Hannah emphasized the importance of evaluating and optimizing everyday choices to reduce toxic exposure. She suggests looking at water quality, coffee sources, and removing pore-clogging ingredients from skincare products. Additionally, she underscores the significance of nutrition, advising, "look at the food going into your body. Is it from land, farmer, sea? Is it natural?"
These everyday decisions can profoundly impact one's skin health, offering a practical starting point for anyone seeking to improve their acne without needing to consult professionals immediately.
The Holistic Wellness Journey
Hannah strongly advocates for a holistic wellness journey that includes not just physical habits but mental and emotional health. She questions, "What do you think your body's priorities are?" inviting listeners to consider all aspects of their lifestyle. It's a call to introspection, where one assesses sleep patterns, movement, and even job satisfaction as integral to overall wellness and, by extension, skin clarity.
Hannah's approach challenges the common desire for instant gratification, promoting a steadier and more thoughtful progression towards health goals.
Embracing a Patient and Holistic Approach for Clear Skin
In the quest for clear skin, patience is vital, and Hannah advises giving any new health strategy a fair trial period before expecting results. With particular reference to skin purging and related reactions, she educates her clients on these potential responses as part of the healing process. The dialogues between Vanna and Hannah offer unique insights into the multifaceted journey towards wellness.
This podcast transcript not only equips us with knowledge but invigorates us to undertake our wellness journeys with informed patience and a holistic mindset. Hannah's advice serves as a testament to the complexity of our bodies and the significance of addressing skin issues from both the inside out and the outside in. Through a thoughtful consideration of our daily habits, we hold the keys to not just better skin, but also a more balanced state of health.