In this episode of To The Root, the host for today is Abby Malloy, who sits down with Clear Skin Lab client Carita to discuss her long and emotional journey with cystic acne and the transition from conventional treatments to a functional, root-cause approach to healing.

After developing severe acne in her mid-20s, Carita found herself struggling not only physically, but emotionally as well. She shares how acne affected her confidence, daily life, and overall well-being, including the frustration and fear that remained even after completing a full course of Accutane. While conventional treatments initially provided temporary improvement, the acne eventually returned, leaving her searching for answers beyond symptom management alone.

Through comprehensive functional testing and personalized support, deeper imbalances were uncovered, including digestive dysfunction, gut imbalances, mineral deficiencies, chronic bloating, fatigue, and stress-related depletion that were contributing to both her skin concerns and overall health symptoms. Abby and Carita discuss the importance of addressing the body holistically and how foundational support for digestion, nutrient status, and gut health became key components of her healing journey.

They also explore the emotional side of healing chronic skin conditions, including the patience required when progress feels slow, the discouragement that can arise during setbacks, and the mindset shift necessary to move away from chasing quick fixes. Carita reflects on how personalized guidance, data-driven testing, and long-term foundational care helped her build confidence not only in her skin, but in her overall health.

Listen now!

Highlights

• Carita’s experience developing cystic acne in her mid-20s after previously having clear skin
• The emotional impact of chronic acne on confidence, mental health, and daily life
• Her experience with conventional acne treatments, including Accutane, antibiotics, and topical therapies
• Why symptom-based approaches failed to address the deeper causes of her skin concerns
• How functional testing uncovered digestive dysfunction, gut imbalances, and mineral deficiencies
• The connection between gut health, nutrient absorption, inflammation, and acne
• Why mineral support became a foundational part of improving energy, digestion, and skin health
• The importance of patience and consistency throughout a long-term healing journey
• How progress tracking and retesting helped provide reassurance during setbacks
• Why restrictive elimination diets were not the long-term solution for her healing process
• The role of practitioner guidance and personalized support in navigating chronic skin concerns
• How addressing overall health improved not only her skin, but also her energy, mood, and confidence
• Why true healing often requires supporting the entire body rather than focusing only on symptoms

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com