In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler, R.D. sits down with Dr. Nina Marie, a traditional naturopathic doctor who specializes in mineral balancing and hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA). Nina shares her journey from aspiring architect to holistic practitioner, and how her personal experience with pregnancy sparked a lifelong passion for supporting women and children through functional nutrition.

Together, they explore why minerals are foundational to every system in the body—from skin health and digestion to hormonal balance and stress resilience. Nina breaks down how HTMA provides insight into a client’s nutrient status and stress response, and why hair samples often tell a more complete story than blood or stool tests.

This conversation is an eye-opener for anyone navigating skin issues like eczema, digestive imbalances, or fatigue—especially parents looking for solutions that don’t involve restrictive diets or endless supplements. If you're curious about how lifestyle and nutrient density impact long-term health, this episode is a must-listen.

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Highlights:

• The role of minerals as the “spark plugs” of key physiological functions
• How hair tissue mineral analysis offers deeper insight into nutrient status and stress load
• Common mineral imbalances behind eczema, acne, and constipation in both kids and adults
• The impact of under-eating and chronic stress on mineral depletion and hormonal health
• Why food-first strategies are more effective—and sustainable—than excessive supplementation
• How heavy metals disrupt mineral absorption and contribute to gut and skin issues
• Practical ways to support your body’s natural detox pathways without aggressive protocols
• Lifestyle tips to improve stress resilience, nervous system regulation, and overall vitality

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Connect with Dr. Nina
Website: https://doctorninamarie.com/

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler offers an in-depth look at the five types of acne from a root cause perspective—not just what’s happening on your skin, but why. Rather than relying on surface-level solutions or trendy product fixes, Robyn walks you through how acne can be driven by hormonal imbalances, underlying infections, chronic inflammation, topical irritants, and even cellular stress.

Backed by over a decade of clinical experience, she explains how each category can show up on the skin, what patterns may signal deeper internal imbalances, and why personalized lab testing is often the missing link in resolving persistent acne. If you’ve tried “all the things” and still feel stuck, this episode helps connect the dots between what’s happening beneath the surface and what’s showing up in the mirror.

Whether you're dealing with chin breakouts, cystic flare-ups, or body acne that doesn’t respond to topical treatments, this episode provides the clarity and direction you need to take the next step in your skin health journey.

Tune in now!

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Highlights:

• The Five Root Causes of Acne: hormonal, infection, inflammation, irritant, and stress-related—how each presents and what to look for.
• Understanding Hormonal Imbalances: Why it's rarely just about testosterone, and the deeper mechanisms that disrupt skin health.
• Gut-Skin Connection: How internal infections, dysbiosis, or even topical fungal imbalances may be influencing your breakouts.
• Chronic Inflammation: What it looks like on the skin, how to identify the sources, and why repair is just as important as removal.
• Irritant vs. Immune Response: When your acne may be a reaction to products, fabrics, or a more complex immune system dysfunction.
• The Role of Cellular Stress: How nutrient depletion, mitochondrial function, and mineral imbalances impact your skin’s resilience.
• Combination Cases: Why most chronic acne cases involve more than one root cause—and the importance of a tailored approach.

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler takes a comprehensive look at one of the most powerful and controversial acne treatments available: Accutane (Isotretinoin). Often considered a last-resort medication for severe acne, Accutane’s effects go far beyond the skin.

Robyn breaks down how this synthetic form of vitamin A works at the genetic level to reduce oil production and suppress inflammation—and why those same mechanisms can lead to lasting impacts on nutrient metabolism, immune function, and gut health. She explores both the short- and long-term side effects, including dryness, liver stress, mood changes, and even changes in iron and copper regulation.

Whether you’re currently on Accutane, considering it, or navigating the after-effects, this episode provides valuable context to help you make informed decisions and support your health post-treatment. Robyn also outlines actionable steps for restoring skin barrier function, gut health, and nutrient balance after Accutane. Listen now!

Explore The Clear Skin Lab’s free course at theclearskinlab.com/freecourse for an evidence-based path forward.

Highlights:

• How Accutane works by binding to retinoic acid receptors and altering gene expression
• Why Accutane is effective—and what that reveals about sebum and inflammation-driven acne
• The lesser-known long-term effects on vitamin A metabolism, iron/copper regulation, and gut health
• The connection between Accutane and chronic dryness, joint pain, gut permeability, and even IBD
• What to prioritize in post-Accutane recovery: skin barrier support, gut repair, and immune modulation
• Why acne may return after treatment—and what it means if it does
• Nutritional and lifestyle strategies for rebuilding internal balance and long-term skin health
  
  
  

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com