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

In this episode of To The Root, the host for today is Abby Malloy, who sits down with Clear Skin Lab client Jamie to discuss her long journey with acne and the transition from conventional treatments to a functional, root-cause approach to healing. After years of relying on Accutane, birth control, topical treatments, antibiotics, lasers, and restrictive diets, Jamie found herself frustrated by temporary solutions that never addressed the underlying causes of her skin concerns.

Following the decision to come off birth control, Jamie experienced severe post-pill acne that significantly impacted her confidence and quality of life. Through comprehensive functional testing and personalized support, deeper imbalances were uncovered, including iron dysregulation, cortisol imbalances, digestive dysfunction, and mineral deficiencies that were contributing not only to her acne, but also to fatigue, poor sleep, and overall stress on the body.

Abby and Jamie discuss the foundational strategies that helped support lasting skin improvements, including prioritizing hydration, balancing meals, supporting digestion, improving stress resilience, and focusing on nutrient-dense foods rather than restrictive elimination diets. Jamie also shares the emotional side of struggling with chronic acne and how gaining a deeper understanding of her body transformed both her skin health and confidence.

This episode offers an encouraging perspective for anyone navigating persistent acne and highlights the importance of addressing the body holistically rather than relying solely on symptom-based treatments.

So, listen now!

Highlights:

• Jamie’s experience with acne began during puberty and worsened after stopping birth control
• The limitations of conventional acne treatments, including Accutane, antibiotics, and topical therapies
• Why temporary symptom management failed to address the root causes of her skin concerns
• How functional testing revealed iron dysregulation, cortisol imbalances, digestive dysfunction, and mineral deficiencies
• The connection between low iron, fatigue, and inflammatory acne
• The role of nutrition, hydration, digestion, and stress management in supporting skin healing
• Why a non-restrictive, nutrient-focused approach made long-term healing more sustainable
• The emotional impact of chronic acne and rebuilding confidence throughout the healing process
• How understanding the body holistically created lasting improvements in both skin and overall wellness

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler provides a clear, evidence-informed breakdown of three common skin concerns: the connection between H. pylori and acne, why breakouts often flare after travel, and the deeper physiological factors that can contribute to persistent neck acne.

Robyn explains how infections like H. pylori rarely occur in isolation—they often take advantage of underlying vulnerabilities such as low minerals, poor metabolic function, or digestive imbalance. She also explores the mechanisms behind post-vacation skin disruptions, from halogen exposure in water to microbiome shifts and changes in environmental toxicants.

For those struggling with neck acne, Robyn emphasizes the importance of evaluating the lymphatic system, iodine status, mineral balance, and gut health, rather than relying on generic or surface-level solutions. Her professional yet practical guidance underscores the core principle of functional dermatology: meaningful, lasting skin improvements come from addressing the internal terrain—not just the symptoms.

Listen now!

If you’re ready to understand your skin on a deeper level and want professional support in interpreting your labs or developing a personalized plan, the Clear Skin Lab team is here to help. Explore our Acne Lab Panel or connect with our clinicians for comprehensive, root-cause guidance tailored to your unique biology.

Highlights:

• The role of confirmed H. pylori in acne and why treatment often fails without addressing root vulnerabilities
• How mineral deficiencies, low stomach acid, metabolic dysfunction, and immune stress set the stage for recurrent infections
• Contributing factors that help pathogens persist, including Candida biofilms, heavy metals, and excess iron
• Why post-vacation breakouts occur: halogen exposure, microbiome disruption, digestive stress, or increased environmental toxicants
• The connection between lymphatic health, mineral status, and iodine levels in cases of neck acne
• The importance of personalized lab data when determining the underlying causes of chronic skin issues
• Why long-term skin healing requires a stepwise, root-cause approach—not quick fixes or one-size-fits-all protocols

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler explores the complex relationship between stress physiology, cortisol regulation, adrenal function, and chronic skin conditions. Moving beyond the oversimplified narrative that “stress causes breakouts,” Robyn provides a clear, evidence-informed explanation of how cortisol rhythms and stress resilience influence skin health at a physiological level.

Robyn explains the essential role cortisol plays in immune signaling, metabolic function, and circadian rhythm regulation—and why both elevated and flattened cortisol patterns can contribute to acne, eczema, psoriasis, flushing, and reactive skin. She also highlights why high-achieving individuals often underestimate their stress load, even as functional lab data reveals significant strain on adrenal function and nutrient reserves.

Robyn also outlines key mechanisms through which chronic stress impacts the skin, including increased oil production and inflammation, impaired blood sugar regulation, suppressed digestive function, compromised gut immunity, and mineral depletion. She emphasizes the importance of assessing cellular mineral status, particularly sodium and potassium, to better understand stress resilience and its downstream effects on skin health.

Through a functional dermatology lens, this discussion reinforces a core principle: sustainable skin healing requires addressing the body’s stress response and internal environment—not just topical treatments or symptom management.

Listen now!

Use the code ROOT at check-out for 10% off Rayvi: https://rayvishop.com/

Highlights:

• The physiological role of cortisol and why balance—not elimination—is essential
• How disrupted cortisol rhythms contribute to acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin reactivity
• The connection between stress hormones, insulin resistance, and increased sebum production
• How chronic stress suppresses stomach acid and increases vulnerability to gut infections
• Why high-performing individuals often overlook stress as a root contributor to skin issues
• The impact of mineral depletion on adrenal function and stress resilience
• Key signs that cortisol imbalance may be influencing chronic or reactive skin conditions
• Why hair tissue mineral analysis provides valuable insight beyond standard blood testing
• How addressing stress physiology supports long-term skin healing and systemic balance

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler explores the often-overlooked connection between thyroid health, metabolic function, and chronic skin conditions. While conventional research rarely draws a direct line between thyroid disorders and symptoms like acne or eczema, Robyn breaks down why the relationship is far more significant than it may appear on paper.

She explains how thyroid hormones regulate essential processes that directly influence skin health—such as cellular turnover, blood flow, oil production, digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Robyn also clarifies why standard thyroid labs may miss key patterns, especially when the issue lies not in hormone production, but in hormone conversion or cellular utilization.

You will gain insight into how metabolic slowdowns can contribute to hormonal imbalances, digestive dysfunction, reduced detox capacity, nutrient deficiencies, and immune hyperreactivity—all of which play major roles in chronic skin symptoms. Robyn also provides guidance on how to properly assess metabolic health using labs, body temperatures, mineral testing, and symptom patterns.

This episode offers a clear, actionable framework for anyone seeking to understand whether underlying metabolic or thyroid dysfunction may be standing in the way of long-term skin healing.

If you're ready to understand the deeper drivers behind your skin symptoms, explore Robyn’s free two-part training on metabolic, digestive, and hormonal foundations for skin healing at theclearskinlab.com/freecourse.

Highlights:

• How thyroid hormones influence skin turnover, barrier function, oil production, and inflammation
• The difference between glandular dysfunction, conversion issues, immune-related thyroid disorders, and cellular utilization problems
• Why conventional thyroid markers may not capture the full picture of metabolic health
• How sluggish metabolic function contributes to hormonal imbalance, impaired digestion, and nutrient deficiencies
• The connection between metabolic health, gut dysbiosis, and increased risk of intestinal permeability
• Key nutrients impacted by poor digestion and how they affect skin repair
• Why addressing metabolic health is foundational—before gut protocols, hormone supplements, or detox strategies
• Objective ways to assess metabolic function, including full thyroid panels, body temperature tracking, and mineral analysis
• An overview of how personalized nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and mineral support can help restore metabolic balance
  
  
  

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler shares her journey through recurrent pregnancy loss after five pregnancies, including chemical pregnancies, a miscarriage, and an ectopic pregnancy.

She breaks down her medical timeline, the limitations of conventional fertility care, and the deeper testing she pursued to uncover root causes. Robyn highlights key findings that shaped her treatment plan and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and personalized care.

This episode offers insight and guidance for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of fertility challenges and potential underlying factors.

Tune in now!

If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1 of this series, we encourage you to go back and tune in to hear the beginning of Robyn’s journey—including the story behind Scottie and the song written for her: https://www.theclearskinlab.com/opt-in/to-the-root-podcast

Highlights:

• A detailed timeline of Robyn’s recurrent pregnancy loss journey
• Clinical distinctions between chemical pregnancies, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy
• Overview of standard fertility workups and their limitations
• The role of advanced and self-directed testing in identifying potential root causes
• Insights into uterine health, microbiome imbalances, and chronic endometritis
• Findings from surgical evaluation, including uterine septum identification and repair
• Considerations around sperm quality and DNA fragmentation
• The importance of patient advocacy within the fertility care system
• Emotional considerations when navigating repeated loss and uncertainty
• Key interventions that contributed to a successful pregnancy outcome

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Testing & Resources Mentioned:

Tests/procedures with did with the fertility doc:

-Full recurrent loss panel

-Progesterone

-All the hormone tests

-immune & inflammation labs

-АМН

-Full thyroid health

-Blood clotting factors

-Genetics (including mthfr & karyotype)

-Laparoscopy procedure to screen for endometriosis

-Hysteroscopy + checking for open tubes

-Uterine lining checks

-Uterine biopsy (with plasma cell testing) during hysteroscopy procedure

-Sperm testing with DNA fragmentation (multiple- via fertility clinic & on our own via Legacy Use code Robyn for a discount.

Testing we did on our own:

-Sperm Analysis with DNA fragmentation - via Legacy Use code Robyn for a discount.

-Mold/mycotoxins - Vibrant Wellness*

-Minerals - HTMA via Trace Elements*

-Heavy metals- via HTMA Trace Elements*

-Stool tests- Via GI MAP*

-Fertilysis- Female microbiome Test (tests vagina and uterus microbiome)

-Fertilysis - Reproductive Immunology Test

-Evvy vaginal microbiome testing

-plasmalogen testing via Prodrome Science*

Any tests with a * are only available via licensed practitioners which I was able to order given my profession.

In this special episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler shares the deeply personal story behind her family’s journey to parenthood.

After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, Robyn and her husband made the intentional decision to pursue adoption while continuing to navigate their fertility journey—choosing to “open all doors” rather than follow a single path. In this episode, Robyn offers a transparent look into the adoption process, from initial education and working with consultants, to completing a home study, applying to agencies, and ultimately being chosen by a birth mother.

She also reflects on the emotional complexities that accompany adoption—the intersection of joy, grief, hope, and responsibility—and the importance of approaching the process with awareness, compassion, and respect for everyone involved.

Robyn shares the beautiful story of meeting their daughter, Scottie, the unique relationship they’ve built with her birth parents, and what the post-placement period looks like as they move toward finalization.

This episode also includes something incredibly special—at the end, you’ll hear a song written by Robyn’s husband during their time in the NICU, capturing their journey to Scottie in a deeply meaningful way.

Tune in now and be sure to listen all the way through to the very end to experience this special moment.

If you are exploring adoption or navigating your own journey to parenthood, Robyn welcomes you to reach out. She is happy to share resources, provide guidance, and connect you with trusted professionals who supported her throughout the process.

🎧 Listen to the song Scottie Jean: https://suno.com/song/60ee587e-6382-4f05-86d2-3fa94d5e907c?sh=CmtVWQrUgbV5XWtu

Highlights:

• The decision to pursue adoption alongside ongoing fertility efforts
• An overview of the adoption process, including consultants, home studies, and agency selection
• What to expect during a home study and why it plays a critical role
• How adoption agencies operate and what it means to present your profile
• The experience of being selected by a birth mother and the steps that follow
• Building a relationship with birth parents within an open adoption
• Insights into the hospital experience and early days after placement
• Understanding post-placement visits and the path to legal finalization
• Where Robyn and her family are now in their journey

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

In this episode of To The Root, functional dietitian and founder of the Clear Skin Lab, Robyn Spangler, answers listener-submitted questions and provides expert insights into some of the most commonly misunderstood skin challenges.

Robyn discusses why post-inflammatory pigmentation is a sign of progress rather than a setback, the nutrients and treatments that support healthy skin repair, and why topical solutions often need to be paired with targeted internal strategies for meaningful results.

She also addresses post-birth-control cystic acne—what drives it, why a year-long rebound is worth deeper investigation, and how root-cause testing can uncover underlying issues with gut health, mineral status, hormones, and iron recycling.

Finally, Robyn explores why low androgen levels don’t always rule out hormonally-influenced acne, how hormone relationships matter more than single lab values, and why jawline breakouts aren’t exclusively hormonal in origin.

This episode offers a clear, data-driven perspective for anyone seeking to understand the complexity of acne and pursue personalized, sustainable solutions.

Listen now!

Get root cause answers with data - check out our Acne Labs Panel!

Highlights:

• Why lingering pigmentation often signals successful acne resolution
• Key nutrients that support skin repair and cellular regeneration
• Treatment options for hyperpigmentation, including considerations based on skin type, budget, and sensitivity
• Post-birth-control acne: what to evaluate when breakouts persist beyond the expected transition period
• The impact of hormonal birth control on gut health, mineral status, and iron metabolism
• How acne location can inform potential root causes and areas for assessment
• Why low androgen levels don’t necessarily explain the absence of breakouts
• The importance of evaluating full hormone panels, not just isolated markers
• When jawline acne may reflect mineral or gut imbalances rather than hormonal dysfunction
• How comprehensive lab testing supports effective, personalized treatment planning

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Visit: https://www.theclearskinlab.com/programs/acnelabs