Embark on a journey of transformation with me as I share a personal chapter that echoes the very struggles you may be facing. Acne wasn't just a skin concern for me; it was a decade-long experience that tested my confidence and mental resilience. For ten years, I navigated having persistent acne until I stumbled upon Naturopathic Nutrition. This discovery wasn't just a remedy for my skin; it was a life-changing experience. Now, armed with the knowledge and power of holistic healing, I am here to guide you through your own transformation. Together, let's unveil the path to glowing skin and a life filled with confidence.
My Teenage Acne Journey: How My Acne Started
My acne journey began in my teenage years. Unfortunately, the only photos I have from that time are heavily edited, and I’m wearing heavy makeup. I started my period at the age of 11, so from that point onward, I had spots all over my forehead. As I progressed through my teenage years, I also developed spots on my cheeks and chin, and eventually, they covered most of my face, back, and chest.
Throughout those years, I was prescribed various treatments. I tried four different hormonal contraceptive pills, but all resulted in negative side effects. I underwent multiple courses of internal antibiotics and used topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and other "blemish control" skincare products. Finally, at the age of 16, I was prescribed Accutane.
For the next 4-5 years, my skin remained clear, but at the age of 20, the acne started to resurface.
My Acne Journey: Early 20s
In 2017, my acne resurfaced in my early twenties, initially appearing on my chin. It quickly spread to my forehead, cheeks, jawline, and temples, and eventually covered my entire face by the end of the year. Simultaneously, I was navigating the challenges of university life, studying Fashion Buying & Merchandising. This period marked a time of uncertainty, where I constantly questioned my identity and the direction I wanted my life to take.
Compounding this internal struggle, I started a vegan diet, strictly following the popular "high carb low fat" trend of the time. Regrettably, this dietary choice adversely affected my health—my protein and healthy fats intake were massively insufficient, while my glycemic load remained high.
The toll on my well-being extended beyond the physical manifestations of acne. As my skin worsened, my confidence plummeted, and anxiety took hold. I battled rising levels of depression from having acne and the nutrient deficiencies.
My Acne Continued After Graduation
In 2018, I found myself graduating with acne which had returned during my years and university and persisted afterwards. Post-graduation, I ventured to London, pursuing a career as a Buying Assistant for a high-street fashion company—a dream I'd had since the age of 12. However, reality painted a different picture, and despite my passion for London, the city didn't feel like home. Surprisingly, my supposed dream job in fashion turned out to be a source of discontent which led to chronic stress.
By 2019, my skin had reached its worst condition, mirroring the internal turmoil I was experiencing. It was in this challenging period that I made a life-altering decision—choosing to quit my job, leave the city, return home, and begin a new journey of self-discovery.
I took an exciting step at the start of this new journey. On the day I left London, I attended the CNM College of Naturopathic Medicine open day, a choice that would prove to be pivotal, not only for my skin but for the trajectory of my entire life.
How I Cleared My Acne: From Medication to the Root Cause
In 2019, during the worst period for my acne, I hit rock bottom and I opted for a second round of Accutane. Prior to this, my journey was marked by multiple rounds of antibiotics and the oral contraceptive pill, offering temporary relief but never addressing the underlying issues.
While Accutane succeeded in clearing my skin, the moment I finished the medication my acne came back in a matter of weeks and was more persistent and itchier than ever. This was at the very beginning of my holistic journey and before I properly took a dive into the solution which would eventually clear my skin for good.
The medication caused gut dysbiosis, intestinal permeability, sluggish detoxification, poor drainage, and imbalanced hormones, characterised by elevated androgens and estrogen dominance. Ignorant of these underlying factors at the time, it was only after seeking the guidance of a Naturopath and undergoing functional tests like the DUTCH Complete and Genova Diagnostics GI Effects stool test that the true root causes of my acne were discovered. With this newfound knowledge, my skin finally experienced lasting relief through a holistic, root-cause approach.
My Naturopathic Approach: How I Cleared my Acne
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Found a naturopathic practitioner who could help me with functional testing, nutrition, lifestyle, supplements, and herbs.
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5R protocol to kill off bad bacteria and parasites, heal the gut lining, and add back in probiotics.
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Elimination diet of all food sensitivites while healing my gut.
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Used herbs to support my hormones.
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Used milk thistle and other herbs to support my liver and detoxifcation pathways.
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Increased magnesium, zinc, selenium, and other essential minerals through food.
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Increased omega-3s and reduced omega 6s.
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Stopped being vegan and increased protein. Continued to stay away from dairy.
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Balanced my blood sugar and reduced my overall glycemic load.
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Focused on healing my traumas and regulating my nervous sytem.
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Gua shaing, dry body brushing, and skipping for lymphatic drainage.
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Increased diversity of vegetables for my gut health.
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Increased my antioxidants.
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Healed my skin barrier and found a skincare routine suitable for my skin.
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Connected with nature and things that made me happy.
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Found my purpose.
Get in Touch
After years of struggling with acne on my own, I found naturopathic nutrition and now I’m helping other people improve their skin and their acne.
I am a qualified Nutritional Therapist with a diploma in Naturopathic Nutrition from CNM College of Naturopathic Medicine and accredited by both the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners ANP and the British Association of Nutritional Therapists BANT.
Contact me today to start your journey to clearer skin and embrace your newfound confidence.
Email: melissa@melissabirchnutrition.co.uk Call: +447850495137