How I Cleared My Acne *naturally* (Chronic, Cystic, Digestive, Hormonal)

I know how isolating and frustrating it can be to deal with stubborn, chronic acne, especially the cystic, hormonal, digestive-rooted kind that seems to resist everything.

If you’ve tried medications, topicals, facials, eliminating dairy, even expensive probiotics—only to still break out. I want you to know you’re not alone.

That was me for over a decade.

Which is why I recorded this video:

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I’m sharing my real, unfiltered acne journey, from my teenage years of breakouts, antibiotics, Accutane, and birth control, through the return of adult cystic acne in my twenties, all the way to finally achieving healthy, clear, glowing skin naturally.

This isn’t a quick-fix or surface-level solution. It’s the holistic, root-cause approach I used to actually heal my skin from within and what I now use with my clients as a naturopathic nutritionist.

Here's What You’ll Learn About Clearing Adult Acne:

✅ The overlooked root causes of persistent adult acne, including hormonal imbalances, gut health issues, and chronic stress

✅ Why my skin kept breaking out despite “healthy” eating, vegan diets, or cutting out dairy

✅ How I rebuilt my nutrition basics to balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation

✅ How I reintroduced animal proteins after veganism and supported digestion

✅ My full gut-healing protocol (and why just taking probiotics didn’t work)

✅ Nervous system regulation strategies to address stress and emotional root causes

✅ Functional testing I used (like DUTCH tests, stool tests, mineral tests) to uncover hidden drivers

✅ How I maintain clear skin now... sleep routines, blood sugar balance, movement, mineral support, skincare without pore-clogging ingredients

✅ The mindset shift that finally helped me show up confidently and consistently for myself

If you’re tired of band-aid solutions and want to understand what’s actually driving your acne, this video will give you the insight and roadmap you’ve been searching for.

Want help clearing your acne naturally? Click here to find out more.

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Transcript

How I Cleared My Acne Naturally (Chronic, Cystic, Digestive, Hormonal) Hi, I’m Melissa a naturopathic nutritionist who struggled with acne for over a decade. My breakouts were chronic, cystic, hormonal, digestive-related, and incredibly stubborn. This is the story of how I went from persistent adult acne to healthy, clear, glowing skin (and faded pigmentation) naturally in eight months without medication, facials, harsh prescriptions, or extreme elimination diets.

Why I’m Sharing This If you’re battling persistent adult acne and want a natural, root-cause approach to clearing your skin, you’re in the right place. I know how frustrating it is to feel like you’re doing everything and still breaking out. My goal is to empower you to see the bigger picture of your health and skin and show you how I healed mine from within.

My Acne Journey My acne started around age 10 with forehead breakouts during early puberty. By 15, it was cystic, and I felt incredibly self-conscious. I went through topical antibiotics, Epiduo, and rounds of oral antibiotics. My GP told me diet didn’t affect acne, and I believed it. At 15–16, I went on Accutane. My skin cleared completely and stayed clear until I was about 20–21. During that time, I also dieted heavily to lose weight, which seemed “healthy” but wasn’t balanced or sustainable.

Adult Acne Returns At university, my acne came back gradually. I was under chronic stress, in a long-distance relationship, and living in survival mode. At 19, I went vegan, but without knowing how to do it well. My diet was very high in carbohydrates, low in fats and protein, and lacking omega-3 and vitamin A. This worsened my inflammation and breakouts over time.

The Non-Toxic Era In my early twenties, I became obsessed with removing toxins. I switched all my skincare, makeup, cleaning products, and haircare to “natural” options—but didn’t realise I was clogging my pores with coconut oil and shea butter. My breakouts persisted and even got worse.

Feeling Lost By 21, my acne was consistent. I tried clear-skin supplements, omega-3s, turmeric and ginger shots, fresh juices, expensive probiotics but nothing worked. I was eating “healthy,” didn’t drink alcohol, went to bed early, listened to wellness podcasts constantly, and still kept breaking out. I felt like I knew so much about health but my skin was only getting worse.

Burnout and a Life Pivot At 22, I moved to London for a fashion job but felt miserable and disconnected from my values. I was anxious, gaining weight despite “healthy” habits, and breaking out constantly. After quitting my job and moving home, I decided to study to become a naturopath. During this time, I was also navigating a painful breakup, chronic stress, and anxiety.

Accutane Again At 23, desperate and self-conscious, I went back to the dermatologist. I tried antibiotics briefly (which didn’t work) and then went on Accutane again. It helped temporarily, but my acne returned immediately after stopping but this time as inflamed, itchy, skin-coloured bumps and red breakouts on my cheeks, jawline, and neck.

The Turning Point: Root-Cause Approach I realised I needed to go deeper. I started working with a naturopath while studying to become one myself, and this changed everything.

Nutrition Overhaul I gradually reintroduced animal proteins after years of veganism. I worked on increasing stomach acid and digestive enzymes to break down food. I balanced blood sugar by prioritising protein, fats, and complex carbs. I reduced inflammatory foods and built a sustainable, balanced plate approach.

Gut Health Protocol I addressed bacterial overgrowth instead of relying on probiotics alone. I focused on removing pathogens, repairing the gut lining, and re-inoculating with beneficial bacteria. I managed digestive symptoms like bloating, loose stools, reflux, and gas.

Nervous System Regulation I practiced Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping, used Memory Matrix Re-Imprinting, prioritised vagus nerve stimulation (breathing, humming, singing), took regular nature walks, digital detox days, and managed stress, anxiety, and limiting beliefs.

Detoxification and Hormone Support I supported liver detox pathways, improved oestrogen metabolism, increased vitamin and mineral intake (zinc, magnesium, B vitamins), and used functional testing like DUTCH and blood tests to assess hormones and stress markers.

Lifestyle and Sleep I prioritised 8–9 hours of quality sleep, going to bed before 10:30 PM. I created a “Parasympathetic Sunday” routine for deep rest and nervous system repair, and reduced overstimulation from screens and social media.

Movement and Metabolic Health I shifted from purely cardio to resistance training to build muscle and support metabolism. I adjusted workouts based on my menstrual cycle phase and stress levels, emphasising balance over burnout.

Long-Term Maintenance I used personalised supplement support based on functional testing. I focused on maintaining gut health and mineral balance. I avoided pore-clogging skincare ingredients and committed to lifestyle habits that sustain health and clear skin.

What I Want You to Know Clearing acne isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about identifying your root causes, addressing them systematically, and building habits you can maintain long-term.

Download to RCR Blueprint here.

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