Featuring Trusted Advice from Our Naturopath Partner - Chloe from Woven Naturopathy
At Fresh Face Skin, we see it time and time again: real, lasting skin change happens when internal and external care work together. While professional treatments and natural, barrier-focused skincare play a vital role, long-term results often come when we also address what's happening beneath the surface - particularly in the gut, hormones and the nervous system.
In a recent episode of the Fresh Face Skin Podcast, I sat down with our in-house salon naturopath, Chloe - from Woven Wisdom Naturopathy, to reflect on a real client case that beautifully highlights this dual approach. Together, we supported a long-time client through a severe bout of skin inflammation and cystic acne, showing just how powerful internal and external alignment can be.
A Skin Crisis That Didn’t Make Sense
This client had always maintained regular treatments for glowing, balanced skin. But seemingly overnight, she began experiencing deep, inflamed acne on her cheeks and jawline. From a surface-level view, nothing had changed - her skincare routine, diet, and lifestyle remained the same.
We trialled calming LED and spot treatments, which offered short-term relief. But the acne kept returning, and that’s when we knew something internal was driving this inflammation. That’s where Chloe stepped in.
What Internal Testing Revealed
Chloe’s naturopathic consult revealed something critical: chronic constipation and sluggish detoxification pathways. "You can’t properly detoxify if your bowels aren’t moving," she explained. “And when waste isn’t being eliminated, it often shows up in the skin.”
Functional testing confirmed a gut microbiome imbalance, including a specific bacterial strain linked to constipation and inflammation. This was the turning point. With tailored herbs, gut-supportive nutrients like Vitamin A, D, and Omega-3s and nervous system support, the client began to notice steady, lasting improvements.
“Once her bowels were moving daily and we addressed the inflammation in the gut, her skin really began to shift,” Chloe shared.
Why Gut Health Matters for Skin
This case was a clear reminder: gut health and skin are intimately connected. The gut influences everything from nutrient absorption and inflammation regulation to hormone metabolism and immunity - all of which affect the skin’s ability to heal and remain clear.
“When the body’s functioning well, the skin reflects that. And when it’s not, the skin will be the first to tell you.” - Amelia shared.
From Crisis to Confidence
One of the most memorable moments was the day this client walked into the clinic makeup-free, glowing, and smiling.
“She looked at me and said, ‘Amelia, look at my skin.’
It was emotional. I’d seen her cry from frustration during flare-ups - so seeing that confidence return, reminded me of why we do what we do.”
This wasn’t a quick fix. It took trust, consistency, and a willingness to go deeper. But the result was not only clear skin - it was better digestion, improved mood and a sense of empowerment.
The Takeaway
Inflammation and acne are rarely just “skin deep.” For many, the triggers lie in stress, gut health, hormonal fluctuations and diet. That’s why we’re so passionate about combining natural anti-inflammatory skincare with naturopathic internal care.
If you’re on a frustrating skin journey, don’t stop at the surface. Start asking questions. Track your symptoms. And most importantly, find practitioners who see the bigger picture - who look beyond your skin to understand the why.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to skin,” Chloe said. “It’s about uncovering the root cause, not just covering the symptom.”
Online video appointments & free discovery calls available: Woven Wisdom Naturopathy
