The Gut-Skin-Brain Connection

The Gut-Skin-Brain Connection

by | Apr 11, 2025

Skin Exfoliation is important
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN FROM HEAD TO TOE

The Gut-Skin-Brain Connection: Why Your Microbiome Is the Foundation of Wellbeing

Have you ever tackled a skin concern with the latest “dermatology-recommended” topical product but found your “before and after” photos both look like “before?” It could be that your skin concern really emanates from inflammatory stress in another part of your body, and you experienced the effects and the power of the gut-skin-brain connection.

At the core of this connection is the microbiome—a vast and complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in our gut and on our skin. While often overlooked in beauty and wellness, emerging science suggests that supporting the microbiome may be one of the most powerful ways to improve overall health, from glowing skin to a resilient mind.

Your Microbiome: The Invisible Network Keeping You in Balance

Dr. Peter Attia refers to the gut microbiome as a “key regulator of systemic health”, playing a role in digestion, immunity, metabolism, and even neurological function. Scientists now recognize that our gut microbiota influences inflammation, stress resilience, and skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and premature aging.

Gut Health & Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of premature aging and disease. Up to 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, meaning that microbial imbalances can contribute to systemic inflammation, which affects everything from digestion to skin clarity.

The Skin Microbiome: Just as the gut has a diverse ecosystem of bacteria, so does the skin. A balanced skin microbiome acts as a natural barrier, protecting against environmental stressors, pollution, and irritants. When disrupted, conditions like dryness, irritation, and breakouts become more common.

The Gut-Brain Axis: The gut produces over 90% of the body’s serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates mood. According to neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, “a healthy gut microbiome is essential for stress resilience and mental clarity”, reinforcing the idea that gut health and emotional wellbeing are deeply connected.

The Gut-Skin Connection: The gut and skin microbiome travel a 2-way street. When your gut has an excess of unhelpful bacteria producing unhealthy post-biotic products, there can be migration beyond the gut to other parts of the body – including the SKIN. This can lead to skin issues, too.
Beauty, Wellbeing, and the Microbiome: A Holistic Perspective

Integrative beauty is about treating the skin as an extension of the body and mind, rather than isolating it from overall health. A truly effective approach to beauty isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s about what’s happening beneath the surface.

At Solvasa, we believe in nourishing well-being from the inside out. While skincare supports the external microbiome, mindful rituals, balanced nutrition, and inflammatory stress management work in synergy to create lasting, radiant well-being.

Simple Ways to Support Your Microbiome for Skin & Mind Health

Prioritize Prebiotics & Probiotics – Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt help nourish good bacteria, while prebiotic-rich foods like garlic and bananas support their growth.

Manage Stress with Mindfulness – Chronic stress disrupts the gut microbiome, which can lead to flare-ups, inflammation, and premature aging. Daily mindfulness, breathwork, or even a moment of gratitude can help regulate your nervous system.  Fun (and helpful) fact: Controlled breathwork is scientifically proven to ‘tone’ your vagus nerve, a super-influencer of gut and mental health. Improving vagal tone leads to a calmer mind, balanced emotions and builds resilience. Check out Dr Andrew Weil’s 4-7-8 technique.

Choose Ingredients That Work With, Not Against, Your Skin – Just as you want to feed your gut beneficial nutrients, the same applies to your skin. Look for skincare that supports rather than strips the skin’s natural defenses.

Reduce Inflammatory Triggers – Processed foods, excess sugar, and chronic stress can disrupt the balance of both gut and skin health, contributing to inflammation. Small shifts toward whole, nutrient-rich foods may visibly improve skin vitality.

And, of course (at the risk of stating the obvious), sleep and hydration matter —a lot. Most adults are advised to get an average of at least 7 hours of sleep per night. When it comes to hydration, pale yellow urine is a reliable “Goldilocks” indicator—not too little, not too much.

The Future of Beauty is Rooted in Health

As research continues to uncover the far-reaching effects of the microbiome, it’s clear that integrative beauty is more than skin deep. By supporting the delicate balance between gut, skin, and mind, we unlock a new level of resilience and radiance—one that starts from within.

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SOLVASA® LIFE

Our mantra: Intention over Habit. Attitude over Age. Presence over Everything.

Here’s to Beauty in Your Presence®

With gratitude,

Lori Bush

 

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to your consultant who knows how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

 

Best Foods to Achieve Clear & Healthy Skin

Best Foods to Achieve Clear & Healthy Skin

by | May 3, 2024

Skin Exfoliation is important
Improve your skin by eating these foods

Improve your skin by eating these foods

Did you know that the foods you eat have a big impact on your skin’s appearance? When you’re healthy and well-nourished, your skin gets the nutrients it needs to truly flourish. Your diet can do everything from banishing acne to improving skin texture. Keep reading to learn all about the foods that make your skin glow.

Can diet really affect my skin’s appearance?

Wondering whether it’s really worth paying attention to your diet? Your diet can significantly change the apparent age of your skin. In addition to making your skin look younger, the foods you eat can stop breakouts and increase hydration. Ultimately, anyone who wants stunning skin should consider making a few changes to their diet.

The do’s and don’ts of improving your skin through your diet

Eating a clear-skin diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few essential things to know about foods that are good for your skin and foods that aren’t.

Which nutrients are important for promoting clear skin?

If you’re looking to improve your skin, fruits, and veggies are a great place to start. Research shows that vitamins C, D, E and K are essential to building healthy skin. Other important nutrients to look for include fatty acids that help moisturize skin and protein that builds new skin.

Can eating certain foods harm your skin?

Keep in mind that there are also some foods to avoid for clear skin. Most acne diets recommend avoiding dairy and excess sugar because these can lead to breakouts. You might also find that your skin is puffier and has more dark spots if you consume excessive amounts of alcohol.

7 foods to eat if you want better skin

While almost any plant-based or healthy diet can improve skin, some foods are better than others. If your priority is great skin, you need to prioritize a few specific types of nutrient-rich foods. Here are some of the best foods for skin.

Avocados

These delicious fruits contain several nutrients for healthy skin. They have antioxidants that protect your skin from damage along with fats that keep your skin looking soft and smooth. Avocados are also an excellent source of vitamin E. This essential vitamin helps to produce healthy skin, and some research suggests it might also help with skin disorders like eczema.

Sweet potatoes

Vitamin A is essential for improving the health of both the upper and lower layers of your skin. By getting enough vitamin A, you can reduce inflammation and keep collagen from breaking down. One of the easiest ways to get vitamin A is to eat sweet potatoes. These tasty veggies contain beta-carotene, which turns into one of the most bioavailable forms of vitamin A.

Fatty fish

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the best foods to keep your skin looking moisturized. When you eat enough of these ingredients, your skin looks bright and glowing. The foods highest in omega-3s are fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, and herring. You can also find plenty of omega-3 fatty acids in sardines and anchovies.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are one of the best foods for acne because they’re an excellent source of zinc. This nutrient offers you one of the most effective ways to fight acne through your diet. While there are no foods to clear skin overnight, pumpkin seeds certainly act fast. Once you get your zinc levels up, you might find that breakouts are milder and less frequent.

Bell peppers

Bell peppers contain an extremely useful blend of vitamin A and vitamin C. These vitamins help your skin to produce collagen that keeps your skin looking firm and bouncy. When looking for the best foods for skin, try to pick red or yellow peppers. The brighter versions contain more nutrients than the green peppers.

Spinach

There are a variety of great greens for skin, but spinach is one of the best foods to eat for clear skin. Its high zinc levels are very helpful for fighting off acne. Spinach also has high levels of protective vitamin C.

Red grapes

If you’re looking for fruits that are good for skin, red grapes are the ideal choice. This fruit contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant. In addition to preventing oxidative damage, red grapes contain a helpful blend of vitamin A and vitamin C to promote healthy skin growth.

How long does it take to see results after changing your diet?

Like any other dietary change, it takes some time to see results. Depending on what you eat and what your skin is like, you’ll usually need to wait at least a few weeks to experience changes. Some people say they keep noticing improvements for up to 12 weeks after they begin eating foods that are good for skin. Keep in mind that it’s important to be consistent. Getting bored and quitting after a few weeks could reverse all your impressive results.

As you can see, your diet has a huge impact on the health of your skin. By taking the time to eat a few of the foods mentioned above, you can help your skin look softer, clearer, and smoother. Of course, everyone’s body and skin are different and you should always consult with your physician to determine what diet is appropriate for you.  If you’re interested in more great tips for taking your skincare to the next level, explore the Rodan + Fields blog. 

R+F Products for Clear Skin

Rodan + Fields 4-step Unblemish Regimen helps to clear and prevent breakouts while tackling visible signs of aging like uneven skin tone, and effectively removing dirt, oil and impurities. Tackle acne and blemishes with a combination of a skin-healthy diet and the right products to reduce acne and prevent future breakouts.

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The R+F Source.

6 Ingredients to AVOID when purchasing vitamins or supplements

6 Ingredients to AVOID when purchasing vitamins or supplements

by | Aug 4, 2023

Skin Exfoliation is important
Skin Exfoliation is important

 

Today we are going to talk about 6 ingredients to avoid when shopping for vitamins or supplements. These ingredients can cause bloating, block nutrient uptake, harm the gut lining, and they are very unsustainable for our planet. Some examples include maltodextrin, citric acid, artificial dyes, colors, dyes, and flavors which are linked to a plethora of cognitive/digestive disorders. 

  • Maltodextrin is primarily derived from genetically modified corn and has been shown to cause bloating, alter the gut lining, and brain fog. [1] [3]
  • Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent mold growth in foods such as cheese, yogurt, wine, dried meat, pickles, apple cider, and many herbal dietary supplements. Potassium Sorbate may cause damage to the lymphocytes. [2]
  • Soy Lecithin has been shown to impact digestion and reduce the absorption of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc and may equally cause stunted growth in children. [5][6][7]
  • Citric acid During the 1970s citric acid was derived from fruits such as lemons and limes. But around the 1970s citric acid became derived from GMO mold & GMO corn syrup. The mold (Aspergillosis) [12] can cause inflammation [13], bloating, nausea, and other allergic reactions [14]
  • Artificial colors Artificial colors such as yellow 5 have been linked to behavior disorders[9], damage the DNA and causes cell mutation [10] and cellular damage [11] [19]
  • Artificial or Natural flavors At the moment there are about 1,300 different chemicals approved for flavoring agents and due to the current regulations companies do not need to disclose the chemicals used in a flavoring agent. These flavoring agents can be made up of just about anything including pig bones, msg, and other chemicals which may lead to health issues and alterations in dopamine [14] [15] [16]

Always remember to check the label!

 *The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

*Information sourced from 🔆Cultivateelevate.com

Best and Worst Oils to Cook With

Best and Worst Oils to Cook With

by | Jun 15, 2023

Skin Exfoliation is important
Skin Exfoliation is important

When it comes to cooking oil, organic and non gmo are a priority! ☺

The best 3 oils to cook with:

1) Coconut Oil assists in weight loss, the brain, and benefits cholesterol.

2) Olive oil assists with heart healing properties, lowering blood pressure, and stubborn fat cells.

3) Avocado oil assists with nutrient absorption, balances blood pressure, and improves arthritis

The worst 3 oils to cook with:

1) Canola oil is a process oiled derived from GMO rapeseed. Primarily refined using hexane which is a chemical used in gasoline. Linked to increasing trans fat levels and destroys the myelin sheath in the brain leading to neurological disorders. 97% Genetically modified.

2) Corn oil is derived from Monsanto’s GMO corn. This crop is heavily treated with roundup and other pesticides which are toxic to the entire body. Being high in Omega-6 this oil is linked to inflammation, cancer, and obesity. 98% Genetically modified.

3) Soybean oil is created from GMO soybean. This crop is linked to a plethora of issues. To start Soy mimics estrogen in the human body so it upsets the entire hormonal balance in both males and females. It also is very high in omega 6’s and linked to obesity, fatty liver, inflammation, heart damage, asthma, and immune system impairment. 90% genetically modified.

With the information above it is good to know the difference in the oils you use to cook or at a restaurant you plan to attend. You can always ask in advance what oil they prepare their food in. For health and longevity stick to coconut, olive, or avocado oil. These 3 benefit the body in many ways, keep the immune system strong, and have been used for centuries. 👏

PM me for the best options 🙂

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

*Information sourced from 🔆Cultivateelevate.com

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Prepare Now For Holiday Party Skin

Prepare Now For Holiday Party Skin

by | Nov 6, 2018

The holiday social whirl is fast approaching. Is your skin ready for all of those party selfies? If the answer is no, not to worry. This is the perfect time to commit — or recommit — to your skincare routine. Start now and follow this advice, and you’ll see results in time to P-A-R-T-Y this holiday season.

P is for Protect and Perfect. Defend your complexion against the elements with our groundbreaking Glow Guard: NEW Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid offers protection against the effects of environmental aggressors, dryness and UV rays. Start using it now for lasting results over time — and instant perfection. Available in six flexible shades, this tinted multitasker immediately gives your skin a polished look, blurring imperfections and camouflaging redness.

A is for Add a few enhancements. These products add a few minutes to your routine, but the results are totally next-level. Try our AMP MD Derma-Roller with your REDEFINE or REVERSE Brightening Regimen; its micro-exfoliating tips help your skin absorb products more effectively. Treat your body to our ultra-hydrating moisturizer, Active Hydration Body Replenish, for visibly softer and smoother skin. Apply R+F Lash Boost nightly for the appearance of longer-looking lashes.

R is for Regimen dedication. The easiest way to ensure your skin is gorgeous for the holidays is to care for it all year. If you aren’t already using the Rodan + Fields Regimen that addresses your skin concerns, get started now! And don’t forget your lips and eye area. Use these products as directed and your skin will always be party-ready.

T is for Take care of yourself. Healthy eating, sleeping and hydration habits often go out the window during the holidays. Make a commitment to yourself now that you won’t let that happen this year! Nourish your skin from the inside out with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water. Next, promise yourself that you will get enough sleep over the coming weeks. When you’re fatigued, your skin looks tired — which is exactly what you don’t want.

Y is for “You time.” The holidays are fun, but they can also be stressful, which doesn’t do your skin any favors. Before life gets crazy — and especially when it does — squeeze in a yoga class, read a book or get a massage. When you’re calm and happy, your skin will look the same.

Before you get the party started, here are even more ways to prepare your skin for the holidays.

Share this with friends or family members. It could save their skin — and their lives.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information taken from Derm RF.

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7 Things To Avoid If You Have Acne

7 Things To Avoid If You Have Acne

by | Oct 28, 2018

Got pimples? Here’s some helpful lifestyle advice if you or someone you love struggles with acne or has excessive breakouts, especially this time of year! 

Nearly 50 million teenagers and adults a year experience acne, the most common skin condition in the United States. Battling breakouts can be incredibly frustrating, because they can be triggered by a complex combination of factors you can’t control — including genetics, hormones and the climate you live in — and there is no quick fix.

Getting clearer skin takes a little patience and requires products that interrupt each step of the acne cycle — like the Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH Regimen. But while consistent, effective skincare is a must, making changes to your lifestyle and behavior can help, too. Here are seven habits to avoid if you have acne:

1. Washing your face too often or too vigorously. It seems counterintuitive, but cutting back on cleansing may improve your skin’s appearance. Vigorous scrubbing can irritate skin, causing more breakouts. Washing too often can strip away your skin’s essential oils, leading it to overcompensate and produce even more oil.

2. Eating dairy, sugar and white bread. It’s a myth that chocolate causes acne, but studies have shown that milk consumption and high-glycemic diets can play a part. Try dialing down the dairy, steering clear of sugar and cutting back on refined carbs and see if your skin responds.

3. Exercising in the heat. Your body may love hot yoga, but if you have acne, your skin probably doesn’t. When your skin is hot, oil glands increase production. Overheated skin is also more sensitive, which can lead to breakouts. If you absolutely can’t give up your favorite class, remove your makeup before exercising and wash your face immediately afterward so sweat, oil, and grime don’t sit there all day. If you use a sweatband, avoid wearing it across your forehead: The friction and pressure may lead to more breakouts.

4. Wearing heavy foundation. Some makeup can clog your pores. So while you might be tempted to cover your acne with lots of base and concealer, try to resist. Instead, consider NEW Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid as the finishing step in your UNBLEMISH Regimen. This groundbreaking tinted multitasker is non-acnegenic, so it won’t cause breakouts.

5. Skipping laundry day. How can sleeping on dirty pillowcases and sheets make acne worse? Any dirt, oil or leftover makeup that got on your bedding last night can end up back on your face or body tonight, clogging your pores and leading to more breakouts.

6. Passing on moisturizer. Some acne-fighting ingredients can dry out your skin, and when skin is too dry, it produces even more oil. Use a moisturizer designed for acne-prone skin daily. Rodan + Fields Oil Control Lotion, Step 4 of the UNBLEMISH Regimen, is lightweight and even has sunscreen built in.

7. Stressing out. Studies show that stress can lead to acne flare-ups — which can cause even more stress. If you notice that you break out more when your stress level rises, take measures to add some calm to your life, and see if that helps calm your skin.

Treating acne is a marathon, not a sprint. With the right skincare and a few lifestyle changes, you’ll get to the finish line even sooner.

Learn more about our UNBLEMISH Regimen.

Share this with friends or family members. It could save their skin — and their lives.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from Derm RF.

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