

The Healthy Skin Show
Jennifer Fugo, MS, CNS, Clinical Nutritionist
Ready to finally get to the bottom of your skin issues?If you’ve been searching for answers beyond the standard prescriptions and creams — welcome! The Healthy Skin Show is your go-to podcast for sensitive skin warriors who are ready to dig deep, challenge the status quo, and uncover the real root causes behind stubborn skin problems that just won’t quit.Hosted by clinical nutritionist Jennifer Fugo — a leading expert in functional nutrition for chronic skin conditions — each episode takes you on a journey through the latest research, empowering strategies, and overlooked connections between your gut, liver detox, immune system, and skin.Whether you're dealing with eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, rosacea, chronic hives (urticaria), histamine intolerance, perioral dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, or something your doctor can’t identify, this show offers real, practical insights to help you heal from the inside out.You'll walk away with eye-opening ideas, practical tools, and a fresh perspective on how to support your skin naturally — all without rigid food rules or trendy fads.Tune in and take the first step toward healthier, calmer, more resilient skin — and a body that finally feels like it’s working with you, not against you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 11, 2021 • 30min
185: Holistic Approach For Dealing With Melasma w/ Dr. Kiran Sethi
Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation. It can be tricky to treat, because it has a huge hormonal component that's still not completely understood. My guest today is here to shed some light on this complex skin condition. My guest today, Dr. Kiran Sethi, is a Columbia University educated skin and wellness doctor, with further specializations in cosmetic formulations, lasers and aesthetics. She has been named Elle magazine’s best skin expert, and is best known for her integrative approach to beauty from the inside out. Join us as we talk about the holistic approach to dealing with melasma. How are you managing your melasma? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What is melasma? Who can it affect? What are the standard treatment options for melasma? How to address the hormonal component How does stress and mindset play into melasma? Melasma triggers Factors to consider when thinking about using hydroquinone or other skin-bleaching agents Quotes “Melasma is a bit trickier than any other typical pigmentation disorder, because the typical pigmentation disorder, we can just treat it, remove it, but melasma depends on sort of the dynamic interconnection of a host of different hormones.” [1:16] “There's different types of melasma, depending on where it shows up. There's also more surface melasma, there's more deep melasma, there's mixed melasma, there's more like a vascular type of melasma. There's all different types of melasma and we treat them a little bit differently.” [1:49] Links Find Dr. Sethi online here Follow Dr. Sethi on Instagram | InstagramReady to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Mar 4, 2021 • 16min
184: Is Collagen Good For Eczema, Psoriasis + Other Skin Rashes?
Have you wondered if collagen could be helpful for your rashes and skin health? I’ve been asked if collagen is good for eczema or psoriasis more times than I can count. Recently I got a ton of requests from our community about collagen so I figured it was time to do a deep dive into the pros and cons of using collagen. To be fair, collagen isn’t good for everyone (and I talk more about that in this article). But for many, they might find that it could give an extra boost to their health AND skin on their journey. I personally take collagen daily and recommend it to clients. So here are my thoughts on all things collagen! In this episode: What is collagen + where is it found naturally in food? Do vegan or plant-based sources of collagen exist? Topical steroids + collagen production in your body Thoughts on topical collagen for thinned skin How to add collagen to your daily diet What to look for when buying a collagen supplement Who should avoid collagen supplements Quotes: There’s no such thing as vegan collagen, nor plant-based sources of collagen because it’s only made in animals + fish. It’s still unclear if collagen supplements can help skin that’s been thinned from topical steroid use.Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Feb 25, 2021 • 36min
183: Adult Acne: Gut, Topical Products + Nutrient Issues w/ Vivien Allred, NTP, CNHC, BANT
Adult acne can have various root causes, and it's important to focus on those causes when trying to clear the skin. My guest today is here to share more information about adult acne. My guest today, Vivien Allred, studied to become a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist after struggling with many health issues during early adulthood. Getting no answers from conventional medicine, Vivien decided to take her health into her own hands and is now thriving. Her passion is to help other women identify and address the root causes of their symptoms, including acne, hair loss, and period problems. Vivien provides a ton of health education on her social media accounts and website. She also hosts a women’s health podcast ‘Hormones in Harmony’, where she interviews expert guests in the healthcare and nutrition industry. Join us as we talk about adult acne, and how the gut, topical products, and nutrient issues play a role. Has gut health and nutrient issues played a role in your adult acne? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: Vivien's journey with acne Connection between acne and gut issues Teen vs. adult acne Vivien's take on topical products, and her recommendations What is the difference between fungal driven acne and bacterial driven acne? Quotes “If your gut is not healthy, other things can't function, particularly hormones and particularly the skin.” [8:09] “I've always said a good topical skincare routine can make a big difference, and it did for me as well, but I think it's 80-90% internally driven, and maybe 10-20% external.” [15:05] Links Find Vivien online here Healthy Skin Show ep. 076: What You Need To Know About Acne, Accutane & Antibiotics w/ Dr. Raja Sivamani Healthy Skin Show ep. 169: Why Is Zinc So Important For Your Skin? Healthy Skin Show ep. 166: Mold + Histamine Connection w/ Dr. Jill Crista Interested in trying MegaSporeBiotic? CLICK HERE! Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Feb 18, 2021 • 32min
182: Fascinating research on Staph Infections + Probiotics (PART 2) w/ Kiran Krishnan
This is a two-part interview! Today I continue my conversation with Kiran Krishnan about the potential role that certain probiotics can to potentially eliminate Staph infections. My guest today is Kiran Krishnan, a Research Microbiologist who has been involved in the dietary supplement and nutrition market for the past 18 years. He comes from a University research background, having spent several years with hands-on R&D in the fields of molecular medicine and microbiology at the University of Iowa. Kiran established a Clinical Research Organization where he designed and conducted dozens of human clinical trials in human nutrition. He is also a co-founder and partner in Nu Science Trading, LLC.: a nutritional technology development and research company. In addition, Kiran is a co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Microbiome Labs that makes products like MegasporeBiotic + MegaIgG2000. Kiran is currently involved in 16 novel human clinical trials on probiotics and the human microbiome. Join us as we continue our discussion about some really interesting research about staph infections and probiotics. Have you tried MegaSporeBiotic? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: How fast does MegaSpore work? Is it a quick fix? Managing expectations -- How long does it take to rebalance your GI tract? Bacillus probiotics -- are they colonizers or transitory guests in the gut? Topical application of Bacillus + skin infections How to take MegaSpore when on antibiotics Quotes “Staph is a phenomenal competitor. So it's not like they're just going to go away quietly, so they're going to fight back and it's going to be a battle and it'll take some time.” [22:16] “We actually have one study we published not last year, but the year before showing that getting the spores into the system will start to help to recover the system from the auxiliary damage that antibiotics can do.” [33:46] Links Click HERE to try MegaSporeBiotic Healthy Skin Show ep. 10 How Your Skin Health Is Tied To Your Whole-Body Health w/ Kiran Krishnan Healthy Skin Show ep. 11 The Role Of Probiotics When It Comes To Skin Health w/ Kiran Krishnan Follow Kiran Krishnan on Instagram Article: The probiotic that kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria STUDY: Pathogen elimination by probiotic Bacillus via signallingReady to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Feb 11, 2021 • 29min
181: Fascinating Research On Staph Infections + Probiotics (PART 1) w/ Kiran Krishnan
This is a two-part interview! Keep an eye out for Part 2, coming soon! Research came out recently showing that certain beneficial bacteria have the potential to help combat MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which is an antibiotic-resistant bacteria. I wanted to share this fascinating research with you because staph infections are a big deal for many in this community! My guest today is Kiran Krishnan, a Research Microbiologist who has been involved in the dietary supplement and nutrition market for the past 18 years. He comes from a University research background, having spent several years with hands-on R&D in the fields of molecular medicine and microbiology at the University of Iowa. Kiran established a Clinical Research Organization where he designed and conducted dozens of human clinical trials in human nutrition. He is also a co-founder and partner in Nu Science Trading, LLC.: a nutritional technology development and research company. In addition, Kiran is a co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Microbiome Labs that has created products like Megasporebiotic + MegaIgG2000. Kiran is currently involved in 16 novel human clinical trials on probiotics and the human microbiome. Join us as we discuss some really interesting research about staph infections and probiotics. Has Bacillus Subtilis improved the condition of your skin? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: The research on probiotics and Staph Shocking ways that Staph spreads + literally gets everywhere Can you have Staph aureus in your gut? Do other Bacillus strains also help, or does it just seem to be Bacillus Subtilis? How can MegaSporeBiotic help those with C. diff? Quotes “When you look at cell count, we have more microbial cells than human cells, and every square millimeter of our body (including our skin) is covered with microbes.” [13:58] “If your immune system is not tuned to detecting and dealing with MRSA, then you're going to have a hard time dealing with it on the skin as well.” [15:09] Links Click HERE to try MegaSporeBiotic Healthy Skin Show ep. 10 How Your Skin Health Is Tied To Your Whole-Body Health w/ Kiran Krishnan Healthy Skin Show ep. 11 The Role Of Probiotics When It Comes To Skin Health w/ Kiran Krishnan Follow Kiran Krishnan on Instagram Article: The proReady to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Feb 4, 2021 • 38min
180: How Hormones Impact Your Immune System + Skin Health w/ Heather Zwickey, PhD
Did you know that your hormones and immune system have a complex relationship? This relationship can impact how often we get sick, why women are more prone to autoimmune conditions than men, why more and more people have environmental allergies, and why we develop skin rashes. My guest today, Heather Zwickey, earned a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship and teach medical school at Yale University. At the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR, Dr. Zwickey launched the Helfgott Research Institute and established the School of Graduate Studies, developing programs in research, nutrition, and global health, among others. Dr. Zwickey applies her immunology expertise to natural medicine research, and she currently leads an NIH funded clinical research training program. She teaches at many universities and speaks at conferences worldwide. Join us as we talk about how the immune system and cytokines can be related to skin conditions. Did you know about the relationship between your immune system and your skin? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: Relationship between hormones (like estrogen and cortisol) + your immune system What are Th1 + Th2? If you've got lots of allergies, there's a big reason why! Helminth worm therapy -- umm, what is that (and how is it related to allergies)? How does cortisol impact the immune system (especially if you've got Topical Steroid Withdrawal) Quotes “There's no one hormone that affects the immune system. They all affect the immune system.” [0:43] “A Th1 response is a set of cells and proteins that are designed to respond to bacteria and virus and a Th2 response is a set of cells and proteins designed to respond to worms and parasites.” [8:10] Links Find Dr. Zwickey online here GRAB –> Jennifer's Allergen Cross-Reactivity eGuide Healthy Skin Show ep. 072: Sex Hormone-Skin Rash Connection w/ Dr. Carrie Jones Follow Dr. Zwickey on InstagramReady to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Jan 28, 2021 • 14min
179: The Best Diet To Fix Your Skin Rashes
Have you ever wondered what is the best diet to fix your skin rashes? There’s sooo many suggestions out there -- which to choose? Most people cycle through so many diet variations without much lasting success leaving them frustrated and feeling like a failure. And for many, the joy that food and mealtime used to have disappears. You also begin to draw conclusions about how certain foods trigger your skin that might not be entirely accurate… ultimately placing too much blame on food. As your diet becomes increasingly limited, other problems can pop up -- all on the quest to simply fix your skin. I’d like to help you avoid these pitfalls and better understand what role diet can play. I have a sneaking suspicion that you have been misled to believe that diet alone should be more helpful than it really is. I invite you to keep an open-mind and join me as I share some valuable insights that I’ve gain from working directly on cases in my practice. In this episode: Can diet changes alone fix chronic skin rashes? (my controversial opinion) Recent client story using an elimination diet approach Is there ONE diet that can really fix your rashes? Do elimination diets cause more harm than good for skin problems? What you should keep in mind when using diet as a tool on your journey Quotes: The overuse of elimination diets is incredibly troubling because it pits you against food which is, above all, nourishment. Real-life consequences of overly relying on elimination diets have now created a trend of disordered eating and food fear that is alarming and harmful.Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Jan 21, 2021 • 38min
178: Using Probiotics For Eczema in Little Ones w/ Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS
We've talked a lot on the show about how gut health plays a role in the health of the skin. But is this the case in children as well? My guest today will explain all about the skin-gut connection, specifically in little ones. My guest today, Jennifer Brand, MPH, MS, CNS is an integrative and clinical nutritionist and the founder of Jennifer Caryn Brand Nutrition. She specializes in childhood skin rashes (eczema in particular), food allergies and sensitivities, and gut problems. Jennifer’s own struggle with gut problems and disordered eating, her father’s battle with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, her brother’s diagnosis of psoriasis, and her mother’s diagnosis of vitiligo left her frustrated and stirred her search for a different approach as conventional means fell flat. She's is a faculty member of LearnSkin, and her work has been featured in peer-reviewed scientific journals, Voyagela, as well as on podcasts, online summits, and in-person presentations. Join us as we discuss the use of probiotics in children as a tool to help combat eczema. Have probiotics helped your child's skin condition? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: In Jennifer's experience, in what percentage of babies and children is the microbiome one of the main problems? The problem with eliminating too many foods from a child's diet What is the gut-skin connection? How can probiotics support better skin health? MegaSporeBiotic dosage tips for children Benefits of prebiotics Quotes “By addressing what's happening in the gut, we can get some resolution to what's happening on the skin.” [2:01] “When we start taking food after food out of the diet and especially when we start taking otherwise healthy foods, like certain fruits and vegetables, the diet becomes smaller and smaller and more restricted, and we start to risk nutrient deficiency, nutrient insufficiency, and nutrient deficiency in little ones.” [2:46] Links Interested in trying MegaSporeBiotic? Click HERE to grab a bottle! Find Jennifer Brand online Get Jennifer Brand's FREE Guide To Beat Your Little One's Eczema HERE Get Jennifer Brand's FREE Guide To Probiotics For Skin Rashes Healthy Skin Show episode 008: Identifying The Chemical Triggers Behind Your Skin Flare Ups w/ Jennifer Brand Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Jan 14, 2021 • 15min
177: Liver Detox - Skin Rash Connection, Part 1
I’m often asked so many questions about liver detoxification. You can find so many different people promoting liver detoxes as “the way” to help rashes. My approach (as you probably know) differs greatly. Partly due to my own personal experience living with hand eczema and also from working directly with clients. I generally do not ever recommend liver detoxes or cleanses. And for some who have a histamine problem or have allergies to pollen — I recommend you steer clear! In this episode, I’m going to break down the different phases of liver detoxification so that you can understand my perspective. Yes, it’s complicated and I have tried not to get too nerdy on this (because biochemistry can be confusing). Join me as we dive headfirst into the liver detox-skin rash connection! In this episode: 3 phases of liver detoxification Distinct role of each phase of liver detox How nutrients play a role in liver detoxification Problem with using herbs to “detox your liver” Ways that your liver detox system can become overwhelmed Quotes: Phase 2 detox handles the burden from Phase 1 AND everything that doesn’t need to go through Phase 1. Liver detoxes that include herbs generally speed up Phase 1 detox resulting in a lot of more toxic byproducts.Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Jan 7, 2021 • 32min
176: Dealing With Recurrent Skin Infections w/ Dr. Peter Lio
Do you struggle with recurrent skin infections, like staph or strep? In today's episode, my guest and I discuss what can cause recurrent skin infections, the difference between a skin rash flare and a skin infection, and ways to reduce skin infections. My guest today is Dr. Peter Lio, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship in Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, and his Dermatology training at Harvard where he served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. While at Harvard, he received formal training in acupuncture. Dr. Lio has written a textbook on Integrative Dermatology and has published over 100 papers. Join us as we talk about the possible causes of recurrent skin infections, and steps you can take to reduce them. Have you experienced recurrent skin infections (e.g. staph or strep)? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: Can you get a skin infection from products you are using on your skin regularly? More hygienic ways to use skin products Considerations if you get recurrent skin infections (like staph infections) Should you seek treatment for a skin infection? What are other skin infections? Quotes “I really think there is something to this concept that people who are heavily colonized, if that's how we want to call it, it's not just a benign bystander. It is actually doing bad stuff to the skin.” [16:07] “Such a big portion of my practice is recurrent staph infection and staph colonization…One of the big triggers I think is having multiple family members who are colonized.” [5:33] Links Find Dr. Lio Online Healthy Skin Show ep. 001: How to Protect & Strengthen Your Skin Barrier w/ Dr. Peter Lio Healthy Skin Show ep. 037: Nickel Allergy And Eczema w/ Dr. Peter Lio Healthy Skin Show ep. 104: Topical B12 For Skin Rashes w/ Dr. Peter Lio Healthy Skin Show ep. 136: Alternative Solutions For Rosacea w/ Dr. Peter Lio Healthy Skin Show ep. 004: A Groundbreaking Approach To Treating Atopic Eczema w/ Dr. Richard Aron Healthy Skin Show ep. 106: What The Heck Is Eczema Herpeticum? w/ Abby Lai Call Dr. Lio's office at (312) 995-1955 to order Pink Magic cream Follow Dr. Lio on Twitter | FacebookReady to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/