

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

Aug 13, 2020 • 35min
155: Oral Allergies + Cross Reactivity: How It Can Trigger Itchiness + Hives w/ Rakhi Roy, MS, RD, LDN
Have you ever hard of oral allergy syndrome? No? Well, you're not alone. My guest today will share some surprising facts about oral allergy syndrome, as well as cross-reactivity within allergies. My guest today, Rakhi Roy Chowdhury, holds a Master’s in Dietetics & Nutrition and a BA in Anthropology & Theatre. She is an actress-turned Registered Dietitian with more allergies than the average person. Her theater and film career had to take a back seat due to constant eczema flareups that prevented her from going to auditions and booking work. After realizing nutrition played a pivotal role in managing her eczema, Rakhi embraced a change in career to devote her time to helping others like herself. She is now a board licensed Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, and helps others manage their skin conditions, balance digestive issues, and follow their bliss. Join us as we dive into oral allergy syndrome: What is it? What is allergy cross-reactivity? And how can this impact the skin? Have you experienced allergen cross-reactivity? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What is oral allergy syndrome? Different classes of allergens and cross-reactivity Is oral allergy syndrome connected to the skin? Is it possible to build a tolerance to the allergen? Quotes “Oral allergy syndrome is a little bit more of a milder allergy. It usually never results in a life threatening reaction. It might be really uncomfortable. There are instances where people will just eat the food and their mouth gets really itchy.” [1:31] “There is no set standardized test for oral allergy syndrome at the moment, unfortunately. So you do really need to go to an experienced allergist. Someone who's actually an immunologist, who actually does the research.” [12:42] Links Find Rakhi online Allergen Cross-Reactivity eGuide Follow Rakhi 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/

Aug 6, 2020 • 34min
154: Candida Rashes + SIFO w/ Dr. Christine Maren
Many of us are familiar with SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth). But have you heard of its cousin, SIFO (small intestine fungal overgrowth)? My guest today will explain in detail what it is, and how it may be related to skin rash issues. My guest today is Dr. Christine Maren, an osteopathic physician and the founder of a functional medicine practice in Colorado, Michigan and Texas. She is also the co-founder of Hey Mami, an online resource to help women navigate a healthy and happy mamihood. Dr. Maren was introduced to functional medicine after struggling with pregnancy complications and recurrent miscarriages. A functional medicine approach helped her address underlying health issues associated with gut infections, food sensitivities, hypothyroidism, hormone imbalance, and mold exposure. Now a mother of 3, she’s devoted her professional life to helping other women optimize their health during pregnancy, thrive postpartum, and get their life back. Dr. Maren is board-certified in Family Medicine and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP). Join us as we talk about SIBO, SIFO, and skin rashes. Has your skin rash been triggered by fungal overgrowth? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What is SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)? What is SIFO (small intestine fungal overgrowth)? Are they gut issues? Can you test for SIFO? Is there a connection between SIBO, SIFO, and rosacea? Causes of SIFO Treatment options that you should consider Quotes “SIBO is small intestine bacterial overgrowth. SIFO is small intestine fungal overgrowth. So you could have one, or you could have both concurrently.” [2:37] “I see patients with fungal overgrowth who have all sorts of stuff. They have skin issues, sometimes psoriasis, sometimes eczema, whatever it might be. So skin issues, digestive issues, sometimes even urinary symptoms and yeah, I think that treating it helps things go in the right direction. It's like your body spins back into orbit once we can rebalance things.” [26:18] Links Find Dr. Maren online here and here Download Dr. Maren's FREE ebook, 12 Ways to Detox Your Home Healthy Skin Show ep. 019: SIBO-Rosacea Connection w/ Dr. Leonard Weinstock Follow Dr. Maren on Instagram here and here | Facebook here and 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/

Jul 30, 2020 • 42min
153: Steroids + Cortisol: How To Pinpoint Adrenal Problems w/ Dr. Carrie Jones
Adrenal insufficiency is a relatively new term for when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol. Did you know that steroids can play a role in cortisol suppression? My guest today is Dr. Carrie Jones, an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women’s health and hormones. Dr. Carrie graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), School of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon where she also completed her 2-year residency in women’s health, hormones and endocrinology. Later, she graduated from Grand Canyon University’s Master of Public Health program with a goal of doing more international education. She was adjunct faculty for many years teaching gynecology and advanced endocrinology/fertility and has been the Medical Director for 2 large integrative clinics in Portland. Dr. Carrie is the Medical Director for Precision Analytical, Inc, creators of the DUTCH hormone test. Join us as we talk about how long-term exposure to steroids (creams and inhaled) has the potential to affect cortisol levels. Have you experiences adrenal insufficiency as a result of long-term steroid exposure? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What are hydrocortisone and cortisone cream? Can topical steroids cause problems with brain signaling? How does steroid use affect cortisol production? How can the DUTCH Test help? Are cortisol and hair loss related? Quotes “Hydrocortisone is really hydrolyzed cortisol. So hydrocortisone is really cortisol in a tube.” [3:34] “Cortisol is really responsible for our blood sugar regulation. It's really helpful for our immune system. It's really anti-inflammatory, it's really important to help us switch us into alertness in the morning. It's really helpful to monitor in effect auto immune disease. It's really important for memory and mood. And it's like Goldilocks, we don't want too much, we don't want too little.” [13:14] Links Find Dr. Carrie online Adrenal Insufficiency in Corticosteroid Use: A Systemic Review and Meta Analysis Use coupon healthyskin50 for $50 off a DUTCH Complete or DUTCH Plus test Healthy Skin Show ep. 104: Topical B12 For Skin Rashes w/ Dr. Peter Lio Follow Dr. Carrie 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/

Jul 23, 2020 • 43min
152: Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Integrative Approach w/ Dr. Hadar Lev-Tov
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a condition that affects many people, but isn't well-known. I struggled with it for a while, initially mistaking it for some sort of cancer because of the painful lump in my armpit! My guest today, Hadar Lev-Tov, MD, MAS, is an Assistant Professor, and the Director of the Wound Healing Fellowship Program at the University of Miami, Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, the Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Lev-Tov completed his residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and obtained a Master degree in clinical research from the University of California, Davis. His research interests include the treatment and prevention of chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers as well as hidradenitis suppurativa. Dr. Lev-Tov's work is supported in part by the Dermatology Foundation, NIH and industry. He is also the co-host of the popular Learnskin Podcast. He specifically enjoys bringing an integrative approach to each of his patients Join us as we talk about Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a painful skin condition that can be very difficult to treat, especially because it is not well-known in the medical community. Do you successfully manage your HS? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What is Hidradenitis Suppurative (HS)? What causes HS? Why does HS feel worse during exercise/sweating? When to address it How doe hormones affect HS? Can nutrition help with Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Quotes “So maybe there's a genetic background. We know that it runs in certain families and it's been associated with some syndromes that we can actually pinpoint to a gene, but it's not everybody. So, we can't say everybody has a genetic part. And the other part that may play a role are hormones.” [5:06] “It's a disease that's easy to hide. So, the patients really suffer quietly. They hide it, they don't want to talk about it. It's very cruel disease, very cruel. And the suffering is just unbelievable.” [9:50] Links Find Dr. Lev-Tov online Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation Healthy Skin Show ep. 103: Hidradenitis Suppurativa: The Tip That Stopped My Flares Jennifer's appearance on the LearnSkin Podcast: An Inside-Out Approach: The Role of Nutritionists and Nutrition in Healthy Skin Diabetes.Org Follow Dr. Lev-Tov 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/

Jul 16, 2020 • 32min
151: How Eczema Changed My Life (So I Could Help Others) w/ Rakhi Roy, MS, RD, LDN
Eczema is a common skin condition that can, ironically, make people feel very isolated. My guest today will share about her journey with eczema, and how it inspired her to become an advocate for others with this skin rash. My guest today, Rakhi Roy Chowdhury, holds a Master’s in Dietetics & Nutrition and a BA in Anthropology & Theatre. She is an actress-turned Registered Dietitian with more allergies than the average person. Her theater and film career had to take a back seat due to constant eczema flareups that prevented her from going to auditions and booking work. After realizing nutrition played a pivotal role in managing her eczema, Rakhi embraced a change in career to devote her time to helping others like herself. She is now a board licensed Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, and helps others manage their skin conditions, balance digestive issues, and follow their bliss. Join us as we talk about Rakhi's journey with eczema, interesting observations about how eczema shows up on different skin tones, and more. Has your eczema been misdiagnosed as hyperpigmentation? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: Rakhi's journey with eczema Why is Rakhi so passionate about advocating for those struggling with eczema? How does inflammation show up on darker skin? How does Rakhi track her symptoms? Quotes “For me, it'll be a lot of fermentable types of foods and grains that will start to make me itchy and I do notice it with the histamines.” [11:47] “I don't think this experience is a negative thing. I think it makes you humble. You have to give yourself grace in these moments and really find out what it's teaching you.” [16:16] Links Find Rakhi online More Than Skin Deep PDF Follow Rakhi 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/

Jul 9, 2020 • 34min
150: Understanding Epstein-Barr Virus + Skin Rashes w/ Dr. Kasey Holland
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is commonly known as mono or the kissing disease. EBV can cause a host of problems in the body, including the skin. Today's guest is here to explain all about EBV. My guest today, Dr. Kasey Holland, is a licensed Naturopathic doctor. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA through a four-year CNME accredited program. While there she completed specialty rotations in environmental medicine, immune wellness, oncology, IV therapy, Parkinson’s disease, emergency medicine and mind body medicine. After this, she worked in an Integrative health clinic that incorporated functional medicine during her residency. This has provided her with exposure to a wide variety of pathologies and patient care in order to serve you better. She has always been passionate about helping people overcome mystery and chronic illnesses. This was further solidified after her own health obstacles. Dr. Kasey's specialties include the toxic trio: chronic EBV, Lyme disease, mold exposure. Join us as we talk about EBV: What it is, what causes it to reactivate, and how to get tested. Have you experienced reactivating Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What is Epstein-Barr Virus? How and why does Epstein-Barr reactivate? Classic, and unusual, symptoms of EBV How to get tested for EBV Relationship between EBV and candida How does EBV affect the skin? Is there a link between reactivated EBV and shingles? Quotes “Epstein-Barr virus is commonly known as mono and the kissing disease. That's what we always think of it as. So, usually, you get it when you're a child, sometimes it's later in high school or college. You might not ever know that you've had it because it can be extremely mild and self-limiting.” [2:34] “When EBV is reactivated, it definitely does cause problems. No doubt about it. It has pathways that it turns on that are extremely inflammatory, that are linked to autoimmune conditions, cancers, all sorts of scary things. But hardly ever would I say that it's just Epstein-Barr virus reactivating that's leading to people with symptoms.” [5:58] Links Find Dr. Kasey online Follow Dr. Kasey 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/

Jul 2, 2020 • 33min
149: How Staph Aureus Wrecks Your Skin w/ Dr. Julie Greenberg
Staph may not immediately come to mind when thinking about skin rash flares, but it can actually play a huge role! My guest today will break down how staph aureus can damage your skin. My guest today, Dr. Julie Greenberg, is a licensed ND who specializes in integrative dermatology. She is the founder of the Center for Integrative Dermatology, a holistic dermatology clinic that approaches skin problems by finding and treating the root cause. Dr. Greenberg hold degrees from Northwestern University, Stanford University and Bastyr University, and received advanced clinical training at the Dermatology Clinic at the University of Washington Medical School and at the Pediatric Dermatology Center at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She is also the Program Chair of the Naturopathic & Integrative Dermatology series on LearnSkin.com, a learning platform for integrative health care professionals. Join us as we talk about staph aureus: how it relates to eczema, how it can damage the skin, and much more. Has staph aureus been found to be the cause of your skin rash? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What is the relationship between eczema and staph? Should the pH of the skin be acidic or alkaline? What is the relationship between staph and the nose? How does staph damage the skin? Can people with atopic dermatitis have staph aureus in the GI tract as well? Quotes “People are surprised to learn, the healthy place for skin is an acidic pH. And that is so important, and particularly as it relates to things like staph and other pathogens.” [4:59] “People get misdiagnosed with eczema when it's actually malassezia, which is a yeast that causes dandruff.” [10:38] Links Find Dr. Greenberg online Healthy Skin Show ep. 107: Symptoms Of A Staph Infection On Your Skin LearnSkin course that I coauthoredReady 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/

Jun 25, 2020 • 34min
148: How I Turned My Psoriasis Around + Got My Life Back {CLIENT STORY} w/ Lisa Stodola
I am so grateful to today's guest for being here because she's actually one of my clients. She asked if I could share her story, because her journey with psoriasis has definitely had some low lows. And, she dug herself out of those lows. My guest today is Lisa Stodola. Lisa is a stay at home mom of two kids: a girl (9) and a boy (8). She enjoys photography, being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family, and friends. Lisa loves hot weather, but she lives in the midwest where winter is long and summer is never long enough. Join us as we talk about Lisa's journey with psoriasis, and how she managed to turn it around. Have you had a similar experience with psoriasis? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: When and where did Lisa's psoriasis start? Why did Lisa feel like she'd exhausted the conventional treatment options? Common diet changes Lisa made that actually made her feel worse Why did Lisa start looking at her root cause? Quotes “It was down to where I was eating a banana a day because I was so afraid to eat anything else.” [5:47] “Get some testing done just to see where your levels are at with your vitamins, minerals and thyroid.” [15:15] Links {NEW} Skin Rash Root Cause Finder eGuide DIY Stomach Acid Test Healthy Skin Show ep. 065: Why Protein Is Good For Your Skin (And Solving Skin Rashes) Healthy Skin Show ep. 101: Psoriasis-Thyroid Connection Healthy Skin Show ep. 067: Best Stress Relief Tips For Skin RashesReady 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/

Jun 18, 2020 • 35min
147: Could Breast Implant Illness Be Your Rash Trigger? w/ Dr. Anthony Youn
Today's episode is focused on breast implant illness, and its possible link to skin rashes. My guest will explain exactly what breast implant illness is, and why women may experience it. My guest today, Anthony Youn, M.D. F.A.C.S, is known as America's Holistic Beauty Doc. He is a nationally-recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon. Recognized as a leader in his field, Dr. Youn is the author of the best-selling books The Age Fix: A Leading Plastic Surgeon Reveals How To Really Look Ten Years Younger and In Stitches: A Memoir. His public television special, The Age Fix with Dr. Anthony Youn, has been viewed by millions. Dr. Youn also hosts the popular podcast, The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show. His new book, Playing God: The Evolution of a Modern Surgeon, details his humorous, heartwarming, and often harrowing journey to become a leading plastic surgeon. He is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Oakland University / William Beaumont School of Medicine. Join us as we talk about breast implant illness, and whether it could be a factor in skin rashes. Have you experienced symptoms of breast implant illness? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What is breast implant illness? What causes breast implant illness? Is it normal to react to silicone? Do women who have had breast implants removed see a difference in their symptoms? How would a skin rash present itself? Quotes “Inside the silicone rubber implant is either saline or salt water or is a silicone gel. We don't know what it is that you react to. Most likely it's the fact that it's silicone that's inside your body that you're reacting to because you shouldn't react to saline.” [4:41] “There are a lot of reasons you get rashes, and people get rashes and they don't have breast implants. But if you get to that point where you say, "I am sick, and we can't figure out what's going on with me," and you have breast implants, then that's something to definitely look into.” [13:31] Links Resources on Topical Steroid Withdrawal Find Dr. Youn online Download Dr. Youn's FREE eGuides, “What to Eat to Look Younger” AND “Ten Things Every Plastic Surgery Patient Must Know” Jennifer's appearance on Dr. Youn's podcast, The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show – Episode 136: The Healthy Skin Diet Healthy Skin Show episode 033: Tackling Scars And How To Support SensitReady 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/

Jun 11, 2020 • 32min
146: Chlorine + Bath Additives w/ Christa Biegler, RD
Today's episode is all about bath additives. Bleach baths, chlorine baths, colloidal oatmeal baths, Epsom salt baths...my guest and I cover all this and more! My guest today is Christa Biegler, host of the Less Stressed Life podcast and has an integrative nutrition private practice focusing on skin, digestive, autoimmune and allergy issues. She started The Less Stressed Life as a play on words for anti-inflammatory life. She lives with her unicycling husband and kids in the rural Midwest. Join us as we talk about the different kinds of additives in a bath that may help with skin irritation and inflammation. Have baths with different additives helped your skin rashes? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: Why do bleach baths sometimes work? Christa's personal story with eczema Other bath additives that you probably haven't thought of Why oatmeal can be helpful and soothing Can hard water be an eczema trigger? Eczema Relief Diet Quotes “The whole point of detergent is to pull oils off of the skin, which are going to compromise that skin barrier in someone who's already compromised.” [10:59] “[Colloidal oatmeal is] an anti-inflammatory, it's got some flavonoids in it and some alkaloids and some sterols that have this anti-inflammatory and barrier repairing effect.” [13:30] Links Find Christa online The Eczema Relief Diet: Short-Term Plans to Identify Triggers and Soothe Flareups Christa's free online training Christa's guide of things not to do if you have a child with eczema Healthy Skin Show ep. 042: How Sulfur Can Trigger Skin Rashes w/ Christa Biegler Healthy Show ep. 128: Eczema Sleep Problems w/ Christa Biegler, RD Healthy Skin Show ep. 116: Can Chlorine In Water Harm Your Skin? w/ Lara Adler Jennifer's appearance on the Less Stressed Life podcast: Why you shouldn't use coconut oil on your skin Follow Christa on Twitter ǀ Facebook ǀ Instagram ǀ 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/