

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 24, 2020 • 20min
125: Hand Washing: How To Naturally Avoid Dry, Cracked, Painful Hands
The general consensus right now is that all of this hand washing (while needed) is triggering cracked, painful, dry hands. Anyone with rashes on their hands is especially stressed about the excessive hand washing. Look, I think we ALL get it. We have to wash our hands right now. But how do you handle all this hand washing while balancing your skin’s needs to stay moisturized? As the coronavirus pandemic here in the US gained momentum, I was sitting in the hospital with my dad all day, every day before he passed away. Hospitals are not a place anyone wants to spend lots of time in especially during a pandemic! Needless to say, I was washing my hands a ton (with the commercial soap they had in the hospital) and using their hand sanitizers. How my hands looked just after one day of this was frightening! The pain of what felt like a thousand papercuts all over my hands because of my eczema flares years ago has certainly given me some sort of PTSD. I didn’t want to go back and recognized quickly that I wasn’t alone as more people in my community voiced the same exact concerns. Today’s episode is specifically geared to help you know how to wash and moisturize your hands so that you don’t end up with excessively painful, cracked, dried-out skin. In this episode: Living in a world of excessive handwashing to reduce the risk of viral infections Why lots of handwashing quickly wrecks your hands 2 biggest reasons why your skin barrier breaks down Natural soap alternatives (you’ve never thought of) How to make your own foaming soap that’s way less harsh Best practices for moisturizing your hands after washing Quotes: Commercial or conventional soap products made with petro-chemicals, like mineral oil, will strip away your skin’s natural oils. For your hands, use a really thick cream because lighter lotions (like what you use on your face) will not cut it right now due to higher water content.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/

Mar 19, 2020 • 31min
124: Diet Changes For Autoimmune Skin Conditions Like Scleroderma w/ Dr. Terry Wahls
Autoimmune skin conditions like scleroderma can progress rapidly. However, safe, well-researched diet and lifestyle changes could slow down the progression of the skin condition. My guest today is Dr. Terry Wahls, an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa, where she conducts clinical trials. In 2018, Dr. Wahls was awarded the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Linus Pauling Award for her contributions in research, clinical care and patient advocacy. She is also a patient with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, which confined her to a tilt-recline wheelchair for four years. Dr. Wahls restored her health using a diet and lifestyle program she designed specifically for her brain and now pedals her bike to work each day. Dr. Wahls is the author of The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles. The updated and revised edition of The Wahls Protocol launched 3/17/2020. NEED LINK Join us as we discuss how diet can impact autoimmune skin conditions, and Dr. Wahls's latest book. Have you used diet and lifestyle changes to improve your skin condition? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: Dr. Wahls's journey with MS Other conditions that Dr. Wahls has seen success with using the Wahls Protocol Why the Wahls Protocol might be helpful for autoimmune skin conditions Scleroderma What does "nutrient-dense" mean? Quotes “As your cells can do the chemistry of life more properly, typically the dysfunction that led to whatever the underlying disease state is, with whatever the skin condition might be, whether it's an autoimmune problem or a degenerative problem will likely begin to calm and self heal.” [23:05] “The most important lesson to learn is you want to focus on creating health. And to do that, it's about health behaviors. It is about improving, giving yourselves more of what they need to run the chemistry of life, and to get rid of your body and out of your lifestyle, the types of factors that promote disease.” [23:31] Links Find Dr. Wahls online Get The Updated and Revised Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles here Download the FREE one-page handout for the Wahls™ Diet here Pick up a copies of Dr. Wahls's research papers here Genova Diagnostics Healthy Skin Show ep. 049: Why Are My Skin Rashes Making MeReady 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 17, 2020 • 12min
123: Immunosuppressants, Biologic Medications + Coronavirus - Are You More At Risk?
“Am I at greater risk of getting really sick from the Coronavirus because of the medication I’m taking?” It’s a good question. Especially because many people who suffer from severe skin rash conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis may be on immunosuppressants or biologic medications. I’ve seen this question posed a number of times online and it’s something I wondered myself. Unfortunately, there isn’t much direction provided to our skin rash community even from the big advocacy organizations at this point. I figured that I’d start asking around to help you get a straight answer. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the response that I got from a Healthy Skin Show guest Dr. Peter Lio and an official statement from one organization. Plus I’ve got a list of medications that could be a concern so you know whether it’s time to give your doctor a call. In this episode: Should you worry about your risk of getting the Coronavirus if you’re on immunosuppressants or biologic drugs? Statement from Dr. Peter Lio on the matter List of immunosuppressant drugs What you should do if you’re taking one of these medications Quotes: Do not just stop medication without the guidance of your physician just because you read online that it could make you susceptible. The International Psoriasis Council officially recommends that “physicians discontinue or postpone use of immunosuppressant medications.”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/

Mar 12, 2020 • 34min
122: Anxiety & Skin Rash Connection w/ Dr. Sara DeFrancesco
Anxiety can greatly affect a person's quality of life, but did you know it can also impact the health of the skin? My guest today is Dr. Sara DeFrancesco. Dr. DeFrancesco is a holistic, root cause Naturopathic Doctor, Licensed Acupuncturist, and the founder of Thriving Force – an investigative medicine clinic that specializes in digestive, immune, and brain health problems. Dr. DeFrancesco helps people turn their brain and health back on by healing root cause metabolic problems (like overlooked inflammatory triggers, stealth infections, and nutritional deficiencies) combined with holistic neuroscience so you can heal the cause of what is preventing you from being well. Join us as we discuss the connection between anxiety and skin rashes. Have you dealt with anxiety-induced skin rashes? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What is anxiety? What are some reasons that people feel anxious? Understanding what neurotransmitters are and how they play a role How is lack of sleep (or insomnia) increases anxiety Histamine's role as a neurotransmitter - is this a problem? Quotes “The worse your sleep habits or your insomnia is, the worse your blood sugar is, which means the worse your anxiety is, and then it's this vicious cycle.” [6:12] “Histamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter, so it can make people feel anxious or really excitable.” [9:52] Links Find Dr. DeFrancesco online Download Dr. DeFrancesco's FREE 3 Step Strategy To Heal Digestive, Mood, & Memory Problems Follow Dr. DeFrancesco on Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeReady 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 10, 2020 • 12min
121: Is Sulfur Good For My Skin?
If you’ve ever heard of taking MSM or sulfur for your skin, you might not fully know why it’s helpful for your skin. Sulfur is a really critical nutrient -- it’s actually one of the top three minerals stored in your body. And it serves a vital role in helping to maintain and repair skin as well as being involved with antioxidant activity. Even though sulfur is found in a lot of foods, it’s easier than you think to become deficient! Believe it or not, many of my clients with chronic rashes are deficient. They are shocked to discover this despite eating lots of cruciferous vegetables, onions and garlic. There are important reasons why a sulfur deficiency can happen and I’m going to dish on that today!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/

Mar 5, 2020 • 31min
120: Estrogen Dominance Effect On Skin Problems w/ Lacey Dunn
In women, estrogen fluctuates throughout the month. However, in some cases, estrogen becomes unbalanced and there is too much of it in the body. This is known as estrogen dominance. My guest today is Lacey Dunn. Lacey is breaking the mold in the “dietitian world” as a fitness professional, bodybuilder, and registered dietitian. Her mission is to educate others on evidence-based nutrition by promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle through flexible dieting. She believes that there is no “one size fits all” approach, and that self efficacy in food choice is a driving force for fostering healthy habits and encouraging behavioral change. Lacey is the owner of a thriving online coaching platform, UpliftFit Nutrition, as well as host and founder of UpliftFit Nutrition radio. Lacey’s goal as a dietitian is to provide the tools that people need in order to achieve a healthy, and balanced diet while simultaneously helping them to grow and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Join us as we discuss what estrogen dominance is and how it can affect the skin. Have you ever dealt with estrogen dominance? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: What is estrogen dominance? The importance of not self-diagnosing Why are daily bowel movements so important? Is it possible that gut dysbiosis is hijacking your estrogen clearance? Best testing for sex hormones Why is cholesterol important? Quotes “Estrogen dominance symptoms would be things like fatigue, breast tenderness, irregular menstrual cycle, heavy, heavy periods with cramps, headaches, mood swings, muscle and joint pains, digestive issues.” [3:29] “If you have all these symptoms, don't let any doctor downplay them. Something's wrong, your body is screaming at you. Be your own advocate. Take control of your life.” [25:10] Links Find Lacey online FREE 3-day meal plan Lacey's No BS Guide to Healing Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism Healthy Skin Show ep. 072: Sex Hormone-Skin Rash Connection w/ Dr. Carrie Jones Jen's appearance on UpliftFit Nutrition Radio Ep. 102- The Skin and Diet Connection- The Root Cause of Skin Conditions Follow Lacey 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 3, 2020 • 11min
119: Before You Do Hormone Testing For Skin Rashes...
f you’ve suspected that hormones are driving your skin rashes, you’ll be pleased to know that they absolutely can. But only looking at hormones as a root cause might not be the best approach. This is a common mistake that can cost you money and time. Today, I’m answering a listener’s question about whether I believe that hormone testing is worthwhile if you’ve got skin rashes. To help you better understand my own rationale, I’m sharing a client story that will explain my attitude on hormone testing. Before you spend a dime on any hormone panels, take a moment to tune in! In this episode: Listener question about testing hormones for skin rashes Is it worthwhile to look at hormones first? Hierarchy of organ systems + where hormones fall Why you might NOT see results if you only focus on hormones Better approach to suspected hormone imbalances Quotes: Hormones aren't foundational. They are higher up on the hierarchy and thus impacted by the things that are more foundational. If your hormones are out-of-balance, it’s imperative to ask why this has happened. AND what’s potentially driving the imbalance.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 27, 2020 • 38min
118: Hidden Causes Of Hair Loss That No One Told You w/ Britt Reuter
Hair loss can be a source of shame and embarrassment, especially when it is noticeable. While many of us may know the common causes of hair loss, my guest will talk about some hidden causes that aren't as widely known. My guest today is Britt Reuter, a Certified Nutrition Specialist and the author of the eBook Girl’s Guide to Reversing Hair Loss. It was after years of struggling with her own chronic illness that Britt was first introduced to Functional Medicine and realized that it had the potential to revolutionize how we approach wellness by guiding people to uncover hidden sources of inflammation. Britt’s personal experience, coupled with her formal training, empowers her to help women overcome the symptoms they feel stuck with so they can get back to living their best life. Britt lives and works in the Boston area, consulting with female clients online via webcam. Join us as we discuss some causes of hair loss that you may not know about. Do you struggle with hair loss? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: Why is Britt interested in hair loss? Why do ointments and creams sometimes not work on the scalp? Different types of hair loss Testing Stress and hair loss Quotes “A lot of hormonal birth control can have very potent androgens in it that disrupt our own natural hormones and can manifest as hair loss or skin issues.” [16:57] “If you see that a product has phthalates in it, that can actually cause a lot of surface level inflammation and increase inflammation under the scalp and interrupt that hair growth process pretty severely.” [27:45] Links Find Britt online Girl’s Guide to Reversing Hair Loss Take the FREE "What's Your Hair Loss Type?" quiz HERE FREE Girl's Guide to Dry Shampoo Healthy Skin Show episode 072: Sex Hormone-Skin Rash Connection w/ Dr. Carrie Jones Thyroid Hormone and Your Hair PCOS Hair Loss Britt's Favorite Root-Cause Test For Hormonal Hair Loss 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, 2020 • 12min
117: Can A Strep Infection Trigger Psoriasis?
If you’ve ever wondered if an infection you had in the past potentially triggered your psoriasis, keep reading. Today I am going to share with you all the research I’ve been doing on the Strep Infection-Psoriasis Connection! It’s actually very fascinating and well documented for at least the past 50 years. Since hidden infections fall on my list of 16 potential root causes that underlie chronic skin rash conditions like psoriasis, I’m sure you’ll find this as interesting as I do. Let’s dive in! In this episode: How I became interested in Strep as a trigger for Psoriasis Types of psoriasis most commonly triggered Two most common types of strep infections that appear to be triggers Strain of strep most often implicated What can you do if you have hidden strep? Quotes: In one study, people with psoriasis were 10x more likely to get a sore throat over other people living in the same exact house! Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus is the most commonly identified as a trigger for guttate psoriasis.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 20, 2020 • 31min
116: Can Chlorine In Water Harm Your Skin? w/ Lara Adler
Chlorine is present in most of our drinking water. While it serves a useful purpose (preventing the growth of microbial and bacterial overgrowth, and thus preventing the spread of diseases like cholera), chlorine can also have detrimental effects on our skin, gut, and even thyroid health. My guest today is Lara Adler, an Environmental Toxins Expert & Educator, and a Certified Health Coach who teaches nutritionists, nurses, and other holistic health practitioners how to eliminate the #1 thing holding their clients back from the results they are seeking – the unaddressed link between chemicals and chronic health problems. She trains practitioners to become experts in everyday toxic exposures so they can improve client outcomes without spending hundreds of hours researching on their own. Combining environmental health education and business consulting, she’s helped thousands of health professionals in over 25 countries around the world elevate their skillset, improve client outcomes, and become sought out leaders in the growing environmental health and detoxification field. Join us as we discuss all things chlorine, and the impact it can have on our overall health. Do you use a water filtration system? Let me know in the comments! In this episode: Should we be concerned about chlorine? How we absorb chlorine when we shower Chlorinated water vs. fluoridated water Is it safe for someone with skin issues like eczema to get into a swimming pool? Recommendations when using a swimming pool Quotes “Some studies have found that about 50% of our daily chlorine intake actually comes from the shower.” [5:55] “When we're exposed to this chlorine water it might disrupt the natural microbiome of our skin, which is going to potentially weaken the integrity of the skin or crack open the door for maybe some inflammatory skin issues or any other kind of issues, even just dryness.” [9:03] Links Find Lara online Get your FREE Top 10 Toxins Practitioner Checklist HERE Follow Lara on Facebook | 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/