If you’re not addressing inflammation, you’re not truly healing your skin

The Root Cause of Skin Issues: Inflammation & How to Heal from the Inside Out

If you’ve been struggling with stubborn breakouts, redness, or skin irritation, it’s time to look beyond skincare products. The main driver of unhealthy skin is inflammation, and the key to truly radiant, healthy skin is addressing that inflammation at its root.

So, what exactly is inflammation, and how does it affect your skin? Let’s dive in.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is your body’s natural defense mechanism. When you get a cut or an infection, your immune system jumps into action, sending white blood cells to the area to promote healing. This type of acute inflammation is a good thing—it helps your body repair and recover.

However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it creates persistent stress on your body and can lead to various health issues, including skin problems. Chronic inflammation can be triggered by poor diet, stress, environmental toxins, gut imbalances, and hormone disruptions. Over time, this low-grade, ongoing inflammation shows up in the form of breakouts, rosacea, eczema, premature aging, and a dull complexion.

What Causes Chronic Inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is driven by several factors, including:

  • Poor diet (high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats)

  • Gut imbalances (dysbiosis, leaky gut, or food sensitivities)

  • Toxins (from the environment, personal care products, and food)

  • Chronic stress (which elevates cortisol and promotes inflammation)

  • Hormonal imbalances (excess estrogen, insulin resistance, etc.)

  • Lack of sleep (disrupted sleep increases inflammatory markers)

  • Dehydration (skin is approximately 64% water, and dehydration worsens inflammation)

All of these factors contribute to inflammation inside the body, which then manifests outside on your skin. The good news? When you address these root causes, your skin can begin to heal naturally.

How Inflammation Shows Up on the Skin

Chronic inflammation weakens the skin’s barrier and increases sensitivity, leading to:

  • Acne & breakouts – Inflammatory acne is triggered by an overactive immune response and excess sebum production.

  • Rosacea & redness – Chronic inflammation dilates blood vessels and increases skin sensitivity.

  • Eczema & rashes – A weakened skin barrier makes it more susceptible to irritation and flare-ups.

  • Premature aging – Inflammation depletes collagen and accelerates the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin.

  • Dull, uneven complexion – Oxidative stress from inflammation damages skin cells, making skin appear tired and blotchy.

To calm inflammation and restore your skin, we need to work from the inside out. Here’s how:

Healing Your Skin by Reducing Inflammation

To truly transform your skin, we focus on sustainable, root-cause solutions that lower inflammation and promote skin health:

✔️ Omega-3 Fats – Found in fish, nuts, and seeds, these essential fatty acids reduce inflammation and support skin hydration.

✔️ Sleep – Poor sleep disrupts hormone regulation and increases inflammatory markers, worsening breakouts and skin sensitivity. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

✔️ Movement – Regular exercise improves circulation, reduces stress, and supports metabolic health, all of which reduce inflammation.

✔️ Hydration – Skin is approximately 64% water, and dehydration makes inflammation worse. Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins and keeps skin supple.

✔️ Colorful Foods – Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables combat oxidative stress and repair skin damage caused by inflammation.

✔️ Probiotics & Gut Health – The gut-skin axis is real. A healthy microbiome reduces systemic inflammation and supports clearer skin.

These are just a few ways we help combat breakouts, redness, and irritated skin naturally. The best solution for your skin will be unique to you, and we would love to help you uncover what’s best for your body.

Call us for a free Discovery Session to learn about how we can support your skin health from within.

Dr. Jenny Abercrombie

Dr. Jennifer Abercrombie is the founder of the multi-state clinic Naturopathic Wellness and Naturopathic Wellness Global, one of the world’s largest virtual health consulting practices.

https://www.drabercrombie.com/
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