Realfoodology Podcast Summary: "Why Your Acne Keeps Coming Back - and How to Stop It for Good"
Podcast Information
- Title: Realfoodology
- Host: Courtney Swan
- Guests: Kaylee and Danielle, Founders of ClearStem
- Episode Release Date: August 12, 2025
- Produced By: Wellness Loud
Introduction
In this insightful episode of the Realfoodology podcast, host Courtney Swan delves deep into the persistent issue of acne with her guests, Kaylee and Danielle, the passionate founders of ClearStem. The conversation centers on understanding the root causes of recurring acne and exploring comprehensive solutions that go beyond superficial treatments.
Understanding Acne: Beyond Vanity
Danielle sets the tone by emphasizing that acne is not merely a cosmetic concern but a mental health issue intertwined with the body’s attempt to communicate underlying health problems.
Danielle [00:02]: "Acne is not a vanity issue whatsoever. It is at its core an issue in the body that your body needs something that it's not getting... It is a mental health issue and your body trying to communicate with you through the alarm bells of your skin."
This perspective shifts the focus from treating symptoms to addressing internal health factors such as diet and skin compatibility.
Personal Journeys: Struggles and Solutions
Both Kaylee and Danielle share their personal battles with acne, highlighting the limitations of traditional treatments and the frustration of recurring breakouts despite extensive efforts.
Danielle [05:04]: "My personal acne journey was it still goes on. I just turned 40. I'm still prone to breaking out... my acne would come right back every single time within a couple of months."
Kaylee echoes similar sentiments, detailing her exhaustive search for effective acne solutions before discovering ClearStem.
Kaylee [05:04]: "I spent about a year trying to fix my acne myself... Everything was getting worse."
These narratives underscore the necessity for a more holistic approach, which ClearStem aims to provide.
ClearStem’s Innovative Approach
Courtney introduces ClearStem’s unique skincare line that not only treats acne but also possesses anti-aging properties, ensuring comprehensive skin health.
Courtney [00:41]: "...A lot of acne-based skincare companies... have ingredients in there that actually age your skin... ClearStem... treat acne and also has anti-aging properties."
Danielle explains how ClearStem differentiates itself by avoiding pore-clogging filler agents commonly found in other acne treatments, which can exacerbate skin aging.
Danielle [02:51]: "Acne products that dry them out and over-rely on drying out the skin and the antibacterial approach... cause accelerated aging."
Kaylee reinforces the importance of protecting the skin barrier, highlighting how ClearStem hydrates and strengthens it while addressing internal causes of acne.
Kaylee [04:38]: "...ClearStem... has those elements that get in the pore, physically dissolve the clog... and hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier."
The Acne Lab Panel: Root Cause Analysis
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around ClearStem’s Acne Lab Panel, a comprehensive testing method that examines 86 internal markers to identify the underlying causes of acne, such as liver function, gut health, and insulin-like growth factors (IGF).
Danielle [16:57]: "Our acne lab panel looks at a lot more markers, looks at about 86 markers from the lens of how the markers are impacting your skin specifically."
This thorough approach allows ClearStem to offer tailored solutions, moving beyond common external treatments.
Diet and Acne: Identifying Triggers
Kaylee and Danielle delve into the significant role diet plays in acne development. They identify common dietary triggers, including eggs, dairy, and gluten, and discuss the impact of excessive supplementation with vitamins like B12, vitamin D, and zinc.
Kaylee [35:24]: "First one we always like to talk about, which was my biggest trigger, is eggs... eggs is a top one."
They advocate for elimination diets to identify and manage these triggers effectively.
Kaylee [34:00]: "We always recommend that people do an elimination diet with them. So recommended removing these for 60 days, then slowly integrating them back in..."
Supplements: Mind Body Skin
ClearStem offers a specialized supplement, Mind Body Skin, designed to support skin health from within by addressing inflammation, hormone metabolism, and stress response.
Kaylee [40:38]: "...Mind Body Skin was formulated to address those patterns. So there is, you know, bioavailable vitamin A, which helps with inflammation and oil and skin shedding..."
They also provide an alternative version of the supplement sans 5-HTP for those on SSRIs, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with varying medical needs.
Kaylee [40:38]: "We also have a mind body skin too, that is the exact same, just free of 5 HTP... it's best recommended...not to be on an SSRI medication and also 5 HTP."
Critique of Mainstream Acne Treatments
Danielle and Kaylee critically analyze conventional acne treatments like Accutane, Spironolactone, and Retin A, highlighting their severe side effects and the lack of addressing root causes.
Danielle [43:44]: "Spironolactone...many women are on it because it's a testosterone suppressant...you need to get off both birth control and spironolactone."
They advocate for ClearStem’s holistic approach as a safer and more effective alternative.
Danielle [48:17]: "Topical pore cloggers are the thing that is contributing to most of their acne. And it's the thing that you have to change if you're ever gonna actually get clear."
Practical Recommendations
The guests provide actionable steps for listeners struggling with acne:
- Elimination Diet: Remove common triggers like eggs, dairy, and gluten for 60 days.
- Acne Lab Panel: Get comprehensive internal testing to identify specific causes.
- ClearStem Skincare: Use clinically proven, non-comedogenic products.
- Supplements: Incorporate Mind Body Skin to support internal health.
- Community Support: Engage with ClearStem’s supportive community for guidance and shared experiences.
Notable Quotes
- Danielle [16:57]: "Our acne lab panel looks at about 86 markers from the lens of how the markers are impacting your skin specifically."
- Kaylee [35:24]: "Eggs is a top one for people for multiple reasons. A big one is albumin protein. It can clog up our lymphatic system a little bit, get stuck."
- Danielle [43:44]: "Spironolactone...you need to get off both birth control and spironolactone."
Conclusion
This episode of Realfoodology serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone struggling with persistent acne. By addressing both external skincare and internal health factors, ClearStem offers a revolutionary approach that goes beyond temporary fixes. Listeners are empowered with the knowledge to identify their unique triggers, seek appropriate testing, and adopt holistic solutions for lasting clear skin.
For more information and to explore ClearStem’s products and Acne Lab Panel, visit clearstem.com.
Produced By: Wellness Loud
Follow Courtney Swan: @realfoodology on Instagram