As the crisp winter air settles in here in Melbourne, I’ve been hearing the same thing in clinic from many of you — “My skin feels so dry and irritated lately!”

You’re not alone.

Winter brings with it a number of challenges for both the skin and the immune system. Colder air, indoor heating, hot showers, and lower humidity levels all contribute to moisture loss from the skin. Meanwhile, our immune system is often under more pressure with seasonal viruses, less sun exposure, and changes in daily rhythm.

Acne can feel like an uphill battle. For many, it’s not just a physical concern but can be quitean emotional one, deeply impacting confidence and mental wellbeing. Roaccutane (also known as isotretinoin) is a powerful medication often prescribed for severe or persistent acne. While it can yield incredible results, the journey is not always smooth, with potential side effects ranging from dry skin and lips to fatigue and changes in mood; and sometimes, rebound acne.

Since getting back from Bali, everyone’s been asking the same question:

Did you manage to avoid Bali Belly?

I’m happy to say [we all did], and now I want to share how you can too. Traveling to a tropical paradise like Bali is an unforgettable experience, but it can also come with a few health challenges. That’s why having a well-stocked first aid kit filled with essential supplements and products is a game-changer for staying healthy and enjoying your holiday.

Lets start with The Microbiome. Put simply, its a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, that inhabit a particular environment, such as the human body, soil, water, or air. These microorganisms play important roles in maintaining the health and functioning of their respective environments, including the human body and even more specifically the gut and skin.

The skin and gut microbiomes are intricately linked ecosystems that influence each other in profound ways. Just as in nature, where symbiotic relationships thrive, the health of your gut profoundly impacts the health and appearance of your skin. Naturopathic practitioners recognise and strongly emphasise the importance of this connection and its implications for overall well-being.

Not sure where to start!? I’ve done the research so you don’t have to! Enter Roccoco Botanicals Clean Clear and Confident Skincare for our skin health conscious teens!

For those seeking a natural and sustainable approach to skincare, naturopathic medicine offers a holistic alternative that focuses on preventing acne by restoring balance to the body - an inside-out approach. If you're on a journey to clear acne for good perhaps its time to consider consulting a naturopathic acne practitioner for personalised preventive health guidance.

So you’re doing everything to get on top of your breakouts but its still happening. It really sucks! But lets take a moment to look at why you might still be breaking out and why you haven’t been able to get your breakouts under control.

Hydroxy acids, specifically alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), are a class of organic chemical compounds that have two distinct functional groups. AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acids, contain a carboxylic acid and a hydroxyl group separated by one carbon atom. BHAs, exemplified by salicylic acid, feature these functional groups separated by two carbon atoms. These remarkable compounds play a pivotal role in skincare, influencing the structure and function of your skin.

Holistic treatments approach skincare from a comprehensive, whole-body perspective. Rather than just focusing on the surface of the skin, holistic treatments take into account the overall health and well-being of the individual. This includes factors such as diet, stress levels, and lifestyle habits.