To The Root

Latest Episodes:

From Accutane to Functional Healing: Emma’s Journey to Clear Skin Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Use the code ROOT at check-out for 10% off Rayvi: https://rayvishop.com/

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler speaks with Clear Skin Lab client Emma about her 15-year struggle with cystic acne—a journey that included four rounds of Accutane, repeated flare-ups, and years of emotional and physical challenges. Emma shares how her skin condition affected major life moments, from her wedding to her journey toward motherhood, and why traditional dermatology approaches never provided lasting relief.

The conversation explores Emma’s pivotal shift to a functional, root-cause approach. Through comprehensive lab testing, targeted gut-healing protocols, liver support, and a balanced nutrition plan, she discovered and addressed the underlying factors contributing to her skin issues. Emma also opens up about the importance of mental health during healing, the patience required for long-term results, and the relief of finally seeing her skin 90% clear.

Whether you are currently facing persistent acne, seeking alternatives to conventional treatment, or interested in the connection between skin health and overall wellness, this episode offers both practical insights and encouragement.

Tune in now!

Get root cause answers with data - check out our Acne Labs Panel!

Highlights:

Why four rounds of Accutane provided only temporary results
The emotional and psychological impact of long-term acne
How gut infections, parasites, and liver health influence skin
The role of comprehensive testing in uncovering hidden causes
Rethinking restrictive diets for skin health
Strategies for maintaining progress and confidence during healing

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Why Skin Healing Gets Hard Before It Gets Better Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler explores a stage of the healing journey that many people experience but few talk about openly: when you're doing all the right things, but your skin hasn't caught up yet.

Robyn unpacks the physiological and emotional reasons why skin healing can feel more difficult before it starts to improve. From the deep internal work your body is doing at the cellular level, to the emotional toll of not seeing visible results right away, this conversation offers perspective, science-backed insight, and support for anyone currently in what she calls "the Valley of Despair."

If you’ve ever questioned whether your healing plan is working, felt frustrated after months of effort, or wondered why your skin is the last to reflect your progress—this episode is for you.

Tune in now!

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing with a data-driven, root-cause approach, we’re here to help. At The Clear Skin Lab, our team combines functional lab testing, personalized protocols, and expert guidance to support sustainable skin healing from the inside out.

Highlights:

Understanding the "messy middle" of healing: why it happens and how to get through it
The biological complexity behind why skin symptoms are often the last to improve
Key internal shifts that occur before visible skin changes: metabolism, hormones, detox pathways, and more
The emotional impact of slow progress and how to reframe it with clinical context
How to track non-skin indicators of progress—like energy, digestion, and sleep—to stay motivated
Common missteps in healing protocols, including moving too fast or missing foundational steps
Why realistic expectations and personalized support are essential for long-term results

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Candida & Acne: Busting the Yeast-Beast Myth and Treating the Real Root Cause Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler tackles a widespread myth in the skin health world: that Candida is the root cause of acne and other chronic skin conditions. While Candida overgrowth may play a role in certain symptoms, Robyn explains why it's rarely the primary driver — and why simply following anti-Candida diets or supplement protocols often fails to deliver lasting results.

Drawing on over a decade of clinical experience, Robyn walks through the deeper terrain issues that allow Candida to thrive: compromised digestion, heavy metal overload, mineral depletion, chronic stress, poor liver detoxification, and more. She shares how addressing these root factors — rather than targeting Candida in isolation — creates a stronger foundation for true skin healing.

If you've struggled with recurring acne, eczema, or rashes and suspect Candida may be involved, this episode offers a clear, research-informed perspective on what it takes to support your body and restore balance long-term.

Listen now!

Highlights:

Why Candida is typically a symptom — not the root cause — of chronic skin issues
Key internal factors that contribute to Candida overgrowth.
The link between Candida and skin conditions such as fungal acne, eczema, dermatitis, and histamine-related flares
Why temporary improvements from Candida protocols often don’t last
The importance of assessing nutrient status, hormone balance, and digestive health
How functional testing and a whole-body approach can lead to sustainable skin healing

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

A 32-Year Journey with Psoriasis: Kelly’s Path to Healing Through Root Cause Medicine Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler speaks with Kelly, a client whose experience with psoriasis began in early childhood and persisted for over three decades. From topical steroids and phototherapy to restrictive elimination diets and functional medicine, Kelly shares the evolution of her approach and the emotional toll of living with a visible, chronic skin condition.

Kelly walks us through her turning point—when frustration, resilience, and a desire to feel truly well led her to The Clear Skin Lab. She opens up about the deeper work she did with her practitioner: addressing iron overload, gut infections, mineral depletion, and the overlooked impact of chronic stress.

This conversation offers not only practical insight into root-cause healing, but also a powerful message about self-advocacy, emotional resilience, and regaining trust in your body. Listen now!

If you're ready to move beyond short-term solutions and begin a healing journey that’s grounded in clinical data, expert support, and a root-cause approach, visit The Clear Skin Lab. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Highlights:

Kelly’s lifelong experience with psoriasis and the limitations of conventional treatments
Why diet alone wasn’t enough—and how functional lab testing revealed underlying root causes
Addressing iron overload and H. pylori infections as key turning points in her healing
The overlooked role of stress and how lifestyle shifts helped regulate her nervous system
How mineral imbalances and digestive issues were connected to flare-ups
The emotional and psychological journey of healing a chronic skin condition
Why working with a practitioner brought confidence, clarity, and lasting change

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

What to Expect With a Root Cause Skin Healing Journey Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler offers a candid and insightful discussion on what it really looks like to pursue skin healing through a root cause approach. With years of experience both personally and professionally in addressing chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, Robyn unpacks the emotional, physical, and psychological journey clients often face when they begin functional healing protocols.

From the initial optimism to the inevitable challenges—including the frustrating “Valley of Despair”—Robyn outlines the five emotional stages most clients experience and explains why staying consistent through the ups and downs is essential for long-term success.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged by a lack of results despite “doing everything right,” this episode will help you reframe your expectations, recognize signs of deeper healing, and stay focused on the big picture.

If you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes and start a healing process that’s grounded in strategy, data, and expert support, visit The Clear Skin Lab to learn more. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Highlights:

A breakdown of the five emotional stages clients go through during skin healing
Why healing is rarely linear—and why that’s completely normal
How unrealistic expectations often derail progress, not the protocol itself
The importance of functional lab data in personalizing an effective plan
Common early wins (like better sleep, digestion, and energy) that often precede visible skin improvements
Why a long history of skin issues requires time and strategic healing
The role of expert guidance and emotional support in navigating the hardest stages
How clients ultimately shift from skin-focused goals to whole-body health and confidence

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Psoriasis 101:More Than Just a Skin Thing Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler takes a deep dive into the complex and often misunderstood world of psoriasis—an autoimmune condition that goes far beyond the surface of the skin. Drawing from both personal experience and over a decade of clinical work, Robyn shares why addressing psoriasis requires far more than topical treatments or vitamin D supplements.

This episode breaks down the internal drivers of chronic inflammation—including gut health, immune system dysregulation, liver overload, stress, mineral imbalances, and environmental exposures—and explains how these systems interact to create the perfect storm for psoriasis to take hold.

Whether you've just been diagnosed, have struggled with psoriasis for years, or are simply looking for a deeper, more individualized approach to healing, this episode offers valuable insight into the root causes that conventional medicine often overlooks. Listen now!

Visit The Clear Skin Lab to learn more about personalized testing and support options tailored to your unique skin story.

Highlights:

Why psoriasis is an autoimmune condition—not just a skin issue
How gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, and microbial imbalances contribute to chronic inflammation
The role of stress, trauma, and nervous system regulation in skin health
How iron overload and liver congestion may be underlying drivers of flares
Environmental toxins, mold, and their impact on immune resilience
The problem with generic protocols and why personalization is key
How functional lab testing reveals what your body actually needs to heal
What to expect when approaching psoriasis from a root-cause, functional medicine perspective

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

From 15 Years of Chronic Acne to Clear Skin – Talia’s Journey with Clear Skin Lab Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of To The Root, host Robyn Spangler sits down with Talia, a driven professional and soon-to-be bride, to explore her 15-year struggle with chronic acne—and the transformative path she took to finally achieve clear skin.

After years of conventional treatments, including Accutane, spironolactone, and countless topical products, Talia still found herself stuck in a cycle of breakouts and frustration. It wasn’t until she joined The Clear Skin Lab that she discovered how deeper root causes—gut imbalances, stress, under-nourishment, and hidden inflammation—were driving her symptoms.

Through functional lab testing, personalized protocols, and step-by-step guidance, Talia learned not only how to heal her skin from within but also how to build a sustainable lifestyle that supported her overall health—physically and emotionally. As she prepares for her wedding with renewed confidence, Talia shares the insights, setbacks, and successes that helped her get here.

If you’re tired of short-term fixes and ready to explore a deeper, more effective approach to skin health, this episode is a must-listen.

📩 Ready to take the first step in your own journey? Connect with The Clear Skin Lab to get started.

Highlights:

Why conventional acne treatments often fail to address long-term skin issues
The role of gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and stress in chronic acne
The importance of functional lab testing in uncovering hidden imbalances
What makes personalized protocols more effective than “trying everything at once”
The importance of consistency, patience, and mindset throughout the healing journey.
What skin confidence looks like today—and why Talia now feels fully prepared for life’s big moments.
Key advice for anyone navigating acne and feeling overwhelmed by options

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Iodine & Acne - The Myths, the Science, and Why It Deserves a Second Look May 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler takes a deep dive into one of the most controversial—and commonly misunderstood—topics in skin health: iodine and its connection to acne.

For decades, iodine has been viewed with suspicion in the acne community, often blamed for breakouts and inflammation. But is the science really that clear-cut? Robyn unpacks the history behind iodine’s bad reputation, including the impact of flawed mid-20th century research and the rise of halogen competitors like bromide and fluoride that may be complicating the picture.

Drawing from clinical experience, current physiological understanding, and the limitations of conventional testing, Robyn explains how iodine—when used properly and alongside companion nutrients—can actually play a key role in improving skin, supporting thyroid function, aiding detoxification, and regulating hormones.

If you've been told to avoid iodine-rich foods or are curious about how this essential nutrient might be impacting your skin, this episode offers a much-needed, evidence-informed perspective.

Curious if iodine is a missing piece in your skin health puzzle? Discover how personalized testing and clinical insight can help uncover the root causes of your breakouts.

Get root cause answers with data - check out our Acne Labs Panel!

Highlights:

How outdated research and anecdotal claims have led to widespread misinformation.
Understanding how iodine interacts with bromide, fluoride, and chlorine at the cellular level—and why this matters for skin health.
Why selenium, magnesium, and vitamin C are essential when considering iodine supplementation.
The lesser-known ways iodine contributes to hormonal regulation and histamine metabolism.
Comparing iodine intake and thyroid health trends in the U.S. versus countries like Japan, where iodine consumption is significantly higher
How The Clear Skin Lab assesses iodine status safely and effectively using comprehensive lab work.

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Breaking the Acne Cycle: A Clear Skin Journey with Ali Christensen May 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler welcomes Clear Skin Lab client Ali Christensen to share her deeply personal and transformative journey with chronic acne. As a high school teacher, single mother, and longtime “healthy eater,” Ali had spent years navigating prescriptions, restrictive diets, expensive treatments, and emotional burnout—only to still feel stuck in a cycle of painful breakouts and frustration.

Together, Robyn and Ali explore what finally made the difference: understanding the deeper root causes behind her skin struggles through comprehensive testing, personalized nutrition strategies, and consistent support. From uncovering hidden mineral deficiencies to rebuilding her energy and confidence, Ali’s story is a powerful reminder that true healing takes time, clarity, and commitment.

Whether you’re struggling with your skin, skeptical after trying it all, or simply curious about a functional approach to acne, this conversation offers hope, insight, and actionable takeaways. Tune in now!

Highlights:

Why years of conventional acne treatments failed to address the root cause
The impact of under-eating, stress, and poor sleep on skin health and hormone balance
How hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) helped uncover key nutrient deficiencies
The connection between burnout, mineral depletion, and chronic skin flare-ups
The importance of individualized protocols and long-term consistency
How shifting her mindset and nutritional approach changed Ali’s skin—and life
The real-life emotional toll of adult acne, and how to move forward with confidence

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Uncovering the Mineral Connection: Gut Health, Skin, and Stress with Dr. Nina Marie Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of To The Root, Robyn Spangler, R.D. sits down with Dr. Nina Marie, a traditional naturopathic doctor who specializes in mineral balancing and hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA). Nina shares her journey from aspiring architect to holistic practitioner, and how her personal experience with pregnancy sparked a lifelong passion for supporting women and children through functional nutrition.

Together, they explore why minerals are foundational to every system in the body—from skin health and digestion to hormonal balance and stress resilience. Nina breaks down how HTMA provides insight into a client’s nutrient status and stress response, and why hair samples often tell a more complete story than blood or stool tests.

This conversation is an eye-opener for anyone navigating skin issues like eczema, digestive imbalances, or fatigue—especially parents looking for solutions that don’t involve restrictive diets or endless supplements. If you're curious about how lifestyle and nutrient density impact long-term health, this episode is a must-listen.

Use the code ROOT at check-out for 10% off Rayvi: https://rayvishop.com/

Highlights:

The role of minerals as the “spark plugs” of key physiological functions
How hair tissue mineral analysis offers deeper insight into nutrient status and stress load
Common mineral imbalances behind eczema, acne, and constipation in both kids and adults
The impact of under-eating and chronic stress on mineral depletion and hormonal health
Why food-first strategies are more effective—and sustainable—than excessive supplementation
How heavy metals disrupt mineral absorption and contribute to gut and skin issues
Practical ways to support your body’s natural detox pathways without aggressive protocols
Lifestyle tips to improve stress resilience, nervous system regulation, and overall vitality

Connect with Robyn:

Instagram: @nutritionbyrobyn

Website: https://www.theclearskinlab.com

Connect with Dr. Nina
Website: https://doctorninamarie.com/

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