In Your Skin is Jodie Abrahams’ expert approach to skin-health using Nutritional Therapy.
My story
In my late teens to mid-twenties I suffered from acne. This was treated first with the contraceptive pill, then oral and topical antibiotics and finally with two courses of Roaccutane. Over the 7 years that I struggled to get my acne under control, my only foray into looking into the internal mechanisms that were driving it was my short-lived use of Chinese Herbs.
Looking back, I wish I’d been better informed - I could have managed my acne (and in the process supported my menstrual cycle, gut and immune issues) without creating the longer term challenges I faced with my skin barrier, hormones and microbiome, driven by the medications I used.
A new perspective
My training in nutrition gave me a new perspective on skin health: it can’t be separated from our internal health. While medications can be helpful and at times necessary, working on the underlying terrain of the gut, immune system, nervous system and hormonal picture underpins the health of the skin - its texture, integrity and ability to repair.
My ethos
We live in our skin. As such, our skin is not static - it is a fluid, permeable and dynamic organ - the largest in our body. Supporting healthy skin is about responding to its needs as they change during periods of flux in our lives. By understanding the mechanisms and processes in the body that affect our skin, we can support its health and outside appearance. But skin health is more than just that: as the structure separating our internal and outer worlds, our skin is a vital barrier to support, nourish and protect for our inner health too.
In practice
Over the course of my decade in practice, I have supported clients with acne, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema. I have also developed an interest in supporting the healthy ageing of skin - addressing collagen, elasticity, hydration, skin barrier integrity and pigmentation through different life-stages. I work closely with practitioners in skincare and aesthetic treatments to provide comprehensive support to my clients.
As well as Nutrition and Lifestyle, I advise on skincare routines, appropriate actives and cosmetic brands, and am passionate about supporting the underlying health (including advising on ingredients that can be harmful) as well as the appearance of the skin.