What Your Skin is Telling You
As you probably know, your skin is more than just a surface—it reflects what’s happening inside your body. From digestive imbalances to impurity buildup, skin conditions often signal deeper health concerns.
We recommend that you “Don’t guess, test” to find out the root of the issues presented on your skin. Boketto Founder, Jelena Nikolajevic, can order and analyze a variety of tests from Genova Diagonstic (Stool-based) Dutch (Blood-based). When you’re ready to get to the heart of the matter, book an Acupuncture + Functional Medicine appointment with Jelena HERE.
Okay, now… Here’s what your skin might be trying to tell you.
Acne, Pimples, Whiteheads
Breakouts are often linked to gut health and systemic imbalances, including an imbalanced gut microbiome, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), gluten sensitivity, parasites, fungal overgrowth, and environmental toxins. When the gut lining is compromised, it can lead to systemic inflammation, which often manifests as acne. Excess toxin buildup from poor detoxification pathways can also cause skin congestion. Addressing gut health with probiotic-rich foods, reducing inflammatory foods like sugar and dairy, and supporting detoxification through liver-friendly nutrients like dandelion and milk thistle can help clear up persistent breakouts.
Eczema, Dermatitis, Scleroderma, Psoriasis, Dry Flaky Skin
Chronic dryness and inflammatory skin conditions may point to issues with absorption, immune response, or toxicity. Poor fat absorption can lead to a lack of essential fatty acids needed for skin repair, while intestinal permeability and histamine intolerance can contribute to inflammation and flare-ups. Thyroid imbalances often slow circulation and oil production, worsening dryness. Parasites and mold toxicity may also drive immune dysfunction, leading to persistent skin issues. Healing the gut lining with collagen, bone broth, and anti-inflammatory foods, along with optimizing thyroid function and detoxifying from mold exposure, can improve skin resilience and hydration.
Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes
Discoloration and puffiness under the eyes often indicate nutrient deficiencies, poor circulation, and liver stagnation. Low levels of iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants can contribute to dark circles, while sluggish lymphatic drainage can cause puffiness. A stagnant liver struggles to detoxify properly, leading to signs of fatigue and congestion around the eyes. Supporting circulation with vitamin C, consuming liver-supportive foods like beets and turmeric, and improving sleep quality can help alleviate these concerns.
Red, Itchy Bumps
These can be a sign of microbial imbalances and detox pathways being overwhelmed. Fungal overgrowth, often driven by excess sugar consumption, can cause small, itchy bumps. Blood sugar imbalances further feed these pathogens, worsening symptoms. Lymphatic congestion may also play a role, as the body struggles to clear toxins. Reducing sugar intake, incorporating antifungal foods like garlic and oregano, and supporting lymphatic flow through dry brushing and movement can help address these skin reactions.
Oily Skin and/or Clogged Pores
Excess oil and congestion may be linked to sluggish liver and gallbladder function, gut imbalance, and hormone fluctuations. You see, when bile flow is slow, the body struggles to break down fats properly, leading to imbalanced sebum production. Poor digestion and microbial imbalances contribute to clogged pores, while hormonal shifts—such as high androgens or estrogen dominance—can trigger excess oil. Supporting liver function with bitter greens, optimizing digestion with digestive enzymes, and balancing hormones through stress management and adaptogenic herbs can improve oil regulation.
Persistent Redness
Redness that won’t go away might be your body reacting to histamine intolerance, lymphatic congestion, or gut inflammation. High-histamine foods, like fermented foods and aged cheeses, can trigger persistent flushing in sensitive individuals. When lymphatic drainage is slow, toxins accumulate, causing redness and irritation. Chronic gut inflammation, often due to poor diet and stress, exacerbates skin sensitivity. Reducing histamine-rich foods, enhancing lymphatic movement through hydration and massage, and calming gut inflammation with soothing herbs like chamomile and aloe vera can help reduce persistent redness.
Listen to Your Skin
Your skin is a messenger, giving you clues about what’s happening beneath the surface. Addressing internal imbalances—whether through nutrition, detoxification, or supporting gut health—can bring long-term improvements. If you recognize these signs in your skin, it may be worth exploring deeper healing approaches to restore balance from the inside out.
Book an Acupuncture + Functional Medicine appointment with Jelena
Learn more about Biomarker Tests like Genova or Dutch