by Dr. Angelina Riopel, ND   WHAT IS YOUR SKIN TELLING YOU? Skin concerns are often addressed topically with anti-aging creams for wrinkle, steroid creams for eczema and rashes and clear skin products for acne. What we put on our skin can be helpful, but is often only a small part of the equation. Digging a bit deeper, what’s actually going on? Your skin tells the story.  OILY SKIN is often dehydrated or your cleanser may be stripping your skin causing an overproduction of oil. SOLUTION: Keep hydrated, drink more water, herbals teas, avoid sugar and caffeinated drinks. Assess your skin care regime. Soap-based or foaming cleansers should be switched for a more gentle, cream-based cleanser. Remember oil removes oil, and won’t dry the skin out.  ACNE-PRONE SKIN may in fact be due to liver congestion and constipation. SOLUTION: Healthy digestion and elimination are essential to clear skin. Encouraging regular bowel movements by keeping hydrated, increasing fiber, fruit and vegetables and avoiding sugar. Liver congestion is often behind the constipation that causes acne- prone skin. Stimulate the liver with lemon water, bitter green salads and dandelion tea.  DARK CIRCLES under the eyes can often be a sign of allergies, or “allergic shiners”. SOLUTION: Diet and digestion should be assessed. Food sensitivity testing or elimination diets can identify the offending foods. Removing those foods will help to resolve the dark circles.  ACNE ROSACEA may be due to a candida over-growth. Rosacea often accompanies other symptoms such as digestive complaints, brain fog, sugar cravings and low energy. SOLUTION: Treat the candida over-growth. This is typically done with a combination of dietary changes and herbal medicine.  PREMATURE AGING, such as fine lines, dryness and discoloration can be due [...]