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SKIN CLUES & BEAUTY BLUES: What Acne, Redness & Puffiness Are Trying to Tell You about your Health!

By FoRM Health | May 23, 2025

Your skin does more than just protect you—it can act as a window into your internal health. At FoRM Health, we encourage a holistic view of beauty that starts from within. When something’s off internally, it often shows up on your skin first! Understanding these signs allows you to take targeted, proactive steps toward a more vibrant complexion and better health overall.

Unpacking four common skin complaints we hear about in aesthetic consults—and the internal health imbalances that may be at the root of these issues:

 

  1. Acne Breakouts

Frequent breakouts can be a sign that your hormones are imbalanced or that your digestion is struggling to clear toxins efficiently. To start healing from within, try “cleaning up” your diet by reducing sugar, refined grains (think anything made from white flour), and dairy. Instead, load your plate with 2-3 servings of fiber-rich, colorful vegetables each meal (or 6-9 servings daily) to support detoxification, reduce inflammation, and help stabilize hormones. Complement veggies with healthy fats like avocado, olive oil and nuts/seeds and good quality protein sources like fatty fish (salmon) and regeneratively-farmed meat.

Your complexion may take 1-3 months to clear up with dietary improvements, so be patient! If there is no improvement in your acne after 3 months, meet with a FoRM Naturopathic Doctor who may order hormone testing and/or stool testing (for GI microbiome evaluation).

 

  1. Rosacea & Facial Redness

Persistent redness or flushing often indicate your immune system is  triggered by a hidden offender, resulting in a chronic inflammatory reaction within your skin. Possible culprits include: food sensitivities, chronic/reactivated infection, or toxicant exposure. Identifying the underlying problem, often starts with an elimination + reintroduction diet or food sensitivity test, which can be ordered by a FoRM Naturopathic Doctor. 

Exposing the underlying problem may require a few testing attempts until something hits. In the meantime, high-quality probiotic strains like bifidobacterium breve and lactobacillus reuterii and acidophilus can help restore a healthy skin barrier and calm the “fire” from within.

 

  1. Under-Eye Circles & Puffiness

Dark circles and puffy under-eyes commonly indicate poor sleep or dehydration (fluid imbalance). Simple adjustments like cutting back on coffee, staying well-hydrated, and prioritizing 7–9 hours of restful sleep can dramatically improve the appearance of your eyes. 

Commit to sleeping well and drinking ½ your body weight (lbs) in ounces for 1 month and you’re sure to appear more refreshed. If dark circles persist, it’s probably time for some blood work with your FoRM Naturopathic Doctor to evaluate for nutritional deficiencies, like iron.

 

  1. Puffy Face & Water Retention

A bloated, puffy face—sometimes jokingly referred to as “chipmunk cheeks”—can be linked to blood sugar imbalances. Over-indulging in sugar, refined carbs (again, think flour-based foods), dairy, or alcohol can spike insulin levels, leading to fluid retention for 1-2 days after an indulgence. 

Replacing grains with green foods, minimizing alcohol, and stabilizing blood sugar by eating whole, nutrient-rich foods like in the Mediterranean Diet, can quickly restore a more sculpted and firm appearance.

 

At FoRM Health, we combine the best of Functional Medicine and Aesthetics to address skin concerns from the inside out—and the outside in. Whether you’re just starting your skin health journey or ready to level up your results, we’re here to guide you toward lasting beauty and wellness.

Dr. Kai Herman ND is the specialist to see if you are looking to Look + Feel Better using an integrative approach of aesthetic and functional medicine. Schedule a new patient visit today to get started!

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SKIN CLUES & BEAUTY BLUES: What Acne, Redness & Puffiness Are Trying to Tell You about your Health!

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✨ Physical Therapy, the FoRM way ✨
 At FoRM ✨ Physical Therapy, the FoRM way ✨

At FoRM Health, PT isn’t just a list of prescribed exercises.
Our highly-experienced Physical Therapist, Dr. Joanne Siegel DPT, has a very “hands-on” practice!

She starts with a comprehensive, hands-on re-evaluation—spending a full 60 min with every new and return patient to uncover what’s really going on.

Every PT session includes hands-on manual therapy to address dysfunction, reduce pain, and restore mobility before even talking exercises.

Only then does she create a custom movement plan that’s strategic, sustainable, and specific to you.

📍This is PT designed to actually get you better.

#FoRMHealth #PhysicalTherapy #SportsMedicine #ManualTherapy #InjuryRecovery #MoveBetter #RegenerativeMedicine #HolisticHealth #PortlandHealthcare #sellwoodmoreland
We’re *shocked* at how well these acoustic waves We’re *shocked* at how well these acoustic waves work! 😉 

🔊 🔊 🔊 

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues, reduce pain, + improve mobility. By promoting blood flow, reducing scarring, & accelerating tissue repair, Shockwave therapy supports the body’s natural healing processes, helping you recover faster with minimal downtime! 

Ideal for any tendinopathy (tendinitis, tendinosis, calcifications), plantar fasciitis, general pain associated with fascial adhesions/scarring, + nerve pain.

@drbinshaieg used shockwave therapy & took our nutritionist’s tennis elbow from a 5 to 1 pain level in ONE treatment. 🙌 

Want to learn more? 
🔗 in bio
📞 503 232 5653

#movebetter #shockwavetherapy #formhealthpdx #sportsmedicine #feelbetter #regenerativemedicine #orthopedicsportland #functionalmedicine
Meet Dr. Brittany Krake, ND 🌿 Regenerative Med Meet Dr. Brittany Krake, ND 🌿

Regenerative Medicine + Functional Hormone Specialist @formhealthpdx 

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Brittany Krake ND to the FoRM family!👏🏽
⁠
Dr. Brittany is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with advanced training in Regenerative Orthopedic Medicine—including ultrasound-guided Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections—to help patients recover from chronic pain and acute injuries.
She also specializes in Functional Medicine and hormone health, guiding patients through every stage of hormonal change—from reproductive health and perimenopause to menopause and andropause—helping them regain balance, energy, and resilience.

Her whole-person approach blends cutting-edge regenerative therapies, hormone optimization, and lifestyle medicine to support healing, recovery, and long-term vitality.

We’re so excited to have her expertise here at FoRM to help our patients move, feel, and live better 💪✨

📍 Now accepting new patients
📌 Insurance credentialing expected Fall 2025

#FoRMHealth #RegenerativeMedicine #PRP #OrthopedicMedicine #FunctionalMedicine #HormoneHealth #WomensHealth #MensHealth #SportsMedicine #InjuryRecovery #PRPinjections #Prolotherapy #ChronicPainRelief #MoveBetter #IntegrativeMedicine #NaturopathicMedicine #PacificNorthwestHealth #PRPforInjuries #HormoneOptimization #FeelBetterLiveBetter
Summer Fun, Meet Fall Recovery 🏃‍♀️💪 Summer Fun, Meet Fall Recovery 🏃‍♀️💪

Time to focus on recovery! FoRM's Rehab program includes #prp #mfat #shockwave #sportchiropractic #physicaltherapy #dryneedling 

Schedule with one of our Naturopathic Doctors who specialize in Sports Medicine for a thorough exam and customized rehabilitation plan!
📣 TESTIMONIAL 📣 Whether you’re recovering 📣 TESTIMONIAL 📣

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking to improve your movement, our Doctor of Physical Therapy, Joanne Siegel, combines her decades-long expertise with a focus on long-term wellness!

💪 Personalized rehab plans
💪 A whole-body approach to healing
💪 Functional movement and injury prevention

We love hearing these glowing reviews from Dr. Siegel’s patients. Reach out to us to learn more about her practice and start your personalized Rehab plan! 

📞 503-232-5653
🔗 in bio!
FoRM providers kicked back this week for our month FoRM providers kicked back this week for our monthly book club 📚—this month’s pick: The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman. We gathered at @oranmormead in Sellwood, a new local spot, to swap insights (and laughs) over mead. 🍯✨

We love supporting local businesses while building community with our team.

#FoRMHealth #BookClub #sellwoodmoreland 
@sblaney22 @drcaitlanreadhead @constant_balance_acupuncture @colburn.natasha
Reclaim your health routine! Sleep, Stress, Move + Reclaim your health routine! Sleep, Stress, Move + Eat better with services @formhealthpdx.com
#naturopathicmedicine #functionalmedicine #hormonehealth #functionalnutrition #acupuncture #chiropracticcare #sleepbetter
Cool things happen in Vegas…🎲 Last month, Dr. Cool things happen in Vegas…🎲
Last month, Dr. Ryan Minarik joined a select group of regenerative medicine specialists in Las Vegas to develop a trailblazing PRP study with @apex_biologix. 

Dr. Ryan and his @apex-biologix advisory board colleagues are on a mission to progress the field of orthopedic regenerative medicine!

Another exciting development, FoRM’s team of regenerative specialists will be expanding Fall 2025! Big things ahead 👏🏽👏🏽 @drbrittanykrake 

#PRP #RegenerativeMedicine #OrthoBiologics #prpinjection #prpfacial #prphairrestoration
These are our skin experts’ favorite products to These are our skin experts’ favorite products to use through summer ☀️(+ beyond) to keep their skin healthy & glowy:

🧴 Alto Advanced Defense Serum → Antioxidants + Vitamin C = major UV protection

🌞 Sunbetter SPF 68 or ToneSmart Compact → Tinted Mineral-based sunscreen, makes for a great base, always in our bags.

Caution ⛔️ with Retinols as they can make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage!

#SummerSkin #SPFEveryDay #FoRMFavorites
#lookbetter #sunprotection #uvdamage #agedefying #skinrehab #formhealthyhabits #formhealth
Most of us love our sunny summer days in the Pacif Most of us love our sunny summer days in the Pacific Northwest, but too much sun has its downside. 

Here are a few tips for protect and recovering from too much 🌞 

PROTECT
Always wear sunscreen on all sun-exposed skin when out and about. We recommend a mineral-based SPF 50+ and wearing coverage like hats and sun-shirts for even better protection.

FoRM favorite SPF for your face:
– Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 (now on online sale)
– SunBetter Tone Smart SPF 75 (available at FoRM)

RESET
If your skin is desiccated and discolored from the sun, consider a 
much-needed reset with our Custom Combo Facial—a summer favorite that includes gentle exfoliation, hydration infusion, skin-barrier healing mask + LED light therapy.

Included in the CUSTOM COMBO (summer edition)

✨Enzyme mask for build up (sweat, SPF)
✨Bt-micro ultrasonic exfoliation
✨Hydroderm (hyperpigmentation + hydration)
✨Microcurrent with vitamin C serum
✨Cooling and soothing mask 
✨Red + Green LED (cell renew + hyperpigmentation) 
✨Moisturizer and SPF

Schedule with O’Brien using using link in bio

#formhealth #formhealthpdx #TopForm #lookbetter #sellwoodmoreland #naturalaesthetics #healthyisbeautiful #agedefy #Skinrehab #glowup #SkinRejuvenation #PRFskinrejuvenation #naturalbeauty #microneedling #ipl #iplfacial #photorejuvenation #botox #biotherapeutic #advancedaesthetician #skinbetterscience #epionce #dermaplaning #microcurrent #hydrodermabrasion #nofilterneeded
It’s the season of fun in the sun! 😎 We hope It’s the season of fun in the sun! 😎 We hope you’re enjoying your bevvies waterside with a splash of ELECTROLYTES. 🧂 

Even if you’re not a competitive athlete — electrolytes need to be on your radar! 🚨 Whether you’re hiking in the back country, crushing a gym sesh, or lounging in the sun .. here’s why you need ‘em:

💧 HYDRATION they help us actually absorb the water we’re sippin’ 
💧MUSCLES electrolytes help with fatigue, cramping and recovery 
💧BRAIN they are key for nerve signaling and can even help with that pesky 3pm brain fog 
💧SLEEP magnesium helps us to relax & feel calmer 

Ideally, you’re having electrolytes with sodium, potassium + magnesium & least amount of ingredients. Look out for hidden sugars in lots of the mainstream brands! 👀 
Add them to plain water OR sneak them into a fun sparkling drink like @drinkolipop 

The ones we like:
@tracemineralsresearch 
@drinklmnt 
@ancientnutrition 

Cheers to feeling better this Summer! 🤸 

#hydration #electrolytes #feelbetter #functionalnutrition #funinthesun #movebetter #formhealthpdx
Most of us love our sunny summer days in the Pacif Most of us love our sunny summer days in the Pacific Northwest, but too much sun has its downside 😎

Here are a few tips for protect and recovering from too much 🌞 

PROTECT

Follow these rules to prevent being depleted by the heat:
- at a minimum, drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily 💦
- On hotter, active days, add 12–24 oz for every hour of outdoor activity. 😅
- If you’re sweating a lot, toss in some electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to keep your system balanced. 🥵

Hydration isn’t just about water— eating plenty of fresh fruits + veggies can help with hydration too! 🫐

RESET

If you’ve already pushed it too far and you’re noticing signs of dehydration (fatigue, lightheadedness, headache, brain fog, darkening urine), consider a hydrating IV drip to help you reset quickly.

Our most popular summer IV Formulas:

Performance Boost: saline, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, L-Carnitine + Taurine

⚡️key nutrients that help your cells produce more energy and protect you from dehydration; perfect IV for pre-race or competition

Recovery Boost - saline, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Bicarbonate + Potassium

😮‍💨 nutrients that help your cells reset from a depleted state; ideal IV post-race or following travel, illness, or over-exertion.

Use link in bio to schedule your IV
 

#formhealth #formhealthpdx #TopForm #sellwoodmoreland #naturalaesthetics #healthyisbeautiful #agedefy #Skinrehab #glowup #SkinRejuvenation #PRFskinrejuvenation #naturalbeauty #microneedling #ipl #iplfacial #photorejuvenation #botox #biotherapeutic #advancedaesthetician #skinbetterscience #epionce #dermaplaning #microcurrent #hydrodermabrasion #nofilterneeded

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