You've tried every trending skincare product on TikTok. Your bathroom counter resembles a chemistry lab, complete with serums, acids, and treatments that promise glowing skin. Yet those stubborn breakouts keep appearing. What if the real culprit isn't what you're putting on your skin, but what you're putting in your body?
The Method Aesthetics + Wellness integrates the science of skincare with the biology of food and nutrition. Located at 20 Allen Ave #130 in Webster Groves, The Method offers tailored aesthetic and wellness treatments to enhance confidence and overall quality of life.
Aesthetician Amy Kuehnel and Family Nurse Practitioner Liz Collins offer insights into The Method’s holistic, science-based approach to skincare, particularly in relation to acne.
“Clear, healthy skin isn’t about chasing every new product. It’s about understanding your body, identifying personal triggers, and nourishing your gut,” Liz said. Amy added, “Acne isn’t curable, but it’s manageable.”
Beyond Dermatology
Unlike traditional dermatology, which often relies on antibiotics or medications like Accutane, The Method emphasizes personalization.
“I treat the individual; it’s not one size fits all,” Amy said. “Those medications have their place, but I focus on finding triggers, adjusting routines, and supporting gut health.”
Liz agreed. “We do a deep dive into your blood work using hundreds of different biomarkers. We’re also not restricted by insurance, so we can take time to really listen to your unique situation and order what we need.”
Surprising Food Triggers
Everyday staples can sabotage skin: dairy, peanut butter, whey protein powders, and even certain seafood or eggs.
“I give clients a list of possible triggers and acceptable substitutes,” Amy explained. “Acne isn’t something we can cure, but it can absolutely be managed once we identify your personal triggers.”
The frustrating part? Triggers aren’t the same for everyone. Your friend may enjoy a pizza with no consequences, while you wake up with red bumps. That’s why food-skin detective work is key.
The Gut-Skin Connection
Here’s where science gets fascinating: your gut and skin are constantly “talking.”
“True wellness begins in the gut,” said Liz Collins, The Method’s nurse practitioner. “What we put in our body and on our body determines how we feel from the inside out. Inflammation and chronic stress can disrupt the gut, and that can affect your skin.”
Think of your gut as headquarters. When it’s struggling—whether due to stress, a poor diet, or antibiotics—it often sends distress signals directly to your skin.
When most people hear “hormones,” they think of estrogen and testosterone. But there’s another powerful player: insulin.
“If you’re eating a high-sugar diet, it can lead to inflammation,” said Amy, who has specialized in treating acne for over a decade. “When this inflammation occurs in the skin, you may experience reactions such as rosacea, acne, and pigmentation.”
That means the cookie or glass of wine you enjoy at night could be quietly fueling your breakouts. Instead of treating only surface symptoms, Amy looks deeper, often finding the culprits in her clients’ kitchens, not their medicine cabinets.
Healing From the Inside Out
So how do you improve gut health? Liz recommends food sensitivity testing for common triggers, such as gluten, dairy, seafood, peanuts, and eggs. This helps patients eliminate problem foods and allows the gut and skin to heal.
She also highlights the role of supplements:
● Probiotics with live active cultures, no fillers, and no sugar.
● Collagen peptides to support gut lining repair, joints, hair, skin, and nails.
● Vitamin D with K2 for mental clarity, hormone balance, and bone density.
“Antibiotics wipe the good and bad flora from your gut,” Liz explained. “Gut health and food are tied closely. If you’re eating a poor diet, more often than not, you’re gonna have a poor gut.”
Skin Changes at Midlife
Acne isn’t just a teenage problem. Women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond may notice new breakouts thanks to perimenopause and menopause.
“Acne can absolutely start later in life,” Amy explained. “We can run labs, check hormone levels, and address imbalances, along with prescribing topical treatments to support overall well-being.”
These hormonal shifts also explain why what worked for your skin in your 20s may suddenly stop working in midlife.
The Power of Consistency
With skincare trends changing daily, it’s easy to feel pressured to try everything. But both experts agree: less is more.
“Consistency is key,” Amy said. “Stick to a personalized routine that is right for you.”
Liz added, “Start with your gut; what you put in your body is what you get out of it.”
For more information about The Method Aesthetics + Wellness, visit themethodstl.com or follow on Instagram @themethod_stl.
“Clear, healthy skin isn’t about chasing every new product. It’s about understanding your body, identifying personal triggers, and nourishing your gut,” said Liz Collins, nurse practitioner at The Method Aesthetics + Wellness in Webster Groves.