Written by: Sammi Mitcherson, BHsc Clinical Nutritionist
Date: Friday 15th May, 2026
As I reflect on this journey it highlights my “why” for my work now as a Clinical Nutritionist (BHsc). Adult acne wasn’t just a skin issue for me. It was a reflection of what was happening internally. For so many people, their symptoms are a reflection on something deeper going on in their body and life. This is my journey with adult acne and knowing how it feels to be at a loss with your health and feeling like it will never get better. I work with clients with various health conditions and feel so passionately about helping people find the root cause of their symptoms.
I spent so much time (and money) trying to “fix” my skin externally. I spent thousands of dollars buying expensive serums and skincare, followed complicated 10 step skincare routines, bought any new supplement that promised “clear skin”, stripped my skin barrier, and constantly searched for the next miracle product.
Yet no matter what I used, my skin reacted to everything. I thought my skin was the problem. During this time, I had begin my Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, and began to realise through evidence based learning that my skin was the symptom of the problem.
As a clinical nutritionist, that truth feels obvious now, but for years, I completely missed it. The real issue was that my body was exhausted, I was living in overdrive and binge restrict cycles with food.
I was ignoring the very things that were quietly driving the inflammation underneath it all.
For years, I was:
Chronically Stressed: I was constantly operating in survival mode, my nervous system was in fight or flight.
Significantly Under Eating: Stuck in cycles of low calorie, low carb and low diversity. I was regularly skipping meals, going to the gym fasted and starting my day with caffeine.
Impaired Gut Health and Inflammation: I was eating a lot of ultra processed foods (UPF’s), drinking very minimal water and eating a diet high in refined sugars and artificial sweeteners.
Irregular sleeping patterns: At this time, I was working late nights and early mornings, had two young children and didn’t realise the impact that irregular sleeping patterns had on my body.
Blood sugar dysregulation: Constantly skipping meals and then over eating at mealtimes, experiencing a sugar crash at 2pm and eating refined carbohydrates as a means to get a quick hit of energy.
My journey with adult acne is what ultimately shaped my “why” as a Clinical Nutritionist. I understand the feeling of being lost and feeling like you will never get better. What I once believed was a surface level topical skin issue was actually a reflection of deeper imbalances within my body and lifestyle. Like so many people struggling with ongoing symptoms, I felt frustrated, disconnected from my health, and unsure if things would ever improve.
So, what did I do?
I flipped my perspective and decided to heal my body from the inside out.
• Started listening to my body’s cues instead of ignoring them. Recognised sugar cravings as a sign I needed more nourishment and energy
• Started eating enough food consistently, focusing on mostly whole foods. Incorporating protein and fibre into every meal with the goal of stabilising my blood sugar levels.
•Significantly reduced ultra processed foods (UPF’s) and focused on learning to build a balanced plate of protein, carbohydrates incl. fibre and healthy fats.
• Remaining consistent. Consistency allows your body to trust which removes the feeling of deprivation, panic and stress.
• Began strength training and building lean muscle mass, reducing excessive cardio and high intensity workouts. I stopped living in a mindset of being smaller and began shifting towards being stronger.
This experience spanned over many years and ignited my passion for helping others uncover the root cause of their symptoms rather than simply masking them or looking for a quick fix. This is my personal journey with adult acne, everyones journey is different and everyones drivers to their symptoms is different.
This journey was not linear and it was not an overnight quick fix.
If you’re feeling stuck in your own health journey, I hope this reminds you that healing is possible — and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
If you’re ready to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and feel supported on your health journey, Wholefoodie Nutrition is here to help. Book a FREE introduction call to start working towards better health