The Derma Dietitian®

Skin Care

postbiotic supplement for constipation

The Supplement I Never Expected to Love (But Can’t Stop Talking About)

Spotlight on ThaenaBiotic®

There are supplements I recommend because the research is solid. And then there are supplements I recommend because I’ve felt the difference myself — and then dug into the research. Thaena falls squarely in the second category.

If you’ve been following along, you know gut health is at the center of almost everything I do — from stubborn skin flares to mood swings, energy crashes, and yes, the less glamorous stuff, like what’s (or isn’t) happening in the bathroom. So when I started noticing real changes in my own bowel regularity after adding ThaenaBiotic® to my routine, I had to share it with you.

So… What Even Is ThaenaBiotic®?

ThaenaBiotic® is the world’s first human-derived postbiotic supplement — and before you scroll away, let me explain why that’s actually brilliant.

You’ve probably heard of probiotics (live bacteria) and prebiotics (the fiber that feeds them). Postbiotics are the third piece of that puzzle: the actual metabolites — the tiny molecules — that healthy gut bacteria produce. Think of it this way:

Prebiotics are the fertilizer. Probiotics are the seeds. Postbiotics are the ready-to-harvest nutrients your gut cells immediately recognize and use.

ThaenaBiotic® is made from carefully screened, extraordinarily healthy human donors. Their stool is collected, rigorously sterilized using high-heat autoclaving (which kills all bacteria, fungi, and viruses), then freeze-dried and encapsulated. What remains is a complex, bioactive treasure chest of over 14,000 distinct metabolites that your gut knows exactly how to use.

No live bacteria. No refrigeration required. No colonization concerns.

Why I Started Using It (Hint: Constipation)

Constipation is one of those symptoms that sounds minor but is actually a significant sign that your gut ecosystem is struggling. I tried Thaena because I wanted to see firsthand what all the buzz was about — and the results genuinely surprised me.

Here’s the science behind why it helps with motility and regularity:

ThaenaBiotic® is rich in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which directly fuel colon cells, support gut barrier integrity, and help regulate the muscular contractions that move stool through your digestive tract. It also contains secondary bile acids (like lithocholic acid) that bind to receptors enhancing gut motility — and indoles, tryptophan-derived compounds that help modulate gut inflammation and support smooth digestive signaling.

In short: it restores the molecular signals your gut needs to remember how to move.

Real users echo this experience. One ThaenaBiotic® user shared: “I’m experiencing an improvement not only with bowel movements, but also with gut tolerance. I have started to carefully and slowly include raw vegetables in the form of salad and very slowly introducing raw apple. Both of which I am tolerating.”

The Bonus Benefits: Sleep & Mood

Here’s where it gets really interesting from a gut–brain axis perspective.

When your gut microbiome is depleted or out of balance, your body loses access to key signaling compounds that regulate far more than digestion — including energy metabolism, stress resilience, and mood. The gut–brain axis is a constant, two-way communication highway between your enteric nervous system (your “second brain” in your GI tract) and your central nervous system.

Several of the metabolites in ThaenaBiotic® are directly implicated in this crosstalk:

  • Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and related indoles can activate receptors that calm inflammation, protect nerve cells, and support balanced immune and emotional responses
  • Butyrate and propionate (SCFAs) have been shown in emerging research to interact with cells involved in mood regulation and stress responses
  • Urolithin A (a polyphenol-derived metabolite) supports mitochondrial function via mitophagy — essentially cellular “spring cleaning” — which can influence both energy and cognitive clarity
  • Inosine (a nucleotide derivative) gently modulates immune responses and supports tissue repair and energy metabolism

Many users report noticing changes in how “foggy” or energized they feel as gut balance improves — and individual responses will vary, but the biological rationale is sound.

Who This Is For

ThaenaBiotic® isn’t just for people with constipation. It may be a fit if:

  • You’ve tried probiotics and still don’t feel right. Most probiotics add a few lab-grown strains to a gut with trillions of microbes — their effects are often temporary. ThaenaBiotic® delivers what the gut actually uses: the postbiotic signals that tell your body how to regulate itself.
  • You’re recovering from antibiotics, illness, or burnout. When a course of antibiotics or a prolonged illness depletes your microbiome, you lose access to key compounds that regulate digestion, energy, and mood. ThaenaBiotic® replenishes those signals safely, without live bacteria.
  • Your diet is limited by food sensitivities. If you can’t tolerate certain foods, your microbes can’t make the nutrients those foods would normally create. Because Thaena’s donors eat a full spectrum of healthy foods, you get that full-spectrum postbiotic output even while your own diet is restricted.
  • You’re a high-optimizer looking for the missing piece. You track sleep, recovery, and every other metric — but your gut ecosystem may be the one system you haven’t fully optimized yet.

How to Take It

Simple dosing is part of ThaenaBiotic®: Take 1 capsule with or without food, morning or evening. No refrigeration needed.

The Risk-Free Part

They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on a one-month supply — meaning you can test this for a full month and request a full refund if you don’t notice a difference. For a product this unique, that kind of confidence matters.

My Take 

As someone who works with clients on chronic skin and gut issues daily, I’m always looking for tools that address root-cause biology rather than just masking symptoms. The gut–skin–brain connection is real, and the postbiotic research emerging around metabolites like butyrate, indoles, and bile acid derivatives aligns with what I see clinically.

This isn’t a probiotic you take and forget. It’s a signal restoration tool — and it’s one I’m genuinely using and recommending right now.

Ready to Try It? 

You can order ThaenaBiotic®  through my practitioner portal. Please note that I earn affiliate commissions, which help support my work and research into the topicals and supplements I recommend.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.

Sunscreen Decoded: What to Look For and What to Avoid

Let’s be honest. Sunscreen should be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. That doesn’t mean it has to feel like a chore. With sunnier days ahead, now is the perfect time to refresh your sun protection game.

Why does it matter so much? Because ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the top contributors to premature skin aging and, more seriously, skin cancer. Wrinkles, dark spots, sagging, and loss of elasticity often have more to do with sun exposure than with age. And yes, even on cloudy days or during short walks to the car, your skin is still being exposed.

The Key to Protection: Consistency and Application

Using sunscreen properly is as important as choosing the right product. Here’s how to do it right:

  • Use about 1/4 teaspoon for your face (roughly a nickel-sized amount)
  • Use 1 full ounce for your body (about the size of a shot glass)
  • Reapply every two hours, or sooner if swimming or sweating

 

The biggest secret to consistency? Finding a sunscreen you actually enjoy using.

What SPF Really Means

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It tells you how much longer your skin can be exposed to sunlight before starting to redden compared to not wearing sunscreen at all. For example, SPF 30 means it would take 30 times longer to burn.

Keep in mind that this is based on ideal lab conditions. Real-world factors like sweat, water, rubbing, and uneven application can reduce protection significantly.

Importantly, SPF mostly measures protection against UVB rays — the ones that cause sunburn and directly damage DNA. However, UVA rays are also a major concern. They penetrate deeper, contribute to aging, and also play a role in skin cancer.

Always choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum.” This ensures it covers both UVA and UVB.

What About Super-High SPFs?

You don’t need to obsess over SPF 100. The difference in protection is minimal once you get past SPF 30. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • SPF 15 blocks around 93% of UVB rays
  • SPF 30 blocks about 97%
  • SPF 50 blocks about 98%

 

The key takeaway: Choose SPF 30 or higher, make sure it’s broad spectrum, and reapply regularly. That matters more than chasing ultra-high numbers.

PA+ Ratings: A UVA Bonus

Some sunscreens, especially Korean and Japanese brands, also list a PA rating that measures UVA protection.

  • PA+: Some UVA protection
  • PA++: Moderate protection
  • PA+++: High protection
  • PA++++: Very high protection

 

More plus signs mean better protection from aging and pigmentation caused by UVA rays.

If You're Sweating or Swimming: Look for Water Resistance

Headed to the beach, pool, or gym? You’ll want a sunscreen labeled as water-resistant. The FDA allows only two official claims:

  • Water-resistant for 40 minutes
  • Water-resistant for 80 minutes

 

You won’t see labels like “waterproof” or “sweat-proof” anymore because no sunscreen is truly immune to water or sweat. Always reapply after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?

There’s a lot of buzz around these terms, so here’s what you need to know.

1. Chemical Sunscreens

How they work: They absorb into the top layer of your skin and transform UV rays into heat, which is released from the body.
Common ingredients: Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Oxybenzone
Pros: Lightweight, easy to apply, no white cast
Cons: Some concerns about systemic absorption and environmental impact, especially on coral reefs

2. Mineral (Physical) Sunscreens

How they work: They sit on top of your skin and reflect or scatter UV rays.
Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Pros: Great for sensitive, acne-prone, or reactive skin. Safe during pregnancy.
Cons: Older versions could feel thick or leave a white cast, but modern formulas have improved significantly

3. Combination Sunscreens

These mix both mineral and chemical filters to balance broad protection with a light, wearable feel.

A Note on "Sunscreen Doping"

Some sunscreens labeled as “100% mineral” actually include non-FDA-regulated chemical boosters in the full ingredient list. These aren’t listed as active ingredients but can still behave like chemical filters.

If you’re trying to avoid all chemical filters, scan the full ingredient and be on the lookout for:

  • Butyloctyl salicylate (BOS)
  • Ethyl ferulate
  • Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate
  • Tridecyl salicylate
  • Octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate)
  • Octocrylene
  • Homosalate
  • Homosalate

 

Examples: ColorScience Flex and Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral both contain butyloctyl salicylate.

How to Read Labels

  • Natural or Organic: These are not FDA-regulated terms. “Natural” usually means mineral-based, while “organic” refers to the carbon-based structure of chemical filters.
  • Reef-Safe: Generally means it avoids oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to marine life. Mineral formulas are the safest bet here.
  • EWG Verified: The Environmental Working Group gives this mark to products that meet their criteria for safety and transparency. You can browse their recommended sunscreens at ewg.org.

My Sunscreen Picks

For Kids

For Oily Skin

For Sensitive Skin

Cosmetically Elegant (Looks Good Under Make-Up)

Offers Light Make-up Like Coverage 

Water-Resistant Options

After Laser or For Long Sun Exposure

A Bonus Layer of Protection: From the Inside Out

One standout supplement is Polypodium leucotomos, a tropical fern extract rich in antioxidants. It helps reduce sunburn, inflammation, pigmentation, and UV-induced DNA damage. Clinical studies show it can increase your skin’s natural tolerance to the sun.

Heliocare is a well-known supplement that contains Polypodium leucotomos (marketed as Fernblock).

Final Thoughts

Choosing a sunscreen doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on finding one that feels good, fits your skin type, and provides broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply often, read your labels carefully, and consider supporting your skin from the inside out.

At The Derma Dietitian, we believe in protecting your skin through a comprehensive approach. Sun protection is one of the simplest, most powerful steps you can take toward lifelong skin health.

References

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). “Sunscreen FAQs.” (Accessed May 2024). Provides recommendations on SPF 30+, broad-spectrum, water resistance, reapplication, and suitability for sensitive skin.

Mass General Brigham. “Preventing Skin Damage From UVA and UVB Rays.” (September 2023). Explains the difference between UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and their roles in skin cancer.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun.” (Updated May 2021). Defines SPF and discusses labeling requirements.

Paula’s Choice. “What Does the PA+ Sunscreen Symbol Mean?” (Accessed May 2024). Explains the PA+ rating system for UVA protection.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Questions and Answers: FDA announces new requirements for over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen products marketed in the U.S.” (Updated May 2021). Details rules on water resistance and terms like “waterproof.”

Piedmont Healthcare. “The difference between physical and chemical sunscreen.” (April 2019). Explains the absorption mechanism of chemical sunscreens.

Matta, M. K., et al. “Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA, 323(3), 256–267. (2020). One of the key FDA-led studies showing systemic absorption of chemical filters.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Shedding More Light on Sunscreen Absorption.” (January 2020). Discusses the JAMA study findings and calls for more safety data.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Use; Proposed Rule.” Federal Register, 84(38), 6204-6275. (February 2019). Outlines the proposed rule designating Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as GRASE and requesting more data for chemical filters.

Downs, C. A., et al. “Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), on Coral Planulae and Cultured Primary Cells and Its Environmental Contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands.” Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 70(2), 265–288. (2016). Key study linking oxybenzone to coral reef damage.

Cole, C., et al. “Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorbing UV radiation.” Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 32(1), 5-10. (2016). Explains that mineral sunscreens primarily work via absorption, similar to chemical ones, with some scattering.

Stream2Sea. “Butyloctyl salicylate is NOT Reef Safe.” (Accessed May 2024). Discusses the use of Butyloctyl Salicylate as an ‘SPF booster’ and potential issues.

Marshfield Clinic Health System. “Sunscreen lingo: What’s in a label?” (July 2017). Clarifies the meaning of ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ on sunscreen labels.

REI Co-op. “What is Reef-Safe Sunscreen?” (April 2019). Defines ‘reef-safe’ as typically excluding oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Environmental Working Group (EWG). “About the guide | EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens.” (Accessed May 2024). Details the criteria for EWG Verified™ sunscreens.

Disclaimer

This post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any changes to your diet or treatment plan.

Beyond Skin Deep: Could Your Gut Hold the Key to Clear, Healthy Skin?

Ever feel like you’re waging a never-ending battle against your skin? You’re not alone! Millions deal with chronic skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. You’ve tried every cream, serum, and maybe even medication under the sun, but what if the real solution lies within?

We’re talking about your gut, of course! It might sound surprising, but a growing body of research is revealing a fascinating link between the trillions of microbes living in your digestive system (your gut microbiome) and the health of your skin. Think of it as an internal ecosystem that can either nourish your skin or wreak havoc on it.

The Gut-Skin Axis: Your Body’s Internal Social Network

Scientists call this connection the “gut-skin axis.” It’s a two-way street where your gut and skin are constantly chatting through a complex network of immune signals, hormones, and metabolites. When your gut is happy and balanced, it sends out positive vibes that promote healthy, glowing skin. But when your gut is out of whack (a state called dysbiosis), it can trigger inflammation that manifests as those pesky skin issues.

Here’s a sneak peek at how an unhappy gut can contribute to some common skin woes:

  • Acne: Gut dysbiosis can increase inflammation and alter sebum production, contributing to clogged pores and breakouts. (Bowe et al., 2014)
  • Eczema: An imbalanced gut microbiome can disrupt the skin barrier and trigger immune responses that lead to the itchy, red patches characteristic of eczema. (Lee et al., 2018)
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis: This condition, which causes scaly patches and dandruff, has been linked to alterations in the intestinal mucosa. (Odinstova et al., 2019)
  • Rosacea: Studies suggest that people with rosacea often have higher rates of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and other gut imbalances. (Parodi et al., 2008)
  • Psoriasis: A systematic review of studies indicated alterations in the gut microbiome in those with psoriasis. (Sikora et al., 2020)

The Gut-Skin Superhero Squad: Your Dream Team for Clear Skin

So, how do you get your gut and skin back on speaking terms? This is where a multi-faceted approach comes in handy. And who better to guide you than someone who truly understands the gut-skin connection from the inside out?

Imagine a practitioner who is all of these things:

  • A Registered Dietitian (RD) with Functional Medicine Training: They can personalize your diet to nourish your gut, identify food sensitivities that might be triggering your skin, and recommend targeted supplements to rebalance your microbiome. Functional medicine training takes it a step further, helping them identify the root causes of your gut and skin issues.
  • A Licensed Esthetician: They have an in-depth understanding of the skin’s physiology and can provide tailored skincare advice and treatments that complement your gut-healing journey.
  • A Specialist in Gut Health: They’re up-to-date on the latest research on the gut microbiome and can use advanced testing (like stool tests) to assess your gut health and create a customized plan to restore balance.

 

The Derma Dietitian® was founded to help you connect the dots between your gut and your skin, offering a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of your skin condition, not just the symptoms.

Ready to transform your skin from the inside out? It might be time to explore the power of The Derma-Gut Connection™. By reclaiming your gut health, you’re not just improving your digestion; you’re investing in a happier, healthier complexion that truly glows! Book a discovery call to get started.

References:

  • Bowe, W. P., & Logan, A. C. (2014). Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis. Gut pathogens, 6(1), 1.
  • Lee, S. Y., Lee, E., Park, Y. M., & Hong, S. J. (2018). Microbiome in the gut-skin axis in atopic dermatitis. Allergy, asthma & immunology research, 10(4), 354-362.
  • Odintsova, I., & Dyudyun, A. (2019). Features of the composition of microorganisms inhabiting the intestinal mucosa in patients with seborrheic dermatitis. Dermatovenerol. Cosmetol. Sexopathol, 31-34.
  • Parodi, A., Paolino, S., Greco, A., Drago, F., Mansi, C., Rebora, A., … & Savarino, V. (2008). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in rosacea: clinical effectiveness of its eradication. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 6(7), 759-764.  
  • Sikora, M., Stec, A., Chrabaszcz, M., Knot, A., Waskiel-Burnat, A., Rakowska, A., Olszewska, M., & Rudnicka, L. (2020). Gut Microbiome in Psoriasis: An Updated Review. Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 9(6), 463.

 

Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any changes to your diet or treatment plan.

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