Wrinkle Warriors: 🥑✨ DIY Creams and Lotions That Actually Help (Backed by Science!)

“Discover nurse-approved DIY wrinkle creams and gut-friendly foods that improve skin, reduce inflammation, and boost a youthful glow naturally! 🌿💆‍♀️”


Hey skin lovers! As a wound and ostomy care nurse in my fabulous 40s, I’ve patched up everything from post-op bellies to the occasional diaper rash (yes, it happens!). But nothing excites me more than the gut-skin connection, wrinkle defense strategies, and yes—a solid poop talk. 💩💁‍♀️

Today, we’re diving into DIY wrinkle-fighting creams and lotions that actually work, backed by science, and paired with gut-loving advice. Because glowing skin truly starts from the inside out!


The Skin-Gut Axis: Why Your Gut Might Be Aging Your Face

Your gut health directly impacts your skin health through the gut-skin axis, a two-way communication involving your immune system, hormones, and microbes.

📊 Fact: A 2021 review in Microorganisms highlighted that people with rosacea, acne, and premature aging often have imbalanced gut microbiota (Microorganisms, 2021).

Signs your gut may be affecting your skin:

  • Wrinkles 😩
  • Dryness 🏜️
  • Redness 🚨
  • Sensitivity 😢

Glow Tip: Before spending hundreds on topical creams, feed your microbiome what it wants.


Personal Story: How My Gut-Focused Routine Changed My Skin 🍽️

Winter used to be brutal—flaky, tight skin, nothing helped. But after I:

  • Added fermented foods like Greek yogurt and kimchi 🥬
  • Reduced processed sugars 🍪🚫
  • Took a quality probiotic 💊

…I noticed plumper, calmer skin and softened forehead lines. Proof that gut health = skin health!


DIY Wrinkle-Fighting Creams That Actually Work

🥑 Avocado Oil + Vitamin E

  • Why: Antioxidants + healthy fats
  • Skin perks: Boosts elasticity, calms inflammation
  • DIY Tip: Mix 1 tbsp avocado oil with 1 capsule of vitamin E; apply nightly

🌿 Green Tea Extract + Aloe Vera

  • Why: EGCG reduces wrinkles & UV damage
  • Skin perks: Soothes, repairs, protects
  • DIY Tip: Brew strong green tea, mix 1 tbsp aloe gel, store in fridge as a toner

🥥 Coconut Oil + Collagen Peptides

  • Why: Coconut oil is occlusive, collagen peptides support repair
  • Skin perks: Keeps skin barrier intact
  • DIY Tip: Blend 2 tbsp coconut oil with 1 scoop collagen; use nightly as balm

Gut-Friendly Foods for Smooth, Youthful Skin

Eating for your skin is the real MVP. Try:

  • Bone broth: Collagen + amino acids
  • Sauerkraut & kimchi: Probiotics for gut balance
  • Leafy greens: Vitamin C for collagen synthesis
  • Pumpkin seeds: Zinc for skin repair
  • Oats: Prebiotics to feed your gut bugs

📢 Glow Tip: Combine with 8+ glasses of water daily, consistent exercise, and sunscreen even on cloudy days. Your skin and gut will thank you.


Wrapping Up: Skincare Is an Inside Job 🧠 + 🧴

DIY skincare works best when paired with a gut-loving lifestyle. Think of it as teamwork: probiotics, peptides, and antioxidants holding hands.

💬 Have you noticed skin improvements after focusing on gut health? Share your wins (or woes) below!


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⚠️ Disclaimer (Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉): This blog is for general educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider for personal advice.


Don’t stop here – the best tips are just below ⬇️

Magnesium, Motility & Morning Poops: My Favorite Gut Routine


Because no one should start their day feeling full of 💩

Let’s be honest—there are few things as satisfying as that first glorious morning poop. If you’re over 40 (like me), a nurse (also me), and obsessed with skin, gut health, and all things digestive, then you know: regular poops are a form of self-care.

Over my 22 years as a nurse—and especially as a wound and ostomy care specialist—I’ve had a front-row seat to all kinds of gut drama. And guess what? A lot of it could be greatly improved by a solid routine, some magnesium magic, and a little TLC (tender loving care) for your gut motility.

So here’s my favorite gut routine, nurse-tested and life-approved.


💊 First Up: Why Magnesium

Magnesium isn’t just for sore muscles or leg cramps at 2 a.m. It’s a gut health powerhouse. Think of it as the chill friend who helps your intestines move things along without drama.

Types of Magnesium (Because It’s Not All the Same):

  • Magnesium Citrate – Great for promoting bowel movements. Perfect if you’re feeling a little… backed up.
  • Magnesium Glycinate – Gentle and calming. Supports relaxation and sleep but also helps the bowels over time.
  • Magnesium Oxide – Less absorbable but draws water into the colon (hello, softer stools!).

🔍 Nurse Tip: Always start low and go slow. Too much and you’ll go from “constipated” to “clear-out-the-room” real fast.


⏰ Timing is Everything

Morning poops are more than convenient—they’re biologically ideal. Your gut is most active after waking, especially after food hits your stomach. This is called the gastrocolic reflex—a fancy way of saying: “Your colon wants to get moving once breakfast arrives.”

My Morning Gut Routine:

  1. Hydrate Like You Mean It
    First thing: big glass of warm water with lemon. Bonus points if you add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
    💧 Hydration = happy bowels.
  2. Magnesium (the night before!)
    I take my magnesium glycinate or citrate before bed so my colon can wake up ready to rock.
  3. Move It, Don’t Lose It
    Light stretching or a walk can help stimulate motility. Sometimes just standing in front of your coffee machine counts.
  4. Fiber + Fat Breakfast Combo
    Think oats + chia + nut butter OR avocado toast with seeds. This combo wakes up the gut and your skin.
  5. Deep Breaths, No Rushing
    Stress shuts digestion down. Take a minute. Sit down. Poop in peace.

🧠 Gut Motility & Your Skin? Oh Yes.

Here’s where my skincare nerd side comes out: When your gut is slow, your skin shows it. Constipation leads to toxin build-up, and your body will try to detox however it can—including your face. Hello breakouts, dullness, and inflamed skin.

Good gut flow = glowing skin. It’s that simple.


💩 Stool Goals

You want a smooth, soft, easy-to-pass sausage. (Yes, I said it.)

✅ Not too hard
✅ Not too loose
✅ Ideally in the morning
✅ Once or twice a day

If you’re skipping days, pushing too hard, or living in the land of rabbit pellets, it’s time to rethink your gut routine.


Final Thought From This Poop-Obsessed Nurse:

Magnesium might not be glamorous, but it works. Pair it with hydration, movement, and mindful meals, and you’ll be amazed what your gut—and your skin—can do. Don’t wait until things get sluggish to start caring about motility.

Because, let’s be real: You deserve better than coffee, stress, and crossed fingers.

Your morning poop is a sacred ritual. Protect it at all costs.


Probiotics, Prebiotics, and All the Biotics: What’s the Deal?

A nurse’s guide to the little bugs running your gut, your glow, and maybe even your mood

Let’s get real: somewhere between drinking kombucha and reading labels on probiotic yogurt that costs more than a co-pay, we all started wondering…
“What are all these -biotics? And why are they suddenly the Beyoncé of gut health?”

As a nurse with 22 years of experience—many of them up to my elbows in wounds, ostomies, and talking to patients about their poop—let me explain things the way we like it in the medical world: clear, quick, and with a touch of sass.


🦠 Meet Your Microbiome (AKA the Gut Squad)

You’ve got trillions of bacteria living in your gut. Sounds creepy? It’s not. These microbes are the real MVPs of digestion, immunity, skin health, mood, inflammation, and yes—even wound healing. The goal is to keep this gut community thriving and balanced. That’s where the -biotics come in.


🧪 So What’s the Difference?

Probiotics = The Good Guys You Add In

These are live bacteria you consume to support your gut’s army. Think of probiotics like hiring reinforcements for your body’s microscopic wellness team.

Found in:

  • Yogurt with live cultures
  • Kefir
  • Kimchi
  • Sauerkraut
  • Miso
  • Probiotic supplements

What they do:

  • Balance gut flora
  • Reduce bloating and constipation
  • Support skin health (bye, breakouts!)
  • Boost immunity
  • Help absorb nutrients (hello, glowing skin + stronger wounds)

🩺 Nurse Note: Not all probiotic strains are the same! Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are solid picks—but make sure they’re alive and well in your product.


Prebiotics = Food for Your Good Bugs

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that your good bacteria LOVE to eat. They keep the probiotics thriving, happy, and multiplying.

Found in:

  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Leeks
  • Asparagus
  • Bananas (especially the slightly green ones)
  • Oats
  • Chicory root

What they do:

  • Fuel your gut flora
  • Help keep bowel movements regular (💩 cheers!)
  • Improve calcium absorption
  • Support clearer skin by reducing inflammation

💡 Think of it this way: Prebiotics are like fertilizer for your inner garden. No food = no healthy gut bugs = sad skin, poor poops, and sluggish vibes.


Postbiotics = The Bonus Products

Wait, there’s more? Yes! Postbiotics are the byproducts (a.k.a. leftovers) that probiotics produce after feeding on prebiotics. They’re kind of like the secret sauce that helps reduce inflammation and support immunity.

Found in:

  • Fermented foods (again!)
  • Your own gut… if it’s well-fed with the first two

What they do:

  • Strengthen your gut lining
  • Calm inflammation (skin and gut)
  • Support immune response
  • May even reduce allergy symptoms

👩‍⚕️ Bottom line: Don’t stress about buying “postbiotic products.” Just feed your gut right, and your body will do the work.


🧴 But What Does This Have to Do with My Skin?

EVERYTHING. Your gut and your skin are BFFs. When your gut microbiome is healthy, it reduces systemic inflammation—which means:

  • Fewer breakouts
  • Less eczema or psoriasis flares
  • Better hydration and glow
  • Faster wound healing (yep, I went there—nurse bonus tip)

A stressed-out gut can lead to toxins leaking into your bloodstream (leaky gut syndrome), which then manifests as breakouts, dullness, or chronic skin irritation.

✨ Nurse Wisdom: Beautiful skin starts in the bathroom. Yes, that bathroom.


🚽 How to Build a “Biotic” Routine That Works

  1. Eat fermented foods regularly. They’re the easiest way to get natural probiotics.
  2. Add prebiotic fiber daily. Don’t skip your garlic, onions, and oats!
  3. Drink water like it’s your job. Fiber without water = constipation central.
  4. Consider a quality probiotic supplement if your gut needs extra support (like after antibiotics or stress).
  5. Ditch the ultra-processed junk. Sugar, fried foods, and alcohol feed the wrong bacteria.

🧠 Final Thoughts from Your Gut-Loving Nurse Blogger

Your gut isn’t just about digestion. It’s the HQ of your immunity, energy, mood, skin, and so much more. When you give it the tools (hello, probiotics and prebiotics), it shows up for you—in the mirror and the bathroom.

So the next time someone asks what all the -biotics hype is about, you can smile and say,
“They’re why I poop like a queen and glow like one, too.”


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Gut Check: 7 Signs Your Microbiome Is Out of Whack

A nurse’s guide to the microscopic chaos in your gut—and how to fix it

Let’s start with the truth: your gut isn’t just a glorified food tube—it’s home to trillions of tiny organisms that basically run your health show. We’re talking bacteria, yeasts, and other microscopic freeloaders who can either be helpful roommates or the kind who never do their dishes and steal your toilet paper.

I’ve seen what happens when your gut microbiome gets out of balance—and it’s not pretty. Think skin flare-ups, brain fog, bloating that makes you look 6 months pregnant (without the baby), and a mood that changes faster than a toddler denied snacks.

So if you’re feeling “off” and can’t quite put your finger on why, it might be time for a gut check—literally.


🦠 Wait, What’s the Microbiome Again?

Your gut microbiome is the collection of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract. These little guys help with:

  • Digesting your food
  • Producing vitamins
  • Regulating your immune system
  • Keeping your skin clear
  • Balancing your mood
    (Yes—your gut and brain text each other daily. It’s a thing.)

When your microbiome is happy, you’re glowing, going, and thriving. When it’s out of whack… chaos ensues.


🚨 7 Signs Your Microbiome Might Be Throwing a Fit

1. You’re Bloated After Everything. Even Water.

Bloating is like your gut’s way of passive-aggressively saying, “Help me!” If you’re suddenly puffing up after basic meals, it could mean your gut bacteria are having a turf war—or you’re not digesting carbs and fibers well.

2. Bathroom Habits Are… Unpredictable

Pooping like a champ one day, and nothing the next? Or maybe you’re riding the diarrhea express with no end in sight? A healthy gut = regular, comfortable BMs. If your output looks like it belongs on the Bristol Stool Chart’s warning end (types 1 or 7), something’s up.

💩 Nurse tip: The “gold standard” poop is a smooth, sausage-shaped log that doesn’t require a toilet paper workout.

3. You’re Breaking Out, and It’s Not Hormones

Adult acne? Eczema? Rosacea that’s suddenly raging? Skin issues can be a red flag for internal inflammation—and your gut is often ground zero. The gut-skin connection is real, and I’ve seen wound healing slow way down when gut health isn’t addressed.

4. You’re Tired, But Can’t Sleep

Exhausted but wide awake at 3 a.m.? Your gut bacteria help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and produce neurotransmitters like serotonin. If you’re sleep-deprived, cranky, and reaching for your fifth coffee by 10 a.m., it might be your microbiome crying for help.

5. Your Mood Is All Over the Place

Ever felt hangry? Now imagine your gut’s been inflamed for weeks—cue anxiety, irritability, or even depression. There’s a reason they call the gut the “second brain.” (And no, it’s not because it overthinks everything too.)

6. Sugar Cravings Are Running the Show

Bad bacteria love sugar. If you’re constantly craving sweets or carbs, those little gut gremlins may be hijacking your taste buds to feed their own survival. I promise—your microbiome is sneakier than a toddler with a Sharpie.

7. You’ve Been on Antibiotics (and Never Rebalanced)

Antibiotics save lives—but they also wipe out the good guys in your gut. If you’ve been on antibiotics recently (or frequently over the years), and never followed up with probiotics or gut-healing foods, your internal ecosystem might be missing some key players.


🛠️ So… What Can You Do About It?

Glad you asked! You can absolutely get your microbiome back on track. Here’s what I recommend, nurse-approved and 100% real-world doable:

✅ Eat More Plants (Fiber Is Food for Your Good Bacteria)

Aim for 20–30 different plant foods a week. Yes, variety matters more than just “eating healthy.”

✅ Add Fermented Foods

Think yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso. These natural probiotics help reintroduce good bugs.

✅ Drink More Water

Hydration helps everything move—including the good bugs.

✅ Move Your Body

Even light exercise helps support digestion and microbiome diversity.

✅ Manage Stress

Easier said than done, I know. But meditation, breathwork, or even walking outside can keep cortisol from turning your gut into a warzone.

✅ Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Some (like sucralose) can disrupt your gut bacteria and lead to bloating and glucose issues.


💬 Final Thought: Your Gut Is Talking. Are You Listening?

You don’t need a PhD in microbiology to spot when your gut is out of balance. You just need to pay attention to the signals: poop changes, skin flare-ups, cravings, mood swings, and bloating that makes you rethink your outfit.

Your microbiome wants you to feel good, glow brighter, and poop like a pro. Show it some love, and it’ll love you back—from your brain to your skin and everything in between.


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🍽️✨Eat This, Not That—for Happier Bowels and Better Skin 🌿💩💖

Because what you eat shows up in your poop AND your pores.

If you’re in your 40s like me, and you’ve ever said, “Wow, I didn’t used to bloat like this after a salad,” or “Why is my skin freaking out like I’m 16 again?”—welcome, friend. Let’s talk about the not-so-secret secret behind it all: your gut.

As a nurse with 22 years of experience (and way too many conversations about poop before lunch), I’ve seen firsthand how what you eat affects how you go—and how you glow. The connection between your gut and your skin is as real as that one coworker who always microwaves fish in the breakroom.

So today we’re diving into my favorite kind of list:
Eat this, not that—for happier bowels and better skin.
Because good skin starts in the gut, and so does not hating your bathroom time.


🍞 Bread Edition: Whole > White

Eat This: Sprouted grain bread or whole wheat
Not That: White bread, croissants, or anything with “enriched” flour

White bread is basically cardboard for your gut. It spikes your blood sugar, feeds the bad bacteria, and leaves you hungry in 20 minutes. Whole grains? They’re fiber-packed, feed your good gut bugs, and help you poop like a champion.

💩 Gut bonus: Fiber = movement = less constipation = less toxin reabsorption = clearer skin.


🧃 Drink Edition: Water > Juice

Drink This: Water (with lemon, cucumber, or even chia seeds)
Not That: Sugary juices, soda, or “detox teas” that are just glorified laxatives

Juice may look healthy, but your gut and skin know better. It’s a sugar bomb in disguise. Water keeps everything hydrated—from your colon to your collagen.

💦 Pro tip: Dehydration is the fastest way to look tired and get constipated.


🍟 Snack Edition: Avocados > Chips

Eat This: Avocado toast, guac with veggie sticks, or even just a spoonful
Not That: Potato chips, pretzels, or “low-fat” snack packs

Avocados are loaded with healthy fats that keep your skin plump and your gut lining happy. Chips? Mostly salt and empty carbs. Sorry, not sorry.

🥑 Bonus: Avocados contain fiber + vitamin E, a double win for your glow.


🍫 Treat Edition: Dark Chocolate > Candy Bars

Eat This: 70%+ dark chocolate
Not That: Milk chocolate candy bars with sugar as the first ingredient

Dark chocolate (in moderation, of course) has polyphenols—plant compounds that love your gut and fight inflammation. Candy bars? Just a sugar party for acne-causing bacteria.

🍫 Nurse wisdom: Eat the chocolate. Just make it dark and mysterious, like your favorite medical drama.


🍗 Protein Edition: Salmon > Processed Meats

Eat This: Wild salmon, sardines, eggs, beans
Not That: Deli meats, bacon, hot dogs

Omega-3s in salmon are great for calming skin inflammation and soothing the gut. Processed meats? They’re full of preservatives and inflammatory fats that make your gut and face very unhappy.

🧠 Gut-skin note: Omega-3s support mood, too. So you’ll look good and stop yelling at your houseplants.


🥤 Gut Helper Edition: Fermented Foods > “Probiotic” Gimmicks

Eat This: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso
Not That: Sugary probiotic drinks with cartoon labels

Fermented foods bring real, living bacteria to your gut party. Fake probiotic products are like inviting a clown to a medical conference. Not helpful.

🧬 A healthy microbiome = better digestion, better immunity, fewer breakouts. Win-win-win.


🚫 Avoid the “Low-Fat” Lies

Let me be clear: your skin and gut need fat. Healthy fats. Not the “low-fat” processed stuff that spiked in popularity in the 90s (and ruined all our hormones). Your skin barrier and your gut lining are made of lipids. Give them what they need.


👩‍⚕️ Final Thoughts from Your Friendly Nurse Blogger

What you eat either feeds the inflammation or fights it. It either supports your gut-skin connection—or sabotages it one soda at a time.

You don’t need a perfect diet. Just a realistic, whole-food, gut-happy plan that works with your life (and your shift schedule). If your poop is regular, your skin is glowing, and you’ve got energy to spare—you’re on the right track.

And if not? Just remember, you can turn things around one avocado at a time.


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💩 What Your Poop Is Telling You (And When to Worry)

From a Nurse Who Talks About Poop Like It’s Her Job—Because It Is

Let’s normalize something real quick: talking about poop.
Because as a nurse with 22 years in the game—and plenty of time spent in wound and ostomy care—let me tell you, poop is one of the most honest health reporters you’ll ever meet. Forget the fancy wearables and wellness apps; your stool is the original body feedback system. It tells you everything from hydration status to digestion drama to whether or not your kombucha obsession is paying off.

So yes, today we’re going there. I’m in my 40s, and I’ve had more conversations about poop than most people have had about their careers—and I’m proud of it. Let’s break down what your daily (or not-so-daily) deposit is saying about your overall health, and when it’s time to raise an eyebrow… or call your doc.


💩 First, What Is “Normal” Poop?

Welcome to the Bristol Stool Chart—every nurse’s favorite dinner topic. It classifies poop into 7 types:

  • Type 1: Hard pellets (aka rabbit poop). Hello, constipation.
  • Type 2: Lumpy sausage. Still constipated, but working on it.
  • Type 3 & 4: Smooth sausage or soft log. 🎯 Gold standard of poop.
  • Type 5: Soft blobs with clear edges. Okay, maybe had too much fiber.
  • Type 6 & 7: Mushy or watery. Now we’re in diarrhea territory.

Ideal poop? Type 3 or 4. Smooth, soft, easy to pass, and about the length of a banana. Bonus points if you barely need toilet paper. 🧻


🧠 What Poop Can Tell You About Your Health

1. Color Commentary

  • Brown = Gold star! That’s bilirubin doing its job.
  • Green = Fast transit time or too much kale. Not usually a crisis.
  • Yellow = Fat malabsorption (watch for floating, greasy stools).
  • Black or red = 🚨 Call your provider. Could indicate bleeding.
  • Pale, clay-colored = Possible bile duct issue. Check in with your doc.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse tip: If your stool looks like a Halloween decoration or smells like a dead raccoon in the sun, it’s worth checking out.


2. Consistency Is Key

If you’re pooping rabbit pellets on Monday and have a butt volcano by Wednesday, something’s off. Stress, hydration, hormones, food intolerances, antibiotics—all of these affect your gut rhythm.

  • Constipation: Drink more water, move more, up your fiber. Magnesium citrate is my go-to sidekick.
  • Diarrhea: Rule out infection, food triggers, or gut imbalances. Too many sugar-free gums can cause chaos too—yes, I’m looking at you, xylitol.

3. Odor Clues (Yes, the Smell Matters)

All poop stinks—but sudden, knock-you-out foulness could mean:

  • Poor digestion
  • Infection (think C. diff)
  • Food intolerance (hello, lactose!)
  • Malabsorption (especially if it’s oily or sticky)

Don’t ignore new stink levels that linger. Your poop should not require a hazmat evacuation plan.


🚽 When to Worry (A Nurse’s Real Talk)

Here’s when poop deserves more than a passing thought:

  • Blood (bright or dark)
  • Ongoing diarrhea or constipation (more than a few days)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Weight loss without trying
  • Floating, greasy stools (every time)
  • Changes in color or consistency that last over a week

If your gut’s been acting like a moody teenager for more than a week, it’s time to bring in a professional.


🥬 How to Make Your Poop… Well, Poop Better

Healthy poop starts with gut-friendly habits. Here’s what I recommend (and practice myself):

  • Fiber daily: Aim for 25–35g. Veggies, fruits, oats, chia seeds.
  • Hydrate like a boss: Water helps everything move.
  • Move your body: Exercise = better motility.
  • Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut—or a good supplement.
  • Prebiotics: Feed the good bugs with garlic, onions, asparagus, etc.
  • Watch your stress: Cortisol and your colon are NOT friends.

💬 Final Flush

You don’t need to be obsessed with your poop—but you should be checking in with it. Your stool is basically your gut’s way of texting you, and ignoring it is like leaving your doctor on read.

So the next time you drop a deuce, take a peek. Is it shaped like a banana? Does it flush with pride? Great. If not—your body might be nudging you to make a few gut-friendly tweaks.

And hey, if you’ve got an ostomy, your output tells a story too! (But that’s another post—coming soon.)

Here’s to healthy guts, glowing skin, and poop that makes you proud. 💩✨


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