She Lives Inside Me – How To Heal Your Inner Child

how to heal your inner childhow to heal your inner child

Clips comprised of nostalgic, emotional music atop old home videos of from childhood recently flooded my feed — each video paired with the phrase, “She lives inside me.” This sentimental trend took over TikTok, all seemingly in an effort to better recognize (and love) each person's younger self. This is often referred to as one's inner child...but what is an inner child? We chatted with a mental health expert to understand more about what this all means and how to heal your inner child.

What is the inner child?

@saralufkin

she lives inside me

♬ bug collector cover - BEN SCOTT

According to the therapeutic mainstream, we all have an inner child. Your inner child lives within your subconscious and sets the stage for the relationships, beliefs, and habits you have throughout your life. Carl Jung proposed the concept of the inner child, discovering that by tapping into the needs and beliefs from his youth, he could better facilitate his own understanding of himself. Ultimately, finding your way back to your childlike spirit can free you from unhelpful thought patterns and insecure attachments by healing your earliest responses to the world.

Your inner child feels hurt when your current self gets rejected. Your inner child silences themselves when someone’s angry at your current self. Your inner child laughs with joy when your current self explores nature. In summary, everything you experienced as a child lives on in you now. Why is this helpful to acknowledge? We spoke with Ann Odom, Child Therapist & Parent Coach, about uncovering the inner child and how it can benefit you now.

“The inner child is the part of our psyche that was formed when we were limited in our emotional coping abilities and is frozen in time,” says Odom. “The inner child is also the part of us that holds our attachments, our imagination, our creativity, our intuition and our ability to play.”

Why should I be healing my inner child?

Everyone had unique experiences growing up – whether they were good, bad, or both — and what you live through affects you. The things that happened to you or around you as a child can especially affect your worldview. You were fresh to the world, still forming ideas and beliefs about family, friends, strangers, and yourself. Trauma experienced in childhood sets you up for insecure attachments, sensitivities, emotional distancing, nervous system dysfunction, dissociation, and more. If you feel one, or more, or all of these feelings, remember that they’re normal, and healing through the inner child is possible.

Inner child work puts us in touch with our truest selves, but is especially impactful for those searching for the answers behind their behavioral patterns. A lot of us may be holding in trauma, shame, and hurtful experiences inside without even realizing, and those feelings can culminate into unhelpful thoughts and actions that can affect others beyond yourself.

“Because our nervous system is being formed in the environment of our childhoods, we unconsciously carry the emotional pain of our lived experience into our adult life without even knowing it,” says Odom. “We shape-shifted and avoided parts of our authentic human expression [as children]; our nervous system stored big, hard emotions for later, and many of us in the therapeutic community are finding this is the root cause of our stress, disconnection, anxiety, depression and addiction in our culture.”

The most special aspect of inner child work is how it can open up a whole world of possibility: gained understanding of how your past shapes your future, raised self-awareness in your relationship with yourself and others, strengthened connection and acceptance with your true self, and renewed insights on using healthy coping mechanisms. More than anything, security is the goal of this work, says Odom.

“Our inner child has the core need to feel seen, heard, safe and unconditionally loved. When they feel accepted, soothed, and loved for all that they are (which now as adults, we are the one to provide that experience for them), they get the message that they are inherently worthy and therefore secure. When security is internalized, the world is viewed as a safe place, and this frees us up to have access to our gifts, our intuition, our ability to connect with others, to grow, explore and to play.”

How to heal my inner child?

Though affirmations, somatic exercises, music, workbooks, podcasts, meditations, and journal prompts all can target your inner child, working with a therapist may be most effective in healing, allowing you to get down to specifics with them. Talking with someone face-to-face can really expedite the work, as long as you feel comfortable around them. Since access to therapy can be limited, there are multiple ways to interact and connect with our inner child on our own. Before you embark on your inner child journey, it’s crucial to view it as a relationship between you (the loving current self), and the younger, more vulnerable inner child.

“I believe that inner child work is beneficial for everyone,” says Odom. “However, if there has been complex trauma or severe abuse experienced by the inner child, this work is best done in the presence of a safe attuned trained professional as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan.”

One helpful self-practice is placing pictures of you as a child in visible places. Think about tucking in a picture by the mirror you look at every day, or hanging it up on the fridge. Frequently visualizing the inner child within you can provide ample space for constructive reflection. And this is exactly what the "she lives inside me" TikTok trend gets at – seeing your younger self, and tapping into their emotions that may impact your current self.

@maddie.comeau she lives inside me #foryou#childhood#childhoodmemories#nostalgia#ontario#foryou♬ The Bug Collector - Haley Heynderickx

“Finding photos of us as children, and putting them in a place we can see them everyday is a powerful symbolic gesture indicating that we see them now, and they are worthy of being seen,” says Odom. “When we show them they are seen, inherently valuable, and safe, the healthy wonderful parts of them come to the fore (playfulness, creativity, authenticity, curiosity, presence) and the wounded parts of them (anger, rage, worry, fear, selfishness) lessen. I think it’s a safe assumption that we could all use more access to the former, rather than the latter.”

Another grounding inner child practice is jamming out to the music you loved as a child. Listening and engaging with throwback tracks can bring out pent-up emotions, or just give you the time and ability to connect more with your ‘little one’ – just remember to keep an open mind in the process!

Affirmations are another transformative method in working with your inner child. Internally telling your inner child “good morning,” “good night,” and other helpful affirmations increases the chance for everyday connection. Further, try continuing the internal conversation with your inner child throughout your days, especially if you’re experiencing a challenging emotion or situation.

“When we’re feeling a strong emotion in our day-to-day life, it’s typically coming from the unmet needs of our inner child,” says Odom. “Take some time to connect with them in your mind, ask them what they need and how they are feeling. I have full conversations in my head with my inner child now. Whatever she tells me she’s feeling, I validate her, tell her I hear her, her feelings matter, they make sense, and I’m so sorry.”

To Ann, another “profoundly healing” practice is meditation. Meditating (alone or guided) while visualizing your inner child physically existing in the same room creates such strong connections between you. You can imagine something as simple as welcoming your wounded inner child in through your front door, with an open mind and heart to help soothe them.

“Most of us naturally see a child as innocent, lovable, and worthy of protection,” says Odom. “When we start to understand that this little one remains inside of us waiting to be nurtured, seen and protected, we can take our power back and give ourselves what the world didn’t.”

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Header image by Claire Shadomy

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, plenty of people are already celebrating Irish culture and trying to bring a little extra fortune into their lives.

One charming way to tap into the spirit is by naming your little one something lucky. Here are eight of the most adorable baby names that have luck-related meanings.

Scroll to see all the lucky baby names we love for 2025!

1. Evangeline

Zura Modebadze

Evangeline is Greek in origin and derived from the words "eu" and "angelma," meaning "good news" or "good tidings."

This name has gained popularity in the U.S. because it carries a sense of hope and prosperity, making it a wonderful choice for parents welcoming a little girl.

2. Felix

Yan Krukau

With Latin roots, Felix is a timeless baby boy name that means "happy" and "fortunate." If you want to bless your child with a life full of joy, this name definitely conveys positivity and good fortune.

Felix also dates back to the 1st century BC and has ties to the New Testament, as well as several popes. It remains a popular pick in North America, South America, and Africa.

3. Gwyneth

Anna Bondarenko

The name Gwyneth is Welsh in origin and derived from the word "gwynaeth," which means "happiness." It embodies cheerfulness, and "Gwynnie" can even be used as a cute nickname.

It's no secret that actress Gwyneth Paltrow has popularized this name, but it also carries a bit of fantasy, thanks to characters like the priestess Gwyneth Berdara in the beloved book series "A Court of Thorns and Roses."

4. Merritt

Карина Суховерхая

When spelled a bit differently as "Merit," this baby name of Latin origin holds multiple meanings, including "valuable," "worthy," and "deserving of praise." Otherwise, "Merritt," which is British, actually means "boundary gate."

Either way, a baby boy with this name will be lucky, as the ability to set healthy boundaries (and stick to them) is a very sought-after trait.

5. Felicity

Travis Grossen

Derived from Latin, Felicity is another charming name that means "happy" and "good fortune." It's perfect for a little one you hope will bring joy to those around her.

The TV show "Felicity" added to this name's popularity, as well as the release of the American Girl doll Felicity Merriman. Some cute nickname options include Flick and Fee.

6. Asher

Holly Landkammer

While Asher, a name with religious ties, has traditionally been given to boys, it's growing in favoritism as a girl's name as well.

In the Hebrew Bible, Asher is the eighth son of Jacob and the founder of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Jacob blessed Asher before his death, and Moses said, "May Asher be blessed above other sons."

That's why this name is often said to mean "happy" and "blessed." It's a lucky choice that's particularly popular among Jewish families.

7. Destiny

Subin Cherian

Do you feel like your daughter was meant to be? If so, Destiny may be a delightful fit. Derived from the Old French word "destinée" and the Latin "destinare," it translates to "fate" or "one's certain fortune."

In addition to its divine connections, Destiny also has ties to Hollywood. You may not know that Miley Cyrus' given name was actually Destiny when she was born in 1992. Plus, we obviously can't forget about the iconic girl group Destiny's Child.

8. Chance

Sergey Makashin

Last but not least is Chance, a strong name with British roots and a meaning of "good fortune." Originally a diminutive of Chauncey, it's also tied to the title Chancellor, which is given to high-ranking government officials.

So, to set your little one up for a life full of opportunities and luck, you can't go wrong with choosing Chance as a baby name.

Anastasiya Gepp

This study found that these baby girl names are the luckiest baby girl names for 2025:

  • Iris
  • Felicia
  • Beata
  • Penny
  • Ayan
  • Jade
  • Winifred
  • Beatrix
  • Bente
  • Felicity

Abhishek Nigam

While these are the luckiest baby boy names for 2025:

  • Felix
  • Ayman
  • Lucky
  • Edmund
  • Benedict
  • Macario
  • Ace
  • Tashi
  • Octavian
  • Florentine

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This post has been updated.

Get excited, because Trader Joe’s just brought back a seasonal flavor of one of their most beloved frozen desserts. Mini-sized and perfect for mid-day – or, let’s be real – midnight snacking, the Hold The Cone ice cream has gracefully returnedwith the taste of none other than coffee! Yum. TJ’s fans are already running to their nearest stores to grab a box (or two!), so you're definitely going to want to grab this limited-time item before it runs out.

Scroll on to discover more about the Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones from Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones category includes classics like strawberry, chocolate, and chocolate chip, but a newcomer just joined the lineup: coffee bean! The cones are truly a cult-favorite item amongst shoppers, including myself!

Trader Joe's

According to Trader Joe’s, the Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones feature mini chocolate sugar cones lined with a “chocolatey” coating that are then packed with a rich and “strongly flavored” coffee bean ice cream.

Trader Joe's

Chocolate and coffee is a truly stunning food combo, so coffee and dessert lovers will adore this new iteration. Additionally, their small size makes them absolutely irresistible for snacking sessions – I could honestly eat the whole box in one sitting.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the returning find with their Instagram followers, and it was an instant hit among those who know and love ‘em, and people who have never tried the cones before.

“Yassss my favorite flavor!!!” one person commented.

“I will be buying two boxes tomorrow,” another declared.

“I don’t understand why this is a seasonal flavor!” someone else pointed out.

Reddit

One box of the Trader Joe’s Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones is just $4, and that guarantees you 8 mini-sized ice cream cones to share – or keep all to yourself.

You can find this new drop in between TJ’s freezer aisles next to so many more sweet finds like the Blood Orange Mochi and the Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream. I’m craving ice cream already!

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Yay — Olivia Culpo just announced she's pregnant with her first baby! She and her husband Christian McCaffrey have been married for almost a year, so we think the timing's perfect. Like Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson (everyone's fave modern mom and dad), the couple kept their parenting news hidden from the world until they felt ready to share their journey. And boy did they make a grand announcement we can't stop gushing over!

Scroll to learn everything we know about Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey's darling baby news!

When did Olivia Culpo share her pregnancy announcement?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Today! The model posted beautiful photos of her cradling her baby bump while wearing a flowing, pleated dress. She looks like the picture of perfection in both images, signaling her contentment with carrying her first child. And her caption? It captures a short and sweet look at how she's feeling: "next chapter, motherhood 🤍."

Her sisters, Aurora Culpo and Sophia Culpo quickly left comments that sum up auntie energy. While Aurora said, "😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭im so happy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ cant wait to spoil him/her forever!!!!!," Sophia wrote, "Counting down the days!!!!!🥹🥹🥹." 👀

Jessie James Decker even left a congratulatory comment! "Olivia!!!! I am soooo happy for you and @christianmccaffrey 🥹🥹🥹🥹!!! You’re going to be an amazing mama 😍 😍😍😍😍 soooo happy."

We wonder how long they've known Olivia's pregnant 👀.

Did Christian McCaffrey share his own announcement? 

It doesn't look like he personally posted this adorable reel of he and Olivia's baby news, but we still think he deserves a "Husband of the Year" award for letting it be on his Instagram page. We're not setting the bar low; we just think it's admirable when partners are equally excited about expanding their families!

Have Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey shared a due date?

Olivia and Christian haven't shared a due date just yet, but we may have a hint! Olivia recently shared something interesting on Instagram stories about her motor skills at the beginning of her pregnancy. She posted a picture of her in a gym with the text overlay, "I couldn't workout the first 4 months of my pregnancy (not even walking!!!!!) so we're really making it count now...love you @westkeptsecret @mrswestinthebuilding 😘."

How long have she and Christian McCaffrey been married? 

Olivia and Christian traded "I Dos" June 29, 2024 according to Vogue. They had a beautiful New England wedding at Ocean house and were surrounded by the love of the people closest to them. Of a funny moment involving Christian during their nuptials, Olivia gushed how much she loved his excitement. "As a bride, there’s no better feeling than your husband not being able to wait a second longer to marry you."

Prior to getting married, the couple's relationship was the result of a "blind date" orchestrated by someone they knew. Olivia said things went so well that they were basically "inseparable" from that point forward!

We can't wait to see if they'll share more news with us so stay tuned for updates!

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This post has been updated.

With an acting career that spans over four decades, Tom Hanks (born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks) is revered as one of the most beloved and well-respected actors in Hollywood. Whether he’s portraying a lovable man-child in Big or voicing a trustworthy cowboy sheriff doll in Toy Story, the now 68-year-old actor and filmmaker has managed to capture the hearts of audiences around the world, solidifying himself as an American cultural icon. Aside from having many prestigious awards under his belt, Hanks’ impressive acting catalog includes a movie or two that is an absolute must-watch. (Ahem, I’ve watched You’ve Got Mail more than a dozen times, but who’s counting?)

From Cast Away to Apollo 13, here’s a list of the best Tom Hanks movies everyone should watch at least once—if you haven’t already!

1. Forrest Gump

Paramount Pictures

One of the most memorable quotes from this widely-praised classic comes from Forrest Gump himself, where the titular character repeats a phrase often used by his late mother: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

That’s just one of the inspirational lessons you will take away throughout the film. Serving as an adaption of Winston Groom’s 1986 novel of the same title, Forrest Gump follows an Alabama man who doesn’t let his intellectual shortcomings stand in his way. From fighting on the front lines of the Vietnam War to captaining a shrimp boat, Forrest Gump is living his life to the fullest.

But he yearns to be with his childhood love, Jenny, who goes on to live a troubling life. Not only was Forrest Gump a box office success (garnering a whopping $678.2 million worldwide during its theatrical run, btw) but it was admired by critics and fans alike, earning an 8.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. While this Tom Hanks movie has faced some controversy over the years, its redeeming qualities make it one of the most iconic movies of the 90s.

2. Toy Story

Disney

Woody is the true definition of best friend goals. Woody’s unwavering fearlessness and ability to go to infinity and beyond for Andy (AKA his owner) and his fellow toys is quite endearing. It’s hard to picture anyone other than Tom Hanks voicing the iconic vintage doll. From the moment Woody is first introduced on screen, Hanks brings a story of charm and je ne sais quoi to the character that can’t be replicated.

While the Toy Story movie franchise consists of four movies (with a fifth movie currently in the works, ICYMI), the first Toy Story movie will always be a fan favorite, earning an 8.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Philadelphia

TriStar

Moving, poignant and unforgettable. Those are the three words that describe Hank’s phenomenal (and don’t forget Oscar-winning!) performance in 1993’s law drama Philadelphia. Meet Andrew Beckett, a lawyer working at a prestigious law firm in Philadelphia. In a desperate attempt to save his career, he keeps his HIV diagnosis and homosexuality a secret from his co-workers.

However, an employee discovers his secret, and as a result, Beckett is let go from the law firm. Angered by the firm’s decision, Beckett enlists the help of a Black lawyer named Joe Miller (played by Denzel Washington) and sues his former employer for discrimination.

From the talented ensemble cast to the film’s underlying message of social injustice and prejudice, Philadelphia is an absolute must-watch from beginning to end. And the ratings speak for themselves: Philadelphia has a 7.7/10 on IMDb and 81 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

4. ​Big

20th Century Fox

If you ask me, Big is like the big brother to 13 Going on 30 and 17 Again. Directed by Penny Marshall (who you may recognize from the TV sitcom Laverne & Shirley!), Big follows a 12-year-old boy named Josh Baskin, who wishes he was “big.”

One day, he wakes up as an adult. However, Josh longs for the days of childhood. But what makes this film so great? Hanks brings such a childlike innocence to the role that you can’t help but smile whenever he appears on screen. Whether he’s playing with toys or gleefully playing a sonnet on a life-size piano keyboard with his feet, Big makes you feel an enchanting sense of nostalgia, where you can think back to a time when life was so carefree and being a child wasn’t a distant memory. Also, it has a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb and a whopping 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

5. Sleepless in Seattle

TriStar

As someone who has watched Sleepless in Seattle more than once, I can’t say enough how much this timeless rom-com deserves a spot on this list. From the undeniable chemistry between Hanks and Meg Ryan to the talented ensemble cast, this is a movie I put on whenever I’m in the mood for a genuine, heartwarming romance. What’s not to love?

Following the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin and his son move to Seattle for a fresh start. One night, Jonah calls into a radio station to find his dad a new wife. While driving late at night, a journalist named Annie Reed is listening to the same radio segment and she falls for Sam, but—get this—she’s engaged.

Unable to get him off her mind, Annie takes a leap of faith and writes to Sam, asking him to meet up on top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. If that doesn’t scream romance, then I don’t know what does. Though Sleepless in Seattle received a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb and 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains one of my fave Nora Ephron films and Tom Hanks’ swoon-worthy portrayal of Sam is chef's kiss.

6. ​Cast Away

DreamWorks

If you were questioning Tom Hanks’ range as an actor, just put on Cast Away (which has a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb and 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) one time and you’ll see for yourself. I mean, the man is acting alongside a volleyball named Wilson for most of the movie, for crying out loud.

Hanks is a force to be reckoned with in this film, where he plays a FedEx executive who survives a plane crash and becomes stranded on a deserted island. As he fights to survive, he dreams of one day reuniting with a person he holds near and dear to his heart: his soon-to-be fiancée.

7. ​Saving Private Ryan

DreamWorks

The first time I watched Saving Private Ryan was in Social Studies class. Middle school, to be exact. Set during WWII, Saving Private Ryan follows Captain John Miller and his regiment as they embark on a journey to locate Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat.

This movie will stick with you after the screen fades to black and the end credits roll. And Hanks’ ability to capture Captain John Miller’s sincerity and valiantness with so much authenticity was nothing short of spectacular. But that’s not the only reason why it deserves a spot on everyone’s watch list. While it’s certainly not an easy watch, this film tells an impactful yet inspiring story about resilience, loss, and the disastrous conditions of war. Not to mention, it has an impressive 8.6/10 rating on IMDb and 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Need I say more?

8. ​Catch Me If You Can

DreamWorks

What do you get when you put Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio in a crime-action comedy? Catch Me If You Can, that’s what! Serving as a live adaptation of Frank Abagnale Jr.’s autobiographical book of the same name, Catch Me If You Can revolves around the young conman, who becomes the most successful bank robber in the history of the U.S. before the age of 19.

Frank has done it all: he’s worked as a doctor, a lawyer, and as a co-pilot for a major airline. In a cunning game of cat and mouse, FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (played by Hanks) tries to bring Frank to justice, only for Frank to be one step ahead. It garnered an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. And don’t even get me started on Hanks and DiCaprio being the ultimate on-screen duo.

9. ​Apollo 13

Universal Pictures

“Houston, we have a problem!” If you heard this iconic phrase before, I bet you didn’t know that it came from the 1995 docu-drama Apollo 13. Aside from its stellar ensemble cast, the film was also praised for its accurate retelling of the Apollo 13 lunar mission.

The year is 1970. A crew of three astronauts boarded a NASA spacecraft in hopes of landing on the moon. When an oxygen tank explodes during their mission, the crew must find a way to survive and make it safely back to Earth. Not only is it regarded as one of the best movies of all time, but it also received praise from critics, earning a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. Splash

Buena Vista Pictures

Last but not least: Splash. Sure, the plot may be a bit cheesy. But it has everything that makes an '80s rom-com great. Strong chemistry? Check. Quirky humor? Oh, there’s a lot of that! Splash follows a man who's reunited with a mermaid that saved him from drowning 20 years ago.

Now, as an adult, he falls in love with the mermaid after she ventures onto dry land to find him. However, their perfect love story is cut short when a scheming scientist tries to expose her secret to the world. Now, I know what you’re thinking: This movie has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb and it somehow received a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes (with an audience rating of 65 percent.) But Splash is an overall good time. If you’re looking for a chuckle or two, you’ll get it with Splash. (And can I just say that Tom Hanks is so charming and funny in this film?!)

What’s your favorite Tom Hanks movie? Did we miss one on the list? If so, let us know in the comments and read up on the 10 Cringy 90s Movies That Would Never Be Made Today for more!

I don't know whether to treat my period acne as guests or annoying pests. I'm familiar with balancing my hormones, but even that seems to be a great mystery when painful breakouts appear on my forehead or chin. Even relying on a face wash fromFarmacy Beautyisn't always a match for their stubbornness.

But esthetician Danielle Gronich wants to dispel the idea hormonal acne's impossible to treat. Plus, she's exposing the truth about ingredients that could be causing flareups 👀. Known as The Acne Guru, Gronich has over 10 years of experience treating cystic acne, and is the founder of both the San Diego Acne ClinicCLEARSTEM Skincare.

Ready for our acne to be in great hands?

Scroll to learn The Acne Guru's top 4 tips for treating stubborn hormonal breakouts

What's the biggest myth about hormonal acne?

Taylor Nicole/Dupe Photos

I love relying on TikTok to find cute matcha drink recipes to remake, but I know some of the skincare advice shared on the app shouldn't be followed. But there's one thing in particular Gronich isn't a fan of.

"The biggest myth about hormonal acne is that you have to be on birth control in order to solve it. This myth is all over social media, but I believe it comes from the medical world not really understanding hormones and having to rely on prescriptions to override them."

Would you believe me if I told you she's not wrong? I've been on birth control off and on since I was teenager, but I've yet to see it get to the root of my acne problem!

What are different types of hormonal acne?

Anna Nekrashevich/Pexels

Did you know not all hormonal acne stems directly from your period? According to Gronich, "there are many different triggers" for it with "the most common ones being stress and high sugar or processed foods" because they "impact our hormones." However, that's not all!

"Also extremely common is PCOS, estrogen dominance, progestin-related acne from certain birth control controls like the hormonal IUD, and then there is another type of hormonal acne caused by the vitamins and supplements we take," she adds. Going a step further, Gronich says "certain vitamins and supplements can spike testosterone or interfere with other enzyme processes that throw off our hormones."

I guess this is why my doctor always recommends I consult with her before taking random tablets so I'm not disrupting anything in my body!

Why do I see breakouts on my forehead, cheeks, or chin sometimes?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Remember the face mapping tool we were introduced to years ago? There's truth to them which is why Gronich created a Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker for you to get more insight about what you're putting on your skin. But back to what your breakouts are trying to tell you!

Given Gronich's experience, she knows "different areas of the face can represent different parts of the body." She sees "hormonal acne most on the chin and jawline" because "we have the deepest hair follicles there." Want to know what this means for our body's reaction to certain foods and products?

"Dairy has insulin-like growth factor hormone so many people who consume dairy regularly get hormonal acne right on their chin. Some people are taking too much vitamin B 12 which throws off their hormones and you see it on the jawline," she says.

Then there's our relationship with using a ton of beauty products. Gronich is firm about telling "people to remove pore-ingredients from their skin care ad makeup" because "acne that's all over your face" is the direct result of "something that's being put all over your face." Not being aware of what we're using "will flare with our PMS cycle, so we accidentally think it's hormonal," accodring to her. But nope!

"...it can also just be caused by those hidden pore-clogging ingredients," she states.

Okay, how do I treat what feels like hormonal acne?

Yan Krukau/Pexels

No matter your skin type, there's a few ingredients you can use to treat hormonal acne over time. "People can treat their hormonal acne with mandelic acid, and spot treatments like sulfur," Gronich shares. She also says, "Benzoyl peroxide can be a useful tool as well but must be used carefully so as not to over strip the skin. Don't take this advice lightly because I accidentally created more issues when I used this haphazardly.

If you don't want to use Benzoyl peroxide, she says you try "ice rolling." The amount of times you can use this tool depends on your skin type. "...if you are oily, you can use these treatments every day."

How do I treat dark spots left over from hormonal acne

Ron Lach/Pexels

Gronich's tips for treating dark spots are making me rethink my shower habits because I've been doing the opposite of what's considered helpful for my skin. She says, "Avoid using hot water in the shower as it continually inflames the skin and further damages the delicate scar tissue!" Furthermore, you can "use anti-inflammatory products," according to her.

"Serums that contain hyaluronic acid can be very helpful, as well as gentle massaging to activate circulation which stimulates our wound healing response in the skin. Red light therapy can also be fantastic for scarring, along with professional micro needling treatments," she remarks.

The best things you and I can do are being mindful of what we eat, supplements we take, and what we put on our faces. Also, a lot of patience goes a long way when treating hormonal acne.

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