We tapped two of our local wellness experts, Sara Acheson of Athena Wellness and Jennifer Szymanski of Vitality-Led Health, to share their perspectives on proactive, whole-body care — from supporting patients through cancer treatment to healing chronic skin conditions from within.

As the pace of life quickens and the holidays approach, many of us start to feel the pull between excitement and exhaustion. It’s that in-between space, full of celebration but short on rest, where our inner balance begins to shift. And one of the first places we feel it? In our digestion, our sleep, our mood, and even our skin.

If you’ve ever felt like you’ve tried every cleanser, serum, or treatment but your skin still won’t calm down, you’re not alone. The truth? When skincare alone isn’t enough, it’s often the gut sending signals through the skin.

Summer invites sunshine, spontaneity, and travel, but all those changes can take a toll on your skin. When your gut is in balance, your skin reflects that calm. When it’s not, the effects may show up in your complexion, digestion, or overall sense of ease.

Jennifer’s path from international medical nutrition to personalized skin and wellness support is anything but ordinary. She’s a mom, a military spouse, a lifelong learner—and founder of Vitality-Led Health, where she helps clients uncover the root causes of autoimmune and skin conditions through functional nutrition. Get to know the woman behind the glow.

Sleepless in Alexandria: Our contributors are staying up way too late — and loving it. See what shows and books are stealing their sleep this summer!

Summer invites us to slow down, soak up nature, and reconnect with ourselves. But as the days grow warmer and brighter, our skin quietly asks for support.  I’m Jen, and I’m honored to share a perspective that’s deeply personal to my work: true skin health begins beneath the surface. In this article, I’ll guide you through a few practical tips for supporting your skin during the summer months through proper nutrition and sun protection.