Pregnancy Safe Skincare: Expert Tips on Healing Acne and Nourishing Skin from Breanna Atwood of Willow + Boone

Dr. Kayla Borchers Collagen Benefits for Women's Health

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DPT & mama of three who is passionate about proactive, root-case women’s health care.

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If you’re looking for a holistic approach to skincare, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into holistic aesthetics with Breanna Atwood, a holistic aesthetician with nearly a decade of experience in the skincare industry. Breanna specializes in acne treatment, skin barrier repair, and helping women feel confident in their skin and body. She’s also the founder of Willow & Boone, a new holistic facial spa located in Granville, Ohio, just outside Columbus.

We’ll cover everything from types of acne, holistic skincare tips, and pregnancy-safe skincare solutions, to expert advice on facial tools and treatments for longevity!

EPISODE 27 | HOLISTICALLY WELL PODCAST: HEALING ACNE & NOURISHING SKIN: THE HOLISTIC ESTHETICIAN’S GUIDE (WITH BREANNA ATWOOD OF WILLOW + BOONE)

Whether you learn best by listening or watching, there is something for you! You can catch the full conversation on the Holistically Well Podcast—available on all your favorite platforms!

 🎧 Holistically Well Podcast on Apple | Episode 27

 🎙️ Holistically Well Podcast on Spotify | Episode 27

 💻 Holistically Well Podcast on YouTube | Episode 27

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

🧴 Choose non-toxic, pregnancy-safe skincare products

🥕 Nourish your skin from the inside with collagen, prebiotics, and nutrient-dense foods

💆‍♀️ Practice facial massage, Gua Sha, or lymphatic drainage to boost circulation and elasticity

🛌 Manage stress and prioritize sleep to support overall skin health

🌞 Protect your skin with mineral sunscreen and gradual sun exposure

What is Holistic Skincare?

Unlike conventional skincare, which focuses mainly on topical treatments, holistic skincare takes a whole-body approach. Breanna explains:

“Holistic aesthetics looks at deeper root causes, including lifestyle, nutrition, and environmental factors, not just surface-level treatments.”

This means your daily habits, stress levels, and diet all play a role in the health of your skin. Holistic estheticians often provide guidance on:

  • Non-toxic, clean skincare products
  • Nutritional adjustments for better skin health
  • Lifestyle habits that reduce inflammation and improve gut health

Want to learn more about holistic skincare? Be sure to follow Breanna on Instagram for all the tips and tricks on nourishing skincare.

Breanna Atwood’s Journey to Holistic Skincare

Breanna’s interest in skincare began early, fueled by her own struggles with acne and a passion for wellness. She studied at the Aveda Institute, which emphasizes green beauty and holistic techniques, and has spent nearly a decade refining her approach to include science-backed treatments with a mindful, nurturing experience.

“Even in high school, I was already interested in nutrition and how it affects the body,” Breanna shares.

This personal experience allows her to guide clients in addressing the root causes of acne, not just the visible symptoms.

Understanding Acne: Types and Treatments

We’re breaking down acne into their different types, as each requires a different approach:

1. Non-Inflamed Acne

  • Includes blackheads, whiteheads, and minor texture issues
  • Usually responds well to gentle exfoliation and antibacterial treatments

2. Inflamed Acne

  • Commonly treated with benzoyl peroxide or mandelic acid
  • Red, painful, pus-filled pimples

3. Cystic Acne

  • Deep, knot-like lesions
  • Often linked to hormonal changes and may require lifestyle adjustments

4. Hormonal Acne

  • Typically appears around the jawline and chin
  • Can be supported with prebiotics and probiotics, dietary adjustments, and holistic skincare routines

5. Fungal and Rosacea Acne

  • Requires antifungal treatments and gentle exfoliation
  • Often overlooked by conventional acne care

“Many people go down the wrong path online. They read generic advice that doesn’t fit their acne type,” Breanna says.

For expert acne guidance and personalized recommendations in the Granville, Ohio, area book an appointment with Breanna at Willow & Boone.

Pregnancy-Safe Skincare

Pregnancy brings unique challenges for acne-prone skin. Breanna emphasizes grace and patience during this time:

“Pregnancy acne is difficult because it’s linked to internal changes. Give yourself grace, and your skin will recover postpartum,” Breanna advises.

It’s exactly why I created the Holistically Well Wellness Toolkit—third-party tested and thoughtfully curated to support you through every stage of pregnancy!

Here are a few of my go-to favorites for pregnancy-safe skincare and nourishment:

Beef liver

Collagen powder

Magnesium

Acerola powder

Bone broth

Beef gelatin

If you’re looking to build your Wellness Toolbox with trusted brands, this will be so special for you! Best part is.. use code ‘DRKAYLA’ for discounts with my favorite brands!

You can also comment TOOLBOX over on my Instagram for a link to my go-to supplements and wellness tools — third party tested & all 💫

Holistic Skincare Products: What Works

Choosing the right products is bio-individual, meaning it depends on your skin type and needs. Breanna recommends:

“Every skin type is unique. Having an esthetician assess your skin in person ensures the best results,” Breanna notes.

Check out Willow & Boone’s curated product selection on Instagram for safe, effective, and holistic skincare options.

Skincare Tools and Techniques for Longevity

Breanna highlights the importance of hands-on massage and lymphatic drainage:

Sun Care and Skin Longevity

Breanna recommends a balanced approach to sun exposure:

  • Build sun tolerance gradually with early morning sunlight
  • Use mineral sunscreen when necessary
  • Avoid burns to prevent cellular damage, premature aging, and increased risk of skin cancer

Combined with a nutritional diet and holistic skincare routine, this approach promotes healthy, radiant skin for life.

A Holistic Approach to Women’s Health

For expert guidance on safe, holistic strategies in preparing for pregnancy, recovering postpartum, or addressing chronic pelvic or orthopedic issues,  explore Dr. Kayla’s Online Programs to learn how nutrition, movement, and self-care impact your overall well-being!

Want a step-by-step, trimester-specific program to support your pelvic floor, nourishment, and overall pregnancy wellness? 

you deserve to be supported

before, during and after pregnancy.

Looking to feel empowered and inspired along your perinatal journey? All things movement, nourishment and holistic lifestyle wellness – delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. Sent directly from an Orthopedic & Pelvic Health Doctor of Physical Therapy.