Anyone who’s worked a 12-hour shift in healthcare knows the drill. You clock in feeling optimistic, your scrubs are fresh, and you’re ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you. But by hour eight, that familiar ache starts creeping up from your feet, through your legs, and straight into your lower back. By the end of your shift, you’re practically limping to your car, wondering if your feet will ever forgive you.

The footwear struggle in healthcare is real, and it affects millions of nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals every single day. Traditional nursing shoes promise comfort but often fall short when put to the test of a real hospital environment. That’s where a surprising solution has emerged: Tieks ballet flats.

The Reality of Healthcare Footwear

Working in healthcare means being on your feet for the majority of your shift. According to the American Nurses Association, nurses walk an average of 4-5 miles during a typical 12-hour shift. That’s not just walking; it’s constant movement between patient rooms, medication stations, supply closets, and emergency situations.

The footwear requirements are strict, too. Most healthcare facilities require closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles, and many specify that shoes must be leather or easy-to-clean materials for infection control purposes. Add in the need for arch support, cushioning, and durability, and you’ve got a pretty demanding list of requirements.

Traditional nursing shoes have dominated this space for decades, but many healthcare workers find themselves cycling through multiple pairs per year, dealing with foot pain, or simply accepting discomfort as part of the job.

Why Traditional Options Fall Short

Many nursing shoes are designed with function over form, resulting in bulky, institutional-looking footwear. While there’s nothing wrong with looking professional, many healthcare workers appreciate having options that feel more like their personal style.

More importantly, many traditional options fail the durability test. The constant walking, exposure to spills and cleaning chemicals, and general wear and tear can break down shoes quickly. Cushioning compresses, support diminishes, and what started as comfortable becomes a daily source of discomfort.

Many traditional nursing shoes come in limited width options or use synthetic materials that don’t adapt to individual foot shapes. This approach leaves many professionals struggling with shoes that don’t truly fit their needs.

Enter the Ballet Flat Solution

This is where Tieks have quietly revolutionized footwear for healthcare professionals. At first glance, ballet flats might seem unlikely for a demanding healthcare environment, but the reality is different.

Tieks are constructed from premium Italian leather that’s naturally antimicrobial and easy to clean, meeting healthcare hygiene requirements. The leather is also durable, standing up to constant wear and exposure.

The split-sole design allows the shoe to flex naturally with foot movement, reducing fatigue during long shifts. The non-slip rubber sole patches provide needed traction on hospital floors.

Comfort That Actually Lasts

What sets Tieks apart in healthcare settings is how they maintain their comfort level throughout extended wear. The cushioned insole and soft leather construction work together to provide support without the pressure points that many traditional shoes create.

The non-elastic back is particularly beneficial for healthcare workers. Unlike shoes with elastic bands that can create pressure and restrict circulation during long periods of standing and walking, Tieks use a soft leather back that molds to your heel without cutting off circulation.

Healthcare professionals also appreciate the break-in factor.. Unlike many traditional nursing shoes that require weeks of painful breaking in, Tieks are comfortable from day one and actually improve as the leather molds to your specific foot shape.

Meeting Professional Standards

One concern many healthcare workers have about switching to ballet flats is whether they’ll meet their facility’s dress code requirements. The good news is that Tieks check most of the boxes that healthcare facilities require.

They’re closed-toe shoes made from leather, making them appropriate for most medical settings. The non-slip sole meets safety requirements, and the professional appearance aligns with most healthcare dress codes. Many facilities have specific color requirements, and the extensive Tieks color range includes options that meet these guidelines. Classic colors like black, navy, and nude work well in most healthcare settings.

The Hygiene Factor

In healthcare, shoe hygiene is about infection control and patient safety. Tieks leather construction offers several advantages. Leather is naturally antimicrobial and resistant to odor-causing bacteria. The smooth surface is easy to wipe down and disinfect.

Leather Tieks don’t have fabric components, mesh inserts, or complex textured surfaces, meaning fewer places for bacteria and contaminants to hide. This makes them easier to maintain according to healthcare facility hygiene standards.

Real-World Performancel

Healthcare professionals who’ve switched to Tieks report several key benefits. The lightweight construction means less fatigue over long shifts. The flexibility allows for quick movements and position changes that healthcare work demands.

The durability factor is particularly important for healthcare workers. Many report that their Tieks maintain their shape, comfort, and appearance far longer than traditional nursing shoes, making them a better long-term investment despite the higher initial cost.

Cost Considerations

Tieks are more expensive than many traditional nursing shoes. However, when healthcare professionals analyze the total cost of ownership, the math often works in favor of Tieks.

Many healthcare workers go through 2-3 pairs of traditional nursing shoes per year, with quality options ranging from $80-150 per pair. When you factor in the longevity and durability of Tieks, the investment often justifies itself.

Many healthcare facilities offer shoe allowances or reimbursement programs, and Tieks often qualify for these benefits.

Beyond the 12-Hour Shift

Healthcare workers particularly appreciate Tieks’ versatility. Unlike traditional nursing shoes that clearly mark you as a healthcare professional even when off duty, Tieks transition seamlessly from work to personal life.

You can wear them to work, then grab dinner or run errands afterward without changing shoes. For healthcare professionals who work long shifts with limited personal time, this versatility is genuinely valuable.

The Bottom Line

The healthcare profession demands enough sacrifices without adding unnecessary foot pain to the list. While Tieks might not be the obvious choice for healthcare footwear, they’re proving effective for professionals who refuse to choose between comfort and professional appearance.

Different solutions work for different people. Some healthcare workers will always prefer traditional nursing shoes, and that’s valid. But for those struggling to find footwear that meets professional needs while keeping feet comfortable through long shifts, Tieks offer a compelling alternative.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare employment continues to grow, meaning more professionals will face these footwear decisions in coming years.

The choice comes down to what works best for your specific needs, work environment, and preferences. For healthcare workers resigned to accepting foot discomfort as part of the job, it’s worth knowing alternatives exist. Your feet carry you through long shifts of caring for others; they deserve care in return.

If you’ve been feeling out of whack lately, whether physically, mentally or emotionally, you may be experiencing more than just the usual stress or a busy workweek. It could be a sign that your entire system is crying out for a complete reboot, something you can do in a facility for rehab in Thailand. More and more people are seeking out such facilities not just to recover from addiction, but also to rejuvenate and realign on a holistic health level.  

Understanding Health Reset and Its Importance 

A holistic health reset is more than just taking a super-long break and eating a proper diet. It’s an intentional step back to evaluate every part of your well-being and make intentional changes to achieve balance. 

A reboot helps you: 

• Break free from toxic patterns 

• Reconnect with your body’s natural rhythm 

• Rebuild your energy, focus, and emotional stability 

• Make room for self-reflection and healing 

Signs You Need a Holistic Health Reset  

Different people experience burnout or imbalance in different ways. It’s important that you watch out for signs that a reboot is in order to restore your well-being. 

Physical Signs  

Your body screaming for help is rarely loud and immediately recognisable. Most of the time, the signs start subtly and then become louder.  

• Constant fatigue and low energy, even when you slept for 8 hours  

• Not sleeping well or experiencing poor or disrupted sleep patterns 

• Headaches or migraines that just won’t go away  

• Bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues that don’t normally happen to you 

• Uncontrollable cravings for caffeine, sugar, or alcohol 

• Joint pains, muscle tension, and recurring illnesses  

Mental and Emotional Signs  

When your brain isn’t working to full capacity, everything’s more difficult. You may notice: 

• Mood changes, irritability, or nervousness for no apparent reason 

• Struggling to focus or make decisions 

• Feeling numb emotionally or getting overwhelmed at the blink 

• More critical self-talk or a lack of motivation 

• Detachment from people or commitments 

Spiritual & Lifestyle Signs 

These signs are usually the hardest to spot, but the most telling and shouldn’t be ignored: 

• Feeling disconnected from values or a sense of mission 

• Existing in the grey zone without joy or passion 

• Little to no time or space for self-care or reflection 

• Too much time on social media or avoidance through distraction 

• Not attending to your own needs to “keep up” or impress others 

How to Start Your Holistic Health Reset 

If you’re nodding at more than a few indicators above, maybe it’s time to take action. A reset doesn’t need to be extreme or dramatic, but it does need intention. For some, this takes the form of a complete retreat in the right rehab centre in order to heal and reboot, but there are simple steps you can take to get started.  

• Commit to slowing down 

• Seek professional advice from a good therapist, wellness coach, or rehab counsellor 

• Pick an environment that promotes healing, far away from stressors and daily stimuli  

• Prioritise sleep, diet, movement, and mindfulness 

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Real healing is a slow process, and it’s perfectly fine to take little steps. If you’re looking for a reputable treatment centre that offers various programmes for creating a healthy mind and body, The Hills Rehab offers just what you need. 

Introduction

When it comes to acne-prone skin, most of us instinctively think and look outwardly at the surface of our skin, focusing on the influence of skincare routines, makeup habits, and environmental stressors on our condition. But what if the key to clearer skin lies deeper within, more particularly, in your gut? Emerging science reveals that the health of your gut microbiome may significantly impact your skin’s condition, especially when it comes to acne. This gut-skin connection is not just a trendy topic in holistic health circles—it’s backed by growing clinical evidence.

In this blog article, we’ll explore how gut health influences acne-prone skin, explain the science in simple terms, and offer actionable solutions to help mitigate the condition. We’ll also highlight supplements for hormonal acne and how ingredients can help to maintain clear skin during hormonal shifts. So, let’s dive into this fascinating intersection of dermatology and digestive health.

Section 1: What is Acne and How Is It Related to Gut Health? [1]

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily makes its presence known on a person’s face, chest, and back. It is characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules. While acne is most common amongst teenagers it can, and unfortunately oftentimes does, persist into adulthood as it is influenced by various internal (inside the body) and external (environmental) factors.

The gut-skin axis is a bidirectional communication network between your gastrointestinal system and your skin. Think of it as a kind of phone line, i.e., your gut sends biological messages to your skin via your immune system, hormones, and metabolites. When your gut microbiome, home to trillions of bacteria, becomes imbalanced, a condition known as “dysbiosis”, it can trigger systemic inflammation via its biological communication pathways which, in turn, oftentimes trigger an acne breakout.

Teens and young adults are the most commonly affected demographic when it comes to acne. That said, hormonal acne triggered by a hormonal imbalance within the body oftentimes associated with menstruation, is particularly prevalent in women between the ages of 20 and 40, and it’s this particular demographic that may benefit the most from addressing gut health as part of a holistic or integrative treatment plan for addressing acne-prone skin.

Section 2: Causes of Acne and the Role of Gut Health [2]

Primary Causes of Acne

• Hormonal fluctuations: Increased androgen levels have been shown to stimulate sebum (oil) production.
• Genetics: A person’s family history plays a significant role in the drama known as acne-prone skin.
• Diet: High glycemic foods, i.e., those that cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels (ex. starchy and sugary foods), as well as dairy, may worsen existing acne or trigger a new breakout.
• Stress: Alters hormone levels within the body via the release of cortisol and adrenaline which, in turn, activates inflammatory responses which can trigger or worsen acne.
• Microbiome imbalance: Dysbiosis in the gut (imbalance between the number of good versus bad organisms) can also promote acne triggering skin inflammation.

How the Gut Contributes to Acne

• Increased Intestinal Permeability (“Leaky Gut”)

When the gut lining becomes compromised, i.e., the junctions between cells that line the gut wall become loose rather than remaining tight, harmful bacteria and toxins can leak through the gut wall and into the bloodstream, thereby triggering immune responses that cause and contribute to systemic inflammation, including in the skin.

• Microbiome Dysbiosis

A healthy gut contains a balanced mix of “good” and “bad” bacteria. When this balance is disrupted (due to antibiotics, poor diet, or stress), it can affect nutrient absorption, immune function, and hormone regulation, all of which are directly tied to skin health.

• Nutrient Malabsorption

An unhealthy gut struggles to absorb essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are known to play a role in helping to prevent acne breakouts.

• Hormonal Imbalances

Specific types of gut bacteria help to metabolize hormones like estrogen. If the gut isn’t functioning optimally, excess hormones may circulate longer within the body, thereby potentially further exacerbating hormonal acne.

Section 3: Symptoms and Identification

Common Acne Symptoms:

• Red, inflamed pimples
• Clogged pores (blackheads and whiteheads)
• Deep, painful cysts or nodules
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring

Acne vs. Other Skin Conditions:

Unlike rosacea or perioral dermatitis (a red, bumpy rash around one’s mouth), acne is characterized by pores clogged with sebum (oil) which oftentimes gets worse when associated with hormonal shifts within the body such as those caused by menstruation.

Where It Appears:

• Hormonal acne typically presents along a person’s jawline, chin, and neck.
• Gut-related acne is more widespread and may appear on a person’s cheeks, forehead, chin, and upper back area.

Section 4: Treatment Options

Topical treatment active ingredients conventionally include:

• Benzoyl peroxide:  While considered for many years to be the gold standard for treating acne, it has recently come under intense scrutiny due to its alleged potential for releasing cancer causing benzene, coupled with the damage it does to a person’s skin microbiome by killing acne causing bacteria (C. acnes) together with any GOOD bacteria it also contacts 
• Salicylic acid: Acts as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores
• Sulfur: Mother Nature’s powerful acne treatment hero ingredient
• Retinoids: These active ingredients help to reduce oiliness, unclog pores, and promote skin cell turnover (the body’s natural exfoliation process).

Oral Medications:

• Antibiotics: Only intended for short-term use so as to avoid potential treatment resistance issues in the future
• Hormonal treatments: Products like birth control pills or spironolactone can help to mitigate acne breakouts
• Isotretinoin (Accutane): A type of retinoid medication that should only be used as a last resort for severe cases when other, less aggressive treatment options, have failed

The Gut-Health Focused Approach: [3]

• Probiotics: Help to reinforce the gut barrier, thereby helping to reduce systemic inflammation.
• Prebiotics: Nature’s food source for feeding the good “beneficial” bacteria in the gut microbiome.
• Synbiotics: Supplements that contain a combination of pre- and probiotics for the best of both worlds when it comes to gut microbiome management and support. 
• Digestive enzymes: These help to enhance nutrient absorption within the gut which can have a positive effect on acne-prone skin.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Adopt a low-inflammatory diet that is rich in fiber, healthy fats, and has a low-glycemic index.
• Reduce your daily intake of dairy and sugar.
• Practice stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.
• Get adequate sleep on a consistent basis.

When to See a Dermatologist:

• If over-the-counter treatments don’t help after 2–3 months.
• If acne is severe, painful, or causes scarring.
• To discuss personalized, gut-focused treatment plans.

Section 5: Prevention Strategies

Gut-Friendly Skincare Tips:

• Avoid the use of harsh cleansers that can strip the skin barrier of its natural, moisture retaining oils.
• Use gentle, pH-balanced products on your skin in order to support your skin’s microbiome.
• Make sure to moisturize consistently in order to maintain and support your skin barrier.

Diet and Lifestyle:

• Eat fermented foods rich in probiotics such as yogurt, kimchi, and kefir to help support and manage your gut microbiome.
• Avoid highly processed foods (you know the types this refers to).
• Take probiotic supplements that contain good/beneficial strains of bacteria like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis.
• Incorporate histidine, an essential amino acid that the body uses to support gut health and skin repair.

Daily Routine:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
• Manage stress levels.
• Hydrate properly and consistently.

Section 6: Myths and Facts

Myth: Probiotics are just for digestion

Fact: Probiotics influence the body’s immune function and can therefore help with acne-prone skin

Myth: Only teenagers get acne

Fact: Hormonal acne in adults is very common, especially in women (ex. hormonal acne)

Myth: All supplements work the same

Fact: Clinical-grade supplements like those with histidine have specific skin benefits

Myth: Harsh scrubs fix acne

Fact: Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, cause inflammation, and potentially trigger a breakout

Section 7: FAQ

1. Can gut health affect acne?

Yes. Gut imbalances can cause inflammation and hormonal disruptions that can trigger acne breakouts.

2. What supplements help with hormonal acne?

Supplements that contain probiotics, zinc, omega-3s, and amino acids like histidine can help regulate gut health and reduce breakouts.

3. What is the gut-skin axis?

It’s the two-way communication between the gut and skin involving hormones, immune signals, and microbiome.

4. How do I know if my acne is hormonal?

Look for cyclical breakouts around the chin and jaw which oftentimes get worse around menstruation.

5. Is histidine good for acne?

Yes. Histidine supports the integrity of the gut lining thereby helping to mitigate inflammation in the skin.

6. Are probiotics useful for those with acne-prone skin?

Yes, especially strains like L. rhamnosus and B. bifidum, which have been found to potentially help regulate inflammation and the body’s immune system.

7. Can diet alone clear acne?

Not always, but a gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory diet can greatly improve skin health and appearance over time.

8. What foods are best for gut health and acne?

Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, fermented foods, omega-3-rich fish, and plenty of water.

9. Can stress impact gut health and acne?

Absolutely. Stress alters your gut flora and increases inflammation, which can exacerbate breakouts.

10. How long does it take to see improvements with gut health changes?

You may see small improvements in 2–4 weeks, but it often takes 8–12 weeks for significant changes.

Section 8: Recommended Product or Kit

If your goal is to FINALLY get a truly meaningful handle on your recurring acne flare-ups and, if you’re willing to also address your internal (gut-based) triggers to do so, then the SHAANT ADVANCED ACNE SYSTEM is precisely what the doctor ordered! This specially designed “Quad Set” comes with our:

• SHAANT CLEAR SKIN PROBIOTIC which helps to rebalance your gut microbiome, reduce sebum production by supporting lipid metabolism, prevent pore irritation with antioxidants and improve skin hydration and collagen.
• SHAANT PORE PURIFIYING FACE SCRUB (w/2% salicylic acid) to cleanse away dirt, bacteria and oil from your pores.
• SHAANT REFINING TONER (w/2% gluconolactone [PHA] to both minimize and keep your pores clear while soothing redness and providing much needed hydration.
• SHAANT SPOT HERO (w/5% sulfur) to clear existing and/or new blemishes quickly and gently while exfoliating your inflamed pores to prevent scarring.

For those suffering primarily from hormonal acne, Codex Labs’ SHAANT® HORMONAL ACNE SET is what your skin has been craving! This dermatologist-developed and approved system is specifically geared towards effectively addressing your hormonal and gut-related acne-prone skin. It’s a science-backed, inside-out approach designed for people who want to address the root causes of hormonal acne, together with its symptoms.

Conclusion

It turns out that a person’s gut and skin are more connected than we ever imagined. By nurturing your gut microbiome with diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes, you may see a transformative improvement in your skin health, especially if you happen to suffer from acne-prone skin. If you have NOT yet gifted your acne-prone skin with Codex Labs’ inside- out approach to skin that looks as great as it feels, NOW IS THE TIME!