You’ve heard it time and again: how you feel inside affects how you look on the outside. That means tending to your spiritual wellbeing and, yes, fueling your body in healthy ways. Registered dietitian Robin Barrie, one of the nation’s leading experts in both nutrition and personal wellness, not only lives that way, but she teaches others how to do the same.
With an impressive background that spans clinical nutrition, sports dietetics, and fitness training, Robin’s approach is rooted in both science and lived experience. From her early days working in hospital settings across Manhattan to building her own thriving practice, she consistently focuses on meeting people where they are by translating (sometimes overwhelming complex!) nutritional science into everyday habits that actually stick. She also is an expert in how gut health impacts skin, and has helped hundreds of people address acne and eczema through skincare practices and nutrition.
That philosophy aligns beautifully with KNESKO’s belief that transformation begins from within. Our rituals center around elevating skincare through intention, energy, and high-performance ingredients, and Barrie’s core beliefs are the same: caring for your inner world so it can radiate outward.
We’re so excited to bring Robin into our Friends of KNESKO series as a trusted voice in whole-body wellness. Her grounded, approachable perspective offers a meaningful complement to our community, and we can’t wait for you to get to know her insights, routines, and philosophy a little more closely.
KNESKO: Tell us a little about yourself.
Robin Barrie: I am a Functional Registered Dietitian specializing in gut and skin health. This specialty is a culmination of my 26+ years of experience as a registered dietician, and my history of acne and my kids’ history with eczema. What I teach is something I’m passionate about, and something deeply personal to me.
How has your approach to skincare evolved over the years? Skincare?
When I was younger it was more simple: I just needed a face wash and moisturizer that worked well enough and didn’t aggravate my acne. Now I am into functional items that address specific needs. I use anti-aging products that help with wrinkles, moisturizing to support my skin, and plumping products that bring back that youthful glow. What’s also changed is that I truly value clean skincare products and prioritize them in my routines.
“Skin health is inherently multifactorial, influenced by nutrition, stress, hormones, sleep, and environmental exposures. Integrating both internal and external practices creates a more comprehensive and effective approach.” — Robin Barrie, RD, CDN
Along with paying attention to gut health, what’s something you can do to calm your system from the inside out?
Meditation is a fantastic way to reduce stress. When you are stressed, cortisol levels can rise, affecting all other hormone levels and leading to overall inflammation in the body. Stress can also alter digestion, gut health, and prevent healthy sleep habits. I think meditation can be a crucial part of skin care.
I love that KNESKO is leaning into this mind-body-skin connection with its Mask Meditation Series. Skin health is inherently multifactorial, influenced by nutrition, stress, hormones, sleep, and environmental exposures. Integrating both internal and external practices creates a more comprehensive and effective approach.
What are some common skincare mistakes you see people make? How does this impact their skin?
One of the biggest mistakes I consistently see people make is exposing their body to the wrong things. This might be a skincare product that isn’t doing anything for them, or a diet that’s working against their gut health and therefore skin health. The best fix? It’s education on skin type, and having a deeper understanding of common problems and their associated fixes. I work with my clients routinely to address this and help them understand how their skin is impacted in ways they may not even realize.
How does what we eat impact our skin?
What we eat is reflected on our skin; topicals are part of the story but not the only fix. The foods we eat directly affect insulin and blood sugar levels, which in turn can alter all hormone levels. Diet can also impact gut health and overall inflammation. Processed foods, particularly sugar and white flour, are inflammatory and can trigger increased oil production and acne or overall fluid retention in the skin. On the other hand, balanced diets with optimal protein, healthy carbohydrates (including high fiber) and healthy fat can contribute to healthy balanced skin and an intact skin barrier.
“Something as simple as a cup of tea or my favorite TV show before bed can go a long way in unwinding after a crazy day. And at night, I relish the small, consistent steps of my beauty routines.” — Robin Barrie, RD, CDN
What's one small dietary change people can make today that'll improve their skin health?
Eating three balanced meals a day—with proper amounts of protein, carbs, and healthy fat—and adding a snack when needed-if going more than four to five hours between meals. This keeps blood sugar and insulin levels stable, the gut healthy, and helps ensure all other hormone levels are steady. This also reduces insulin spikes, which helps with oil production and acne.
You've had a long day. How are you relaxing when you get home?
Honestly, I find so much joy in the little things. Especially since I am a busy working mom of two boys. Something as simple as a cup of tea or my favorite TV show before bed can go a long way in unwinding after a crazy day. And at night, I relish the small, consistent steps of my beauty routines.
What’s your advice for finding balance in your life?
Just take one step and one day at a time. Always make space for me time—as well as time with friends—to recharge. For me personally, a girls trip is the ultimate way for me to come back to myself.
To learn more about Robin’s approach to gut health, skin nutrition, and whole-body wellness, follow along on Instagram and explore her services online on her personal website.
