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About GoodGlow.co

I launched GoodGlow.co in May of 2018 because I wanted to create the acne resource I had been searching for over the last 6 years. I struggled with acne my entire adult life and no matter how many face scrubs or medications I tried I was unable to prevent consistent acne breakouts. 

Over the course of several years, I spent hundreds of hours researching how to achieve naturally clear skin without needing to take medication or spend hundreds of dollars a month on acne products. 

Ultimately I cleared up my acne by creating a nutrition system to decrease inflammation, regulate my hormone production levels, and clear my skin. After almost two years of trial and error, I compiled everything I learned to create GoodGlow.co.

How we found our purpose for acne

Throughout my research, I was consistently amazed at how difficult it was to find reliable information about acne online. Most of the “popular” resources were coming from companies selling acne medication. Because of this, I ended up getting the vast majority of my information from peer-reviewed scientific papers and my own self-experimentation. Ultimately, this experience served as the foundation for creating GoodGlow's Editorial Guidelines

I never planned on becoming an acne expert, but by the time I cleared my acne I knew I had to share what I had learned in a format that was easier to understand than a peer-reviewed paper by a university researcher. 

Although I started out on a mission to clear my acne, the lifestyle adjustments I made affected more than just my skin. The GoodGlow Resource Kit helped me improve my sleep, lower my resting heart rate, increase my energy levels, improve my athletic performance, increase my confidence, and boost my overall attitude towards life.

Over the last two years, I’ve expanded the GoodGlow team to include dermatologists, registered dietitians, nutritionists, pharmacists, acne specialists, estheticians, and beauticians to continue producing well-researched, actionable, and data-driven articles on various topics related to acne and skincare. You can learn more about GoodGlow’s research & testing process here.

The GoodGlow brand has grown considerably since I started the site in 2018. Currently, the brand receives over 65,000 visitors a month across the website and social channels. GoodGlow was able to grow by following a few core principles: data-driven research, self-experimentation, and a passionate desire to help others!

For interview opportunities and general press inquiries, please email [email protected], call 314-967-7627, or send us a letter at P.O. Box 440337 St. Louis, MO 63141. 

Meet Sam Wood - Founder, Chief Editor

I have been fighting acne breakouts since I was a teenager. I’ve tried dozens of acne remedies including drugs, creams, skin treatments, supplements, and nothing helped. When I enrolled in the University of Missouri's Nutrition Sciences program I began thoroughly researching peer-reviewed journals from top-tier university institutions and research firms to better understand the root cause of my inflammatory acne breakouts. This is where I learned the biggest acne triggers were coming from my diet and lifestyle choices. 

Radically transforming my diet cleared my acne and gave me my confidence back. I founded GoodGlow.co to share my findings with others struggling to cure their acne breakouts. I also developed the detailed Clean Skin Resource Kit, which includes an easy-to-follow 250-page book and an extensive database of foods and drinks that may cause acne. 

Connect with Sam on Linkedin

Read Articles by Sam

Keeping In Touch

Subscribe to GoodGlow’s newsletter to get weekly acne tips, clear skin research, product reviews, and answers to questions asked by our community

Follow GoodGlow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to get immediately notified of new content and skincare news!

Meet Our World-Class Editorial Team

Our team of experts strive to provide the most effective information surrounding various topics that affect skin and acne.

Dr. Anna Chacon

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Hi, I’m Dr. Anna, I’m a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. I knew from an early age that I wanted to become a doctor so I could help people just like my father. I frequently accompanied my father to work at the hospital, rounding, and watching him compassionately care for people during natural catastrophes and times of need. Once I graduated high school, I enrolled at Brown University, where I received B.S. in Economics in 2008 from college and my MD in Dermatology in 2012.

Randall Higgins, PharmD

Medical Reviewer

Hi, I'm Dr. Randall Higgins, a pharmacist based out of New York City. I have been a pharmacist and medical writer for over a decade. I have extensive experience in the dermatology, oncology, men’s health, and infusion pharmacy spaces. I received my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience as a healthcare professional to help people safely heal their skin issues. If you have a question please reach out to the GoodGlow team and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Kyra Heenan

Skincare Writer

I am a Los Angeles-based content writer who primarily focuses on topics in the skincare and health space. I started my career after graduating from Santa Clara University and have since worked with countless brands and online journals in the health, wellness, and beauty industries. I enjoy helping others learn the intricacies of skincare so that they can create a routine that works perfectly for their unique needs. I love staying on top of industry trends, and I love testing out new products. I believe the key to healthy skin is following the tried-and-true science (and having a bit of patience!) Follow Kyra on LinkedIn.

Simone Sydel

Licensed Esthetician

I am a certified Esthetician as well as a skincare, beauty, and wellness writer, and an expert in oily and acne-prone skin. Having been through the struggles of having acne for a good portion of my life, I understand exactly what needs to be done to achieve an acne-free, flawless complexion. I’ve made it my life’s mission to educate people on taking good care of their skin and achieving their skin goals. I am passionate about sharing my professional and personal insights with those struggling with problematic and acne-prone skin, and I have helped clients and readers make better choices with their skincare products. You can find my daily tips on all things skin-related on The Skincare Culture, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram!

Ashley Wilson

Certified Personal Trainer

I am a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor, and mom of two. During my first pregnancy, I frequently suffered from hormonal acne breakouts. Because I was pregnant, I refused to take medications to manage her hormones and clear my acne. This led me to try lots of self-experimentation with natural remedies that would not jeopardize the health of my pregnancy. During the course of my self-experimentation and research, I found GoodGlow which helped me quickly manage my acne by following a low inflammation diet. Currently, I enjoy helping other pregnant women optimize their health through yoga and nutrition.

Beth Cooper

Skincare Expert

I'm a beauty content creator from the UK, on both Instagram and TikTok. I adore exploring new beauty products, whilst also learning the science behind the skincare (I'm a major science nerd - currently studying a Bachelors Degree in Health Sciences!) I'm passionate about making acne care accessible for all, whilst empowering people to feel like they are good enough and beautiful with or without their acne. It's such a complex condition, so getting good information to people is so important to me, years of those horrendous internet DIYs really damaged my skin!

Stephanie Nera

Licensed Pharmacist

I am a pharmacist who graduated cum laude in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Santo Tomas. I have worked as a writer for over 5 years, handling small time and multinational clients alike. Most notably, I have worked as an in-house writer and medical reviewer for Hello Doctor. I’m an Arizona native who has spent a good number of years in the Philippines. With that said, my health journey has gone through many extremes throughout my entire life. As a former “fat kid”, stressed-out medical student, and current PCOS warrior, I am passionate about sharing my professional and personal insights with those struggling with these problems and more. (Spoiler alert: you’re probably using way too many medications and products right now). Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn, anytime!

Elizabeth Merrill

MS, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDB) who graduated from the University of Central Michigan’s Nutrition and Dietetics program. I enjoy waking up every morning to help individuals make nutrition less stressful in their busy lives. I currently work for Enlightened Nutrition LLC where I specialize in research. The most fulfilling area of my work is helping women ditch the vicious cycle of dieting to eat more intuitively, love their bodies, and heal their relationship with food. Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Meghan Cray

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDB) from the University of Maine’s Food Science and Human Nutrition Program. I currently work at Peapod Labs where I focus on regulatory nutrition. My long-term goal is to create positive change in health and wellness, so I can help teach others how to improve their nutrition. Follow Meghan on LinkedIn.

Dr. Kiran Dambalkar (MBBS, DVD & MD)

Medical Reviewer

Dr Kiran Dambalkar (MBBS, DVD & MD) is a Dermatology and Venereology Consultant. He's worked extensively in public health with the Govt of India where he held various important positions and retired as Senior Chief Medical Officer. In his 40 years of service, he's earned appreciation awards for Leprosy Control work and implemented Public Health Programmes (AIDS Control, Leprosy Elimination and Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis Control) at both state and National level. He lives in Delhi with his small family. His interests include travel, star gazing, health and religion.