When symptoms show up on the skin, it is often the body’s way of telling us that there is something going on inside. It makes sense then, that we would want to look deeper and figure out the underlying reason for the skin condition. Common causes include impaired skin barrier, poor diet and food sensitivities, stress, inflammation, immune dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, hormonal dysregulation, and nutrient deficiencies, among others.
Naturopathic medicine can address both chronic (long-term) and acute (rapid) skin conditions, and help to prevent further flare-ups. We can provide the skin with the necessary tools it needs to repair, while supporting the body’s own innate healing capacity. Rather than simply masking the symptoms, this holistic approach can create a lasting change for your skin health.
Conditions Treated
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Rashes
- Skin aging
- Hair loss & thinning
A comprehensive naturopathic intake, physical exam and lab testing can help find the cause of the skin symptoms. Functional lab testing is helpful in providing insight into hormonal regulation, nutritional status, gut microbiome, and immune function. Treatment may include topical and internal botanical remedies, nutritional supplements, diet and lifestyle counseling, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), facial and cosmetic acupuncture, and more.
Naturopathic medicine can promote skin healing in the following ways:
- Reduce inflammation
- Identify and remove triggers
- Topical support
- Repair skin barrier
- Support the immune system
- Prevent flare-ups or recurrence
- Identify and address nutrient deficiency
- Promote proper hormone function
- Reduce stress and support healthy mood
Frequently Asked Questions
Aging is natural and inevitable, and unfortunately affects our skin. As we age, less collagen is made which affects the skin’s elasticity and hydration. However, certain factors can accelerate the aging of the skin. Thankfully there are things within our control that we can do to slow the aging process. This includes regular use of sunscreen, avoiding smoking and alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding skin irritants. Naturopathic therapies can provide additional support for healthy skin in the form of topical and internal botanical medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), facial and cosmetic acupuncture, diet and lifestyle counseling, nutritional supplements, and more.
Hair loss and thinning can be caused by nutrient deficiencies (such as certain vitamins and minerals), hypothyroidism, stress, hormonal changes, aging, genetics, autoimmune disease, trauma or injury. Many of these causes are manageable and may be addressed with naturopathic medicine.
It can be. Inflammatory skin conditions like acne and eczema can be due to food sensitivities like dairy, but there are many other factors that can contribute to them as well. It is important to investigate these factors and find out the cause specific for your skin symptoms.
Dairy can be a trigger because of its influence on certain hormones (namely insulin and growth factor) that play a role in the skin’s oil production and inflammation.
Eczema can be improved by diet and lifestyle modification, reducing stress, and optimizing digestive function. Chronic eczema can sometimes be more difficult to manage, in which case naturopathic treatment can offer more targeted support. This may include topical symptom relief with botanical remedies, nutritional supplements to support healthy skin and immune function, or functional lab testing to identify specific triggers.
Several fungal pathogens have the ability to infect the skin and create visible and uncomfortable symptoms.
Candida is one of the most common fungal skin infections. Since candida is a type of yeast, it grows in areas of the skin that are warm and moist such as body folds and creases. It usually looks like a red rash, and is often itchy.
The Malassezia fungus can create spotted areas of hyper- or hypo-pigmentation on the skin called tinea (or pityriasis) versicolor. It is also responsible for dandruff.
Trichophyton is another type of fungus that causes the common conditions of jock itch, athlete’s foot and toenail infections.
