Natural Skin Health Solutions
Understanding the connection between internal health and skin conditions for lasting results
Understanding Skin Health
The skin is the body's largest organ and often reflects what's happening internally. Conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are rarely just "skin deep"—they're often manifestations of underlying imbalances in gut health, hormones, immune function, or detoxification.
While topical treatments can provide temporary relief, lasting improvement usually requires addressing the root causes. A naturopathic approach to skin health considers the whole person—diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and internal health.
By supporting the body's natural healing processes and addressing underlying imbalances, many chronic skin conditions can be significantly improved or resolved.
Common Skin Conditions
Acne
Inflammatory skin condition involving blocked pores, excess oil, and bacterial overgrowth. Often linked to hormones, gut health, and diet.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Itchy, inflamed skin often linked to immune dysfunction, gut health, food sensitivities, and environmental triggers.
Psoriasis
Autoimmune condition causing rapid skin cell turnover, resulting in thick, scaly patches. Often triggered by stress, infections, or gut imbalances.
Rosacea
Chronic redness and flushing, often with bumps. Linked to gut health (especially SIBO), food triggers, and stress.
Premature Aging
Fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity accelerated by oxidative stress, sun damage, poor nutrition, and lifestyle factors.
The Skin-Gut Connection
Research increasingly shows a strong connection between gut health and skin conditions. This gut-skin axis means that:
- Gut inflammation can trigger or worsen skin inflammation
- Imbalanced gut bacteria affect immune responses that manifest on the skin
- Leaky gut allows toxins and food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering skin reactions
- SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is linked to rosacea and acne
- Nutrient malabsorption affects the skin's ability to heal and regenerate
Healing the gut is often the first step in resolving chronic skin conditions.
Root Causes of Skin Issues
- Gut dysbiosis: Imbalanced gut bacteria affecting immune function and inflammation
- Food sensitivities: Hidden reactions to dairy, gluten, eggs, or other foods
- Hormonal imbalances: Androgens, estrogen dominance, thyroid issues
- Poor detoxification: Liver congestion or slow elimination pathways
- Nutrient deficiencies: Zinc, vitamin A, omega-3s, vitamin D
- Blood sugar imbalances: High sugar diets increase inflammation and acne
- Chronic stress: Cortisol affects skin healing and oil production
- Environmental toxins: Skin products, pollution, and household chemicals
Natural Approaches to Skin Healing
Dietary Interventions
- Anti-inflammatory diet: Rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and quality proteins
- Elimination diet: Identify and remove trigger foods (common: dairy, gluten, sugar)
- Low-glycemic eating: Reduce blood sugar spikes that worsen acne
- Gut-healing foods: Bone broth, fermented foods, fiber-rich vegetables
- Adequate hydration: Essential for skin health and detoxification
Key Nutrients for Skin
- Zinc: Essential for skin healing, immune function, and hormone balance
- Vitamin A: Supports skin cell turnover and repair
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduce inflammation and support skin barrier
- Vitamin D: Immune modulation and skin healing
- Vitamin C: Collagen production and antioxidant protection
- Vitamin E: Skin protection and healing
- Collagen: Supports skin structure and elasticity
Herbal Support for Skin
- Burdock root: Blood purifier traditionally used for acne and eczema
- Dandelion: Supports liver detoxification
- Red clover: Traditional blood cleanser for skin conditions
- Calendula: Soothing and healing for inflamed skin (topical and internal)
- Nettle: Anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties
- Turmeric: Powerful anti-inflammatory for skin conditions
Gut Healing Protocol
For skin conditions linked to gut health:
- Remove trigger foods and gut irritants
- Support digestion with enzymes if needed
- Restore beneficial bacteria with probiotics
- Repair gut lining with L-glutamine, zinc, and herbs
- Address any infections or overgrowths (SIBO, candida)
Lifestyle & External Care
- Stress management: Cortisol affects skin healing and oil production
- Quality sleep: Skin repairs during sleep
- Natural skincare: Avoid harsh chemicals and known irritants
- Sun protection: Avoid burning while getting adequate vitamin D
- Regular exercise: Improves circulation and detoxification
- Clean environment: Reduce exposure to household toxins
Advanced Skin Treatments
Once internal health is addressed, professional treatments can enhance results:
- Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production and skin renewal
- PRP therapy: Uses your own platelets to rejuvenate skin
- Facial massage: Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage
Condition-Specific Tips
For Acne:
Focus on hormone balance, blood sugar regulation, and gut health. Reduce dairy and high-glycemic foods. Zinc and omega-3s are particularly helpful.
For Eczema:
Identify food triggers (often dairy, eggs, or gluten). Support gut healing and immune balance. Use gentle, fragrance-free products.
For Psoriasis:
Address gut health and liver function. Anti-inflammatory diet is essential. Manage stress and avoid known triggers like alcohol and smoking.
For Rosacea:
Test for and treat SIBO if present. Identify trigger foods (often spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks). Support digestive function.
Services That May Help
Our practitioners offer several services that can support skin health: