Skin issues like eczema, rashes, acne, or chronic dryness are more than just surface-level concerns—they’re often signs that something deeper in the body needs attention.
In functional medicine, we don’t just treat the symptoms on your skin—we explore what’s going on beneath it to help you heal from the inside out.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin condition that causes:
- Dry, itchy, or scaly patches
- Redness and irritation
- Oozing or crusting in some cases
- Flare-ups that can come and go
Other common skin concerns we see include:
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Chronic hives or rashes
- Adult or teen acne
- Sensitive or reactive skin
A Functional Medicine View of Skin
The skin is your body’s largest organ—and often its biggest communicator. When the skin is inflamed or reactive, it’s often a signal of internal imbalances, such as:
- Gut Imbalances (Leaky Gut & Dysbiosis)
Disruptions in the gut microbiome or increased intestinal permeability can lead to systemic inflammation, food sensitivities, and immune reactions that show up on the skin.
- Immune System Dysregulation
Conditions like eczema and psoriasis often involve overactive or misdirected immune responses—which can be triggered by stress, toxins, or chronic infections.
- Food Sensitivities
Common triggers include gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, or sugar. These may not cause immediate reactions but can contribute to long-term inflammation and skin flares.
- Detoxification Overload
When your liver, lymph, or kidneys are overwhelmed, the body may use the skin as an alternative detox channel—leading to breakouts, rashes, or eczema.
- Nutrient Deficiencies
Low levels of zinc, omega-3s, vitamin D, or antioxidants can impair skin healing and leave it more vulnerable to inflammation.
- Stress & Hormonal Imbalances
Stress hormones like cortisol, as well as imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, or androgens, can all impact the skin’s appearance and resilience.
How Functional Medicine Helps Skin Heal
Instead of creams that only soothe the surface, we work to restore harmony in the body, so the skin can clear up naturally and sustainably.
Your personalized plan may include:
- Comprehensive testing (gut health, food sensitivities, nutrients, toxins, hormones)
- Anti-inflammatory and gut-healing nutrition
- Targeted supplements like omega-3s, zinc, probiotics, and herbs
- Detox and liver support
- Stress reduction and nervous system balancing
- Natural skin care guidance with non-toxic, skin-supportive products
Hear from our patient about her experience:
