conditions we treat
Functional Medicine for Skin Conditions
The added societal pressures compound the burden of visible skin conditions.
Coping with the visible symptoms and the ongoing anxiety about potential flare-ups can take a real emotional toll.
If you’ve struggled with skin conditions, you’re probably well acquainted with the physical discomfort such as itching, burning or pain. The constant discomfort may affect your daily activities, sleep, and social life. But it may be the emotional burden that feels debilitating and isolating.
Acne is one of the top concerns that we address with clients and it can be a challenge to deal with. Pimples are always undesirable, but they carry another level of frustration for adults after years of hearing “you’ll grow out of it”.
Maybe you find yourself socially isolated, opting to stay home rather
than engage with others for fear of judgment. Maybe your self-esteem
feels damaged and your confidence has taken a hit. Maybe you’re
exhausted from the endless, time-consuming and costly quest
for an effective treatment.
Living with skin conditions can be challenging & have a significant impact
on your daily life & wellbeing¹.
We view skin conditions as clues that provide insights into what is and
isn’t working for your body and we know that improving skin health
often means improving overall health (and vice versa). We understand
the complexity of skin health, both physically and emotionally, and will
always approach your concerns with compassion and empathy,
striving to heal you from the inside out.
We view skin conditions as clues that provide insights into what is and isn’t working for your body and we know that improving skin health often means improving overall health (and vice versa). We understand the complexity of skin health, both physically and emotionally, and will always approach your concerns with compassion and empathy, striving to heal you from the inside out.
At Birchwell, we know that skin issues are a manifestation of internal health problems and an indicator that something isn’t quite right.
At Birchwell, we know that skin
issues are a manifestation of internal
health problems and an indicator that
something isn’t quite right.
Skin protects your body from external harm like bacteria, chemicals, temperature and UV rays². The nerves in your skin send important information to your brain about your surroundings and when to avoid potential dangers like sharp or hot objects.
Skin also plays a critical role in maintaining proper hydration, and regulating temperature can be a helpful indicator of your underlying health.
The skin is your first line of defense against disease, infection, and environmental factors².
There are so many factors that affect the skin. One of the most common is the overuse of topical products filled with active ingredients that damage the skin barrier.
It can be really hard to move away from topical products and makeup when you’re dealing with skin concerns. However, the best course of action is often transitioning from harsh products to soothing and restoring the skin barrier and nurturing your internal health³.
Why Skin
Health Matters
Dysregulated blood sugar levels can give rise to inflammation and endocrine issues, often manifesting as skin breakouts⁵. Even if you aren’t currently experiencing digestive issues, poor gut health can play a role in acne, psoriasis or eczema. Hormonal imbalances can also be a significant contributor to acne, with high androgens, estrogen and cortisol as the most frequent culprits⁶.
Leveraging your diet can be a powerful tool for addressing your skin concerns. Restoring micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamins A and E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids can be amazing for skin healing.
Removing common food triggers like dairy, gluten, alcohol and added sugars can reduce the risk of acne. If these foods are a trigger for you, we’ll also work on supporting your gut health so you can tolerate the widest range of foods. Minor dietary changes can have a major impact on your internal health, which is often mirrored in the condition of your skin!
Since skin is a physical clue about your internal health, addressing underlying factors like blood sugar, inflammation, gut health and hormone balance is essential⁴.
Skin is the window into our overall health
We can address a wide
range of skin conditions
with functional medicine
- Acne
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Perioral dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Alopecia
- Raynaud’s
- Scleroderma
- Vitiligo
- Aging, wrinkles
- Melasma
- Keratosis pilari
common skin conditions
how we work together
At Birchwell, instead of managing the symptoms of skin conditions, we’ll explore where they’re coming from and address the problem at the source. We will assess gut health, hormone health, fatty acid balance, blood sugar control and micronutrient status to get the complete story of what’s going on for you. Then we’ll create an individualized plan that considers the whole picture, healing you from the inside out.
Conventional approaches to skin conditions invariably rely on topical products or aggressive medications that have negative, systemic effects on the body.
Birchwell’s Approach
to Functional Medicine
for Skin Health
book a call
how we work together
You will learn how your day-to-day actions impact your skin health and be given actionable strategies for improving your lifestyle. You’ll learn how to optimize your digestion, hormone health, detoxification, sleep, stress, activity and hygiene to leave you with radiant, healthy skin. We are well-versed in product selection for various skin issues and will help you develop a personalized, effective skincare routine.
lifestyle
You will receive targeted supplement recommendations based on your lab results. Supplements we prescribe are therapeutic, professional-grade, and evidence-based.
supplements
Based on the results of the speciality labs, you’ll receive nutrition education about what to eat and what to avoid to optimize your skin health. We’ll work together to create meal plans that work for your lifestyle, preferences and goals.
nutrition recommendations
- Micronutrient testing allows us to identify nutrient deficiencies, particularly of vitamins A, C, E and zinc, that could be impacting skin health.
- Essential fatty acid testing shows us if inflammation or fatty acid deficiencies are a concern.
- A comprehensive gut evaluation with stool testing, breath testing and blood work can help us determine if intestinal inflammation, permeability, dysbiosis, food sensitivities, or digestive enzyme insufficiency are contributing to your skin condition.
- A hormone analysis using the DUTCH test provides evidence about how hormone fluctuations are affecting your skin.
We'll never ask you to pay for testing you don’t need, but we also won’t leave any stones unturned! We will piece our gathered information together to paint the full picture of what’s going on.
diagnostic testing
At Birchwell, instead of managing the symptoms of skin conditions, we’ll explore where they’re coming from and address the problem at the source. We will assess gut health, hormone health, fatty acid balance, blood sugar control and micronutrient status to get the complete story of what’s going on for you. Then we’ll create an individualized plan that considers the whole picture, healing you from the inside out.
Conventional approaches to skin conditions invariably rely on topical products or aggressive medications that have negative, systemic effects on the body.
Birchwell’s Approach
to Functional Medicine
for Skin Health
personalized plans to restore your skin's health. By making dietary
adjustments and leveraging diagnostic testing, we can optimize
your skin and overall wellbeing, helping you achieve radiant,
healthy skin that you feel confident in!
At Birchwell, our approach is to support your healing from the inside out by focusing on factors like blood sugar, inflammation, gut health, and hormone balance.
At Birchwell, our approach is to
support your healing from the inside
out by focusing on factors like blood
sugar, inflammation, gut health, and
hormone balance.
journey to better skin health
Book a non-obligation, complimentary discovery call to chat with one of our practitioners to see if Birchwell is the right fit for you. To learn more about the process of working together, visit our service page.
