Our skin is a reflection of our internal health. The quest for radiant healthy skin is often focussed on external treatments such as creams, lasers, and various other topical therapies. Whist these therapies may assist in temporarily improving the appearance of the skin, they often work on the superficial levels of the dermis and epidermis and fail to address the underlying causes of the conditions. This may cause symptoms relapse, or a continued need to address the condition on a topical level.

Various naturopathic therapies have been shown to be effective in addressing skin conditions from the inside out, often addressing underlying pathologies which contribute to disease progression. Naturopathic therapies can usually be used alongside topical treatments and may have an additive effect on some treatments. Working with a healthcare practitioner who can investigate the pathological drivers of the condition may enhance results.

Eczema / dermatitis
Eczema is a common chronic skin condition which manifests as an itchy rash caused by a dysfunctional epithelial barrier and dry skin. Itching further exacerbates the condition and may increase the risk of infection. Topical moisturisers may help rehydrate and improve skin barrier function, however, do not address the cause of the instigating epithelial dysfunction. (Neneth) Evidence suggests that patients with eczema have altered gut microbiomes and gastrointestinal inflammation which may be a contributing factor to disease manifestation. Broad spectrum probiotics may decrease gastrointestinal dysbiosis and inflammation, and support the proliferation of beneficial bacteria. (Christofori)

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune mediated skin condition in which hyper-proliferation of keratinocytes cause raised scaly patches on the skin. Significant associations between vitamin D status and psoriasis have been observed, and topical vitamin D is a common external therapy for psoriasis. Beyond the dermis, vitamin D is involved in the maintenance of cutaneous barrier homeostasis, immune modulation and inflammatory pathways. (Barrea) Investigation into vitamin D deficiency and potential treatment with supplementation may be warranted in patients with psoriasis.

Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin condition distinguished by inflamed pustules and comedos on the skin. Its pathogenesis is varied, including hormonal dysregulation, bacterial overgrowth, genetics, insulin resistance and diet. (Sutaria) Acne patients have lower vitamin A levels than healthy controls, and topical vitamin A treatments are often employed as a first line treatment to reduce outbreaks. Oral vitamin A supplementation may support symptom management of acne.

Dehydration
Dehydrated skin is caused from a lack of water in the dermal layers and may present as dullness and persistent dryness, also known as “skin fatigue”. Common treatments include hydrating creams and serums. Supplementation with 300mg eggshell membrane for 60 days resulted in an 18.7% decline of transdermal water loss and 33% reduction in skin fatigue. (Aguirre) Collagen encourages the extracellular matrix of the skin retain water, and thus improving skin hydration.

Ageing
Wrinkles and dermal spots are a common sign of skin ageing which can be exacerbated by UV radiation, toxin and pollution exposure and poor nutrition among other internal and external insults. Anti-aging skin treatments include skin bleaching, removal of the outer layers of the skin and dermal fillers. Supplementation with silicon in the form of monomethylsilanetriol (MMST) for 3 months showed significant improvements in depth of skin wrinkles and UV spots as measured by multispectral evaluation, and participants of the study self-reported improvements in luminosity, hydration and imperfections. (Ferreira) Silicon levels in the skin naturally decline with age, and therefore supplementation may be a useful therapy for ageing skin.

Naturopathic treatments are a useful first line and adjunct therapy for a wide range of skin condition. Find a BioMedica practitioner here.

References

• Cristofori, F., Dargenio, V. N., Dargenio, C., Miniello, V. L., Barone, M., & Francavilla, R. (2021). Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics in Gut Inflammation: A Door to the Body. Frontiers in immunology, 12, 578386. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.578386
• Aguirre, A., Gil-Quintana, E. and La Nuez, M. (2018). Supplementation with Ovoderm® Reduces the Clinical Signs of Skin Aging. A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Clinical Research in Dermatology, 5(2), pp.1–8. doi: https://doi.org/10.15226/2378-1726/5/2/00180
• Nemeth V, Evans J. Eczema (2022). In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/
• Barrea, L., Savanelli, M. C., Di Somma, C., Napolitano, M., Megna, M., Colao, A., & Savastano, S. (2017). Vitamin D and its role in psoriasis: An overview of the dermatologist and nutritionist. Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders, 18(2), 195–205. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-017-9411
• Ferreira, A. O., Freire, E. S., Polonini, H. C., da Silva, P. J. L. C., Brandao, M. A. F., & Raposo, N. R. B. (2018). Anti-aging effects of monomethylsilanetriol and maltodextrin-stabilized orthosilicic acid on nails, skin and hair. Cosmetics, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/COSMETICS5030041
• Sutaria AH, Masood S, Saleh HM, et al. Acne Vulgaris. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/