Naturopathic skin Care

Outline

  • my personal experience WITH SKIN ISSUES

  • CONNECTIONS BETWEEN SKIN, DIGESTION, IMMUNE, HORMONES, AND BRAIN

  • Testing options for individualized skin care recommendations

  • Riman topical (korean) skin care with Gotu Kola

  • Supplements and lifestyle recommendations for healthy skin

To purchase the supplements listed on this page, please visit:

Naturopathic Skin Care is Individualized

But here are some IDEAS TO CONSIDER…

OVERVIEW

The skin, hair, and nails are made of connective tissue such as collagen, blood vessels, fat tissue, oil and sweat glands, nerves, and the skin cells itself. Skin health is dependent on hydration, electrolytes, hormones, adequate blood flow, and a healthy nervous system that coordinates skin repair. There are many nutrients involved in skin repair including healthy oils, minerals, vitamins, hormones, and peptides the body naturally makes or absorbs from the diet. A healthy digestive tract is essential for healthy skin, something I had to learn first hand through my personal experience.

MY PERSONAL STORY WITH SKIN PROBLEMS

“I am extremely grateful for healthy, radiant skin now. But it wasn’t always that way…

From the first months at the beginning of my life all through my childhood I dealt with bacterial infections in my ears and throat. Within the first few months I was prescribed antibiotics for ear infection and continued with antibiotics for 2 years continuously. After this period, I was given antibiotics every 3-6 months for “strep throat” (streptococcal pharyngitis) or for bacterial infection within the middle ear, called otitis media. By puberty I had developed severe eczema and cystic acne, which deeply impacted my self-esteem and social life. This pattern of “revolving door” infections continued until I was 17 years old, when I found an alternative remedy that in retrospect cured me of recurring ear and throat infections.

Skin problems for me really started at age of 13 when I had developed eczema on my feet. This itchy small blister type rash gradually worsened and spread throughout my body until I was 26, when I discovered how to heal my digestive tract in naturopath school. For eczema I was prescribed topical steroids which suppressed the intense itching and blistering on my feet, only to see the eczema start on my hands, spread up my legs and eventually cover my arms, torso, abdomen and hip areas. With regular topical steroid use the rash would be “resolved” only to see my skin become gradually thinner and weaker, and eventually develop weak nails with atopic nail disease (a deformed nail bed).

I had to learn how the foods I ate, along with the health of my digestive tract, immune system, and nervous system combined together to create skin problems. Because of severe “leaky gut” and many, many food sensitivities discovered on blood testing as well as through elimination/challenge diet, I eventually reduced my diet to 10 foods, only ate water cooked vegetables (no cooked/oxidized oils), started sleeping and exercising regularly, used contrast hydrotherapy daily, and even spent a brief period using a standing tanning salon (in Seattle, WA where the sun is not available in the winter) to stimulate healthy skin.

Needless to say, I was desperate for a solution and after exhausting conventional medical specialists, eventually I discovered naturopathic medicine. I was guided to heal my digestive tract and immune system, while also address underlying trauma and emotional stress patterns. Once my skin cleared up I could start introducing a variety of foods and was able to slowly heal the leaky gut with diet changes I describe below. Here is what I have learned so far on my journey for healthy skin….”

THE Skin is dependent on

Digestive tract HEALTH

  • The Gut-Skin Axis is explained in this review article (click here)

  • Gut bacteria imbalance with immune response, inflammation, leaky gut and food allergies. “The link between dysbiosis and skin inflammation is highlighted by findings of elevated gut bacterial DNA in the bloodstream of patients with chronic skin disorders” (for 2023 study click here).

  • “Gut microbes may produce or even increase the beneficial metabolites or specific immune modulating molecules such as polysaccharide A, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and retinoic acid via the fermentation of dietary fibers” (for 2022 study click here).

  • Healthy digestion is required for absorbing essential nutrients in the diet, including minerals, to support skin, hair, and nail growth.

IMmune system balance

  • The immune system plays an essential role in maintaining healthy skin, regulating healthy skin microbial balance, and skin repair. To learn more about inflammatory skin diseases, click here (2022).

  • For common skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis, there are “multiple factors cause a dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immune system of the skin barrier associated with a reduction in the structural protein filaggrin, epidermal lipids, and antimicrobial peptides and a dysbiosis of commensal bacteria determining a loss of epidermal integrity, dehydration, chronic inflammation of the skin, and increased sensitization to allergens and infections” (for 2024 article click here).

Hormone balance

  • Reproductive hormones such as estrogen have been shown to have a profound impact on skin health, including elasticity, hydration, and thickness, evident in the changes that happen with a decline in estrogen for women associated with menopause. “The perimenopausal years are marked by an accelerated decline in skin quality, largely due to declining estrogen levels, which impair collagen production and the integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) [8, 12, 13]. Estrogen replacement can diminish many of these effects by enhancing the content and quality of collagen, increasing vascularization, and improving epidermal hydration, elasticity, and thickness” (for 2025 study click here).

  • Hormones that drive skin repair include:

    • IGF-1, a key fibroblast-derived orchestrator of skin aging, from Growth Hormone (GH) - BPC-157 (peptide) acts on this

    • α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone - KPV (peptide) acts on this hormone’s receptors

    • Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) and vitamin D3

    • Estrogen, oxytocin, melatonin and endocannabinoids

  • “There are also many other hormones synthetized or activated/inactivated in the skin, including thyroid releasing hormone (TRH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones; sex hormones and their precursors, as well as ∆7 steroids and different secosteroidal products. The skin expresses the enzyme … which initiates steroid synthesis by converting cholesterol to pregnenolone ... In addition, skin cells can produce catecholamines, serotonin, and melatonin.” (For 2019 study click here). This system is explained well in a 2009 review article (click here).

Nervous system balance

  • Nerves that supply the skin release nerve growth factor, substances P, Calcitonin-related gene peptide, and other neuropeptides that promote growth of skin cells, enhance blood vessel formation, open blood vessels (vasodilation), alter tissue hydration/swelling, and influence migration of immune cells into the skin.

  • Stress causes changes in the skin by disrupting the balance in the neuroendocrine system, through activation of the “fight/flight” system, suppressing the immune response, changing blood flow to the skin, and modifying other hormones (2024 study click here).

  • The thyroid, opioid/ endorphin, endocannabinoid, cholinergic (acetylcholine), vitamin D3 related hormones, and serotonin systems are all shown to impact the skin (2020 article, click here).

TESTING OPTIONS

TREATMENT EXAMPLES

Specific recommendations will be made for each individual patient during naturopathic care.

Here are specific examples explained further below:

Nutrient supplements

  • Panthothenic acid (vitamin B5)

  • Biotin

  • Multi-mineral (Zinc, iron, copper and selenium)

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (Vegan and Fish Oil)

  • Vitamin A, D3, E, K2 (MK-7)

  • Riboflavin (vitamin B2)

  • Niacin (vitamin B3)

  • Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)

  • Vitamin B12 with methylation (methylcobalamin)

  • Vitamin C

Topical (non-prescription)

  • Riman (Gotu Kola) line of products

  • Active Skin Repair - Hydrogel or Spray (hypochlorite)

  • Herbal Heal by Moon Valley Organics - Calendula, propolis, and other

  • Retinol Renewing Serum by Hyalogic (Hyaluronic acid)

  • Progesterone cream

Specialty supplements

  • KPV peptide

  • BPC 157 peptide

  • GHK-Cu peptide

  • Arthroben (collagen + catechin)

TOPICAL OPTIONS

RIMAN / Gotu Kola (Korean skin cAre)

Gotu kola, Centella asiatica, is a gentle herbal medicine used in traditional healing practices throughout Asia. It has a long history of effectiveness in repairing skin by improving stem cell activity and support new healthy blood vessels that supply the skin, along with the brain and the rest of the body. In Ayurveda, the traditional healing system of India, Gotu Kola is used as an anti-aging remedy that can help with cognitive function including memory and focus. Riman skin care line has developed what I consider to be the best source of Gotu Kola, grown with above organic quality in every respect. The product listed below include formulas for delivery of Gotu Kola deep into the basement layer of the skin, and using only natural sources.

What makes this product truly unique is its extremely high quality, without any artificial ingredients, grown from a mineral rich and highly energetic aquifer from a volcano in South Korea. The product itself is made with nano-liposomal technology. Most people who use this product can see a difference in their skin within a few days, resulting in dramatic changes in wrinkles, color changes, and aging spots after a few weeks or months. If you try out the riman ritual package for $100 by the time you are done you can expect major improvements. The Riman ritual is a series of steps that drive the Gotu Kola deeper into the skin with each layer. Sometimes with skin problems the deeper layers must come to the surface so it is recommended to use it once per day to let your body slowly heal and minimize apparent worsening of acne as the skin heals from its deepest layers.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

or copy and past this link: https://mall.riman.com/drerikvose/

STARTING PACKAGE OPTION - apply to clean skin TWICE daily

STARTING RIMAN RITUAL - follow step 1 through 5 for full skin care routine (with cleanser and toner); starting with once daily for problematic skin to prevent the deeper problems from coming to the surface too fast. Some patients experience a temporary short-term healing reaction if you start twice daily.

OTHER TOPICAL OPTIONS

Fullscript.com

  • Active skin repair hydrogel or spray

    • Hypochlorous acid (hypochlorite anion) is the main ingredient in this topical formula, which acts to gently disinfect and stimulate wound healing. This product is specifically helpful to speed up the healing of wounds, and can also be used for many other purposes.

  • Herbal Heal by Moon Valley Organics

    • Contains: Rosehip Seed oil, Horsetail, Calendula, Frankincense, Propolis, Yarrow, Comfrey, and more

  • Retinol Renewing Serum by Hyalogic (Hyaluronic acid)

    • Retinol (vitamin A) is available as a prescription but is also available in products over the counter. Here is a review article about how retinol helps the skin (click link for study) by 1) initiating the increase of epidermal proliferation leading to epidermal thickening; 2) compaction of the stratum corneum; and 3) biosynthesis and deposition of the glycosoaminoglycans.

    • Hyaluronic acid improves skin hydration and rejuvination according to this 2022 study (click here)

  • Progesterone creAM

    • This hormone is available over the counter, 20-40mg can be applied once daily to inner thigh or inner upper arm to help with hormone balance, to reduce the effects of unopposed estrogen (estrogen dominance). Along with other hormones, progesterone in the context of hormone balance and testing may be helpful to determine which patients this product would be best suited for. In general women who use progesterone experience radiant healthy skin all over the body, not just where it is applied, similar to how skin changes during pregnancy. Progesterone also helps calm the nervous system and supports restful sleep. To learn more about estrogen dominance, click this link to download a handout.

PEPTIDES FOR SKIN

Fullscript.com

KPV peptide

BPC-157 peptide

  • This peptide naturally found in the digestive tract helps to improve skin healing directly, and also improves growth hormone secretion to increase IGF-1 and thereby impact skin and general body repair indirectly as well. For a 2021 study shows improved wound healing, click here.

GHK-Cu peptide

ARTHROBEN (COLLAGEN PEPTIDES WITH CATECHIN/BAICALIN) by Designs for Health

  • This particular product is unparalleled in helping to repair the skin, hair, nails, and joints, and can reduce inflammation and calm pain. While this product is marketed for joint repair, the “side effect” is that skin, hair and nails can regenerate faster than taking collagen alone. Catechin is an ingredient in this product that stimulates skin, hair and nail growth especially fast. Here is a study revealing how catechins help the skin (click for link).

SUPPLEMENTS FOR SKIN

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) - 500mg capsules, take 4 by mouth (2g) once or twice daily

  • One study (2014) highlights the potential benefit of supplementation here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4065280/ “The results from this study indicate that the administration of a pantothenic acid-based dietary supplement in healthy adults with facial acne lesions is safe, well tolerated and reduced total facial lesion count versus placebo after 12 weeks of administration. Secondary analysis shows that the study agent significantly reduced area-specific and inflammatory blemishes”

“Biotin Complex Hair & Skin” by Pure encapsulations

MineralS supplement containing

  • “Trace Minerals complex” by Seeking Health (no iron)

  • seleniuM

  • Zinc / Copper

    • The zinc to copper ratio is an important consideration when taking these supplements, as can be determined with blood and/or hair testing

  • iron in “Ferrochel Iron CHelate” by Designs for Health

    • It is best to supply the specific minerals that are needed, as high iron can contribute to problems. Generally the body should regulate iron absorption, however sometimes iron handling/metabolism can be supported by taking Lactoferrin.

    • Lactoferrin 100mg capsules can be taken with iron for support with iron absorption and metabolism. Also lactoferrin is helpful if iron levels are too high by supporting iron handling and transfer within the body.

Essential fatty acids - Omega-3 fatty acids

  • Algae Omega by Nordic Naturals

    • This algae derived omega-3 fatty acid product is a vegan option.

  • Wiley’s Finest Fish Oil - Easy swallow Minis

    • This fish oil is made from a sustainable fishery in Alaska, sold directly to consumers without a middle man for an unbeatable quality and price.

VITAMINS FOR SKIN

  • Vitamin A Liquid Emulsification: “Hi-Po Emulsi A” by Designs for Health

  • Vitamin D3: “HI-Po emsulsi D3” by Designs for health

  • Vitamin E: “Gamma E Tocopherol/Tocotrienol” By Life Extensions

    • This product contains a mix of the eight (8) types of vitamin E, including both tocopherols and tocotrienols for skin repair.

  • Vitamin K2 (MK-7) by ORthomolecular products

  • Riboflavin (vitamin B2) by Integrative therapeutics

  • Niacin (vitamin B3) as: Niacinamide by Thorne

  • Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate 50mg by Vital Nutrients

  • Vitamin B12 as: Liposomal Methylb12 (Methylcolabamin) by Quicksilver

  • Methylfolate 7.5mg by methylpro

  • Vitamin C (tapioca source) by Ecological Formulas

Dietary Suggestions

  • Food allergy elimination is helpful for inflammatory skin reactions, eg. acne, eczema, rosaceae, etc. Blood testing can be done to guide this process - see naturopathic labs webpage for more information.

  • Digestion and gut bacteria play a large role in nutrition - individualized recommendations for improving gut health are available for established patients.

LIFESTYLE

  • Contrast hydrotherapy can be helpful for improving blood flow to the skin, along with balancing the nervous system, improving stress, digestion, and sleep. Click here for a handout to learn more.

  • Sleep support can be a pivotal step towards regaining healthy skin. Individualized recommendations for patients are made to address the underlying causes of sleep problems.

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