Functional Medicine For Ageless Skin: Tips For A Radiant Complexion

As we age, sometimes we cringe looking into a mirror. What is reflected back may be dull, dry skin that is wrinkling, blotchy, dry and sagging. It is disheartening. Millions are spent on Botox, fillers and plastic surgery to restore youthful look and feel. While functional medicine can’t erase the signs of aging entirely, it can slow things down, and help you maintain or improve skin health or whatever procedures you underwent. It can maintain the integrity of the skin and perhaps minimize skin disorders. When people take care of the inside, it is reflected on the outside.

 

The Skin Microbiome: Your Skin’s Invisible Ecosystem

As a functional medicine doctor, I’ve seen firsthand how our skin can reflect what’s happening inside our bodies. It’s fascinating – and sometimes frustrating – how interconnected everything is. Let’s talk about the skin microbiome – the tiny ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms living on our skin. Just like the gut microbiome you may have heard about; this delicate balance plays a crucial role in our skin’s health and appearance.

When it gets disrupted, whether from harsh skincare products, antibiotics, or other factors, it can lead to issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and even premature aging. The skin microbiome can protect you from infection and creates a barrier, so infection doesn’t enter your system. However, it can activate the immune system and cause inflammatory skin conditions.

While there is a lot of research on trying probiotics on the skin, there are a lot of technical difficulties. However, as you will see below, the gut microbiota and skin microbiota talk to each other. Having good gut bugs by taking an oral probiotic can enhance the microbiome of the gut and the skin so they talk nice to each other.¹

The Gut-Skin Connection: Your Digestive Health Shows on Your Face

The gut-skin connection is another area that continues to amaze me. So many skin issues actually start in the digestive system. When the gut lining becomes too permeable (what we call “leaky gut”), it can trigger inflammation throughout the body – including the skin. I’ve seen dramatic improvements in conditions like rosacea and psoriasis just by healing the gut through diet changes and targeted supplements. Many mothers bring their daughters to me to help with acne and other skin conditions to decrease embarrassment.

The gut microbiome has bidirectional communication with the microbiota of the lungs, skin and brain as well as the entire central and peripheral nervous system for the maintenance of health in the human body. ² I have found dramatic changes in acne and other skin conditions with our Detox and Feel Good Again program a program designed to heal the gut. Skin clears and glows when you decrease inflammation and toxins, remove foods that stimulate the immune system and replace probiotics as well as eating a nutrient rich, anti-inflammatory diet.

Factors Contributing to Skin Aging and How to Reverse Them

Aging is something we all deal with, but there’s so much we can do to keep our skin vibrant. Oxidative stress and glycation (where sugar molecules bind to proteins like collagen) as well as AGE’s,  otherwise known as Advanced Glycation End Products, are big culprits in skin aging. AGE’s are formed when blood sugar is high, exposure to UV light and grilling, broiling, roasting, searing, and frying animal protein. AGE’s accumulates during natural ageing, but occurs more often in conditions of oxidative stress (UV exposure, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus). ³

But the good news is we can fight back! Antioxidant-rich foods such as plenty of colorful vegetables and fruits and supplements, along with decreasing sugar, and processed foods, can make a real difference. Boiling, poaching, stewing, and steaming meats decreased the AGE’s. Also, marinating meats in acidic marinades such as vinegar or lemon, can decrease the AGE’s when grilling or searing. Beef that was marinated for 1 hour in these solutions formed less than half the amount of AGEs during cooking than the untreated samples.

I love seeing the glow return to patients’ skin as we address these factors.
                                                                       

The Impact of Stress on Skin Health

 

Stress is another huge factor in skin health that often gets overlooked. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen eczema flare-ups or acne breakouts triggered by periods of high stress. In fact, many other conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, hair loss, itching, and redness can be caused by stress.

Stress or any dis-stress that is physical, emotional or chemical can lead to release of cortisol and adrenaline. These accelerate DNA damage and interfere with DNA repair. This along with environmental damage, oxidative stress and inflammation causes skin aging. Lines, wrinkles, blotchy skin, that loses elasticity and firmness are the signs of sin aging. ⁴ Teaching stress management techniques like Heartmath, meditation or recommending adaptogenic herbs has been life-changing for many of my patients with chronic skin issues.

Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) on Skin

For women going through menopause, hormone changes can really do a number on the skin. Declining estrogen leads to thinner, drier skin and less collagen production. Hormone replacement therapy increases skin thickness, collagen and elasticity and thereby decreases lines and wrinkles. ⁵ HRT slows down skin aging. I work with each patient to find the best approach for their individual situation, whether that’s HRT or natural alternatives to support skin health during this transition.

What I love about functional medicine is that we look at the whole picture – not just treating symptoms on the surface but digging deep to find and address root causes. It’s incredibly rewarding to help patients achieve healthier, more radiant skin by healing their bodies from the inside out. Whether you’re dealing with chronic skin issues or just want to maintain that youthful glow, remember – your skin is a reflection of your overall health. By nurturing your body holistically, you’re nurturing your skin too. If you want a holistic approach to not only maintaining skin health and beauty but overall health and address the multitude of factors that contribute to aging, apply for a no obligation clarity call to see if we are a good fit.

References:

1. Sfriso R, Egert M, Gempeler M, Voegeli R, Campiche R. Revealing the secret life of skin – with the microbiome you never walk alone. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2020;42(2):116-126. doi:10.1111/ics.12594
2. Santacroce L, Man A, Charitos IA, Haxhirexha K, Topi S. Current knowledge about the connection between health status and gut microbiota from birth to elderly. A narrative review. Front Biosci Landmark Ed. 2021;26(6):135-148. doi:10.52586/4930
3. URIBARRI J, WOODRUFF S, GOODMAN S, et al. Advanced Glycation End Products in Foods and a Practical Guide to Their Reduction in the Diet. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010;110(6):911-16.e12. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2010.03.018
4. Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-Skin Connection: Stress, Inflammation and Skin Aging. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-190. doi:10.2174/1871528113666140522104422
5. Pivazyan L, Avetisyan J, Loshkareva M, Abdurakhmanova A. Skin Rejuvenation in Women using Menopausal Hormone Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Menopausal Med. 2023;29(3):97-111. doi:10.6118/jmm.22042