Personalised Naturopathic Support for Skin Health
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and plays an important role in protecting you from the outside environment.
Skin conditions can affect people of all ages and may cause symptoms such as dryness, itching, redness, inflammation, scaling, rashes or changes in the appearance of the skin.
For many people, skin concerns can also affect confidence, comfort, sleep and overall wellbeing.
At Advanced Natural Medicine, we provide personalised naturopathic and integrative support for a wide range of skin conditions and skin health concerns.
Our approach recognises that skin symptoms can be influenced by many different factors. Depending on the individual and their condition, these may include:
- Skin barrier health
- Environmental triggers
- Allergens and irritants
- Diet and nutritional status
- Digestive health
- Stress
- Sleep
- Hormonal changes
- Medications
- Immune and inflammatory processes
- Existing medical conditions
During a naturopathic consultation, we take the time to understand your individual symptoms, health history and current medical care.
Where appropriate, our naturopathic practitioners can work alongside your GP, dermatologist or other healthcare professionals.
We do not replace medical diagnosis or advise clients to stop prescribed medication. Our role is to provide complementary naturopathic and integrative support alongside appropriate medical care.
Understanding Skin Health
The skin acts as an important protective barrier between the body and the external environment.
Healthy skin is influenced by many factors, including the skin barrier, immune system, skin microbiome, hydration, nutrition and exposure to environmental irritants.
Skin conditions can be temporary or ongoing and may have a number of possible contributing factors.
The same symptom can also occur in different skin conditions.
For example, itchy or inflamed skin may occur with eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, hives, fungal infections or other medical conditions.
For this reason, persistent or unexplained skin symptoms should be appropriately assessed.
Our naturopathic approach focuses on understanding the individual rather than assuming that all skin symptoms have the same cause.
Listen to Joe talk about Skin conditions
Some of the Skin Conditions & Skin Health Concerns We See:
1. Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition.
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Redness
- Inflamed skin
- Scaling
- Cracked skin
- Skin discomfort
- Flare-ups that come and go
Eczema can affect both children and adults.
The skin barrier plays an important role in eczema, and factors such as irritants, allergens, infections and environmental conditions may contribute to flare-ups in some people.
Our naturopathic approach to eczema support may include discussion around:
- Skin barrier support
- Nutrition
- Dietary patterns
- Possible triggers
- Digestive health
- Stress
- Sleep
- Lifestyle factors
- Current medical treatment
Moderate, severe or persistent eczema should be managed appropriately with your healthcare professional.
Our naturopathic practitioners can provide complementary support alongside your GP, dermatologist or other medical providers.
2. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect different areas of the body.
Symptoms may include:
- Raised skin plaques
- Redness
- Scaling
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Skin discomfort
The severity and pattern of psoriasis can vary considerably between individuals.
Psoriasis may also have a significant effect on confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Our naturopathic and integrative approach may consider the broader factors affecting general health and wellbeing, including:
- Nutrition
- Lifestyle
- Stress
- Sleep
- Digestive health
- General inflammatory health
- Nutritional status
Psoriasis should be appropriately diagnosed and managed.
Our role is to provide complementary naturopathic support alongside appropriate medical care.
3. Acne & Acne-Prone Skin
Acne can affect teenagers and adults and may involve:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Pimples
- Inflamed spots
- Cysts
- Oily skin
- Skin sensitivity
Acne can occur on the face, chest, shoulders and back.
Factors that may influence acne can include hormonal changes, skin oil production, skincare products, medications and other individual factors.
Our naturopathic approach to acne-prone skin may include discussion around:
- Hormonal health
- Nutrition
- Digestive health
- Lifestyle
- Sleep
- Stress
- Skincare routines
- Nutritional status
Where appropriate, our naturopathic practitioners may also discuss practitioner-directed nutritional support.
Persistent, severe or cystic acne may require medical assessment or dermatology care.
4. Dermatitis, Contact Allergies & Skin Reactions
Dermatitis is a broad term used to describe inflammation of the skin.
Contact dermatitis may occur when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen.
Possible triggers can include:
- Skincare products
- Cosmetics
- Fragrances
- Cleaning products
- Metals
- Workplace substances
- Plants
- Other environmental exposures
Symptoms may include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Dryness
- Skin irritation
- Rashes
- Cracking
- Blisters in some cases
Our naturopathic practitioners may discuss possible lifestyle and environmental factors that could be relevant to your individual circumstances.
Where appropriate, we may also discuss nutrition, skin barrier support and ways to reduce exposure to known irritants.
Persistent or severe skin reactions should be medically assessed.
5. Rosacea & Facial Redness
Rosacea is a skin condition that commonly affects the face.
Symptoms can vary and may include:
- Facial redness
- Flushing
- Visible blood vessels
- Skin sensitivity
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Acne-like bumps
Some people notice that particular environmental or lifestyle factors appear to trigger or worsen their symptoms.
These can vary significantly between individuals.
Our naturopathic approach may include discussion around:
- Individual triggers
- Skin sensitivity
- Skincare routines
- Nutrition
- Lifestyle
- Stress
- Sleep
- Digestive health where relevant
Persistent facial redness should be appropriately assessed, as different skin conditions can have similar appearances.
6. Fungal Skin Conditions
Fungal skin conditions can affect different parts of the body.
Common examples include:
- Athlete’s foot
- Ringworm
- Fungal skin rashes
- Fungal infections affecting skin folds
Symptoms may vary but can include:
- Itching
- Scaling
- Redness
- Skin irritation
- Circular rashes
- Cracking or peeling skin
Fungal infections require appropriate identification and treatment.
It is important not to assume that every itchy or scaly rash is a fungal infection.
Our naturopathic practitioners can provide complementary support and may encourage appropriate medical or pharmacy treatment where necessary.
7. Hives, Urticaria & Itchy Skin
Hives, also known as urticaria, can cause raised and itchy areas of skin.
Some people experience acute hives, while others experience recurring or chronic symptoms.
Itching can also occur for many different reasons.
Possible symptoms may include:
- Raised welts
- Itching
- Redness
- Skin irritation
- Recurrent rashes
Because hives and persistent itching can have a range of possible causes, appropriate assessment may sometimes be required.
Our naturopathic practitioners may consider the wider factors relevant to your individual health while working alongside appropriate medical care.
Sudden hives accompanied by difficulty breathing, facial swelling or swelling of the tongue or throat requires urgent medical attention.
8. Dry, Sensitive & Irritated Skin
Dry and sensitive skin can be uncomfortable and may become more noticeable during seasonal or environmental changes.
Symptoms may include:
- Dryness
- Tightness
- Flaking
- Itching
- Redness
- Increased sensitivity
Sensitive skin can also be associated with underlying skin conditions or reactions to products and environmental exposures.
Our naturopathic approach to dry and sensitive skin may include discussion around:
- Skin barrier health
- Hydration
- Nutrition
- Skincare products
- Environmental exposures
- Lifestyle factors
Our practitioners take an individual approach and recognise that sensitive skin can have different causes in different people.
9. Scalp Conditions & Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
The scalp can also be affected by inflammatory, dry or itchy skin conditions.
Common concerns may include:
- Dandruff
- Flaking
- Itching
- Redness
- Scalp irritation
- Excess oiliness
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Scalp symptoms can have a variety of possible causes.
Our naturopathic practitioners may consider general health, lifestyle, nutrition and skincare practices as part of a wider individual assessment.
Persistent, painful or severe scalp conditions should be medically assessed.
10. Skin Barrier & Skin Microbiome Health
The skin is home to a diverse community of microorganisms known as the skin microbiome.
The skin barrier and skin microbiome are areas of growing scientific interest in relation to overall skin health.
A healthy skin barrier helps protect the skin from environmental exposure and supports normal skin function.
Factors such as harsh products, environmental exposures and existing inflammatory skin conditions may affect skin barrier health.
Our naturopathic and integrative approach may consider factors relevant to maintaining healthy skin, including:
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Skincare practices
- Lifestyle
- Environmental exposure
- General wellbeing
- Digestive health where relevant
We take an individual approach to every person’s skin conditions.
Our Naturopathic Approach to Skin Conditions
During your naturopathic consultation, we may discuss:
- Your current skin symptoms
- How long your symptoms have been present
- Previous diagnoses
- Current medical treatment
- Medications
- Skincare products
- Diet and nutritional intake
- Digestive health
- Food reactions where relevant
- Stress
- Sleep
- Hormonal changes
- Environmental exposures
- Family history
- Previous testing
Our naturopathic practitioners aim to understand the broader factors relevant to your individual health and skin concerns.
Where appropriate, we may provide personalised nutritional and lifestyle recommendations or discuss practitioner-directed nutritional support.
Skin Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle
Nutrition and lifestyle can play an important role in general health and skin wellbeing.
Depending on your individual circumstances, your naturopathic practitioner may discuss:
- Nutritional adequacy
- Dietary diversity
- Hydration
- Protein intake
- Digestive health
- Sleep
- Stress management
- Physical activity
- Skincare routines
- Environmental and occupational exposures
Recommendations are individualised.
We do not recommend unnecessarily restrictive diets without considering the individual’s symptoms, nutritional needs and medical circumstances.
Practitioner-Directed Support for Skin Health
Advanced Natural Medicine has access to practitioner-directed nutritional products and professional practitioner ranges.
Depending on your individual circumstances, your naturopathic practitioner may discuss support relevant to areas such as:
- General skin health
- Skin hydration
- Skin integrity
- Collagen formation
- Nutritional status
- General inflammatory health
- Digestive health
- Gut and skin health
Practitioner-directed nutritional products are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Our naturopathic practitioners consider your symptoms, health history, medications and current medical care before making individual recommendations.
Where appropriate, we may utilise professional practitioner supplements, prescribed for the person’s individual requirements.
The Gut-Skin Connection
Digestive health and skin health are increasingly discussed together in naturopathic and integrative healthcare.
The relationship between the digestive system, nutrition, immune activity and skin health is complex and highly individual.
For some people experiencing skin concerns, it may be relevant to also consider:
- Digestive symptoms
- Dietary patterns
- Nutritional status
- Food reactions
- Bowel health
- Gut microbiome health
Our naturopathic practitioners do not assume that gut problems are the cause of every skin condition.
Instead, we consider whether digestive health may be relevant to the individual’s broader health picture.
Skin Health & Hormones
Hormonal changes can influence the skin in some individuals.
Hormonal factors may be relevant to concerns such as:
- Acne
- Changes in skin oiliness
- Dry skin
- Skin changes during different stages of life
Our naturopathic approach considers whether hormonal health may be relevant to an individual’s skin concerns.
Where appropriate, this can also connect with our Female Hormones section.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Some skin symptoms require prompt medical assessment.
Please speak with your GP, dermatologist or other appropriate healthcare professional if you experience:
- A rapidly changing mole or skin lesion
- A new or unusual growth
- A lesion that bleeds or does not heal
- A rapidly spreading rash
- Severe skin pain
- Signs of skin infection
- Significant swelling
- Fever with a rash
- Sudden widespread hives
- Difficulty breathing with a skin reaction
- Facial, tongue or throat swelling
- Severe or worsening skin symptoms
Skin cancer and suspicious skin lesions should always be assessed by an appropriately qualified medical professional.
Our naturopathic practitioners can provide complementary support for health and wellbeing but do not diagnose suspected skin cancer.
Related Health Conditions
Skin health can overlap with many other areas of health and wellbeing.
You may also be interested in:
- Gut Health & Digestive Conditions
- Food Allergies & Intolerances
- Female Hormones
- Immunity & Inflammation
- Fatigue & Low Energy
- Stress & Anxiety
- Sleep & Insomnia
- Children’s Health
- Functional Medicine & Laboratory Testing
Book a Naturopathic Skin Health Consultation
If you are experiencing ongoing skin symptoms or would like personalised naturopathic support for your skin health, contact Advanced Natural Medicine to discuss whether a consultation may be appropriate.
Our naturopathic practitioners take the time to understand your individual symptoms, health history and current medical care.
We provide personalised naturopathic and integrative health support from our New Lynn, Auckland clinic and through online consultations where appropriate.
Where necessary, we can work alongside your GP, dermatologist or other healthcare professionals to support your wider health and wellbeing.
We would love to help. Please contact us if you wish to make an appointment.
We are a holistic, naturopathic medicine clinic, established in West Auckland for over 20 years.