The Root Causes of Skin Issues: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Skin issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are more than just surface-level problems—they’re often signals of deeper imbalances in the body. From a functional medicine standpoint, the skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside, and healing skin conditions requires addressing their root causes.

Common Root Causes of Skin Conditions

1. Gut Imbalances
A disrupted gut microbiome, leaky gut, or poor digestion can lead to systemic inflammation that shows up on the skin. Research shows a strong gut-skin connection, especially with conditions like acne and eczema.

"The skin and gut communicate through what is now known as the gut-skin axis" (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6048199/)

2. Food Sensitivities & Nutrient Deficiencies
Foods like dairy, gluten, and sugar are common triggers for inflammatory skin responses. At the same time, deficiencies in nutrients like zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D can impair skin barrier function and immune balance.

3. Hormonal Imbalances
Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and androgens (like testosterone) can contribute to acne and other skin conditions. Functional medicine looks at the entire hormonal picture, including the role of the adrenal and thyroid glands.

4. Toxic Burden
The skin is a major detox organ. When the liver and other detoxification pathways are overburdened or sluggish, toxins can be pushed through the skin, leading to rashes, acne, and irritation.

5. Chronic Inflammation & Immune Dysregulation
Conditions like eczema and psoriasis are rooted in immune imbalance. Functional medicine works to identify and remove immune triggers, balance the microbiome, and calm inflammation at the source.

Functional Medicine Approach to Healing the Skin

• Comprehensive Testing: Includes stool analysis, food sensitivity panels, hormone testing, and nutrient assessments

• Gut Healing Protocols: Restoring microbiome balance, healing intestinal permeability, and improving digestion

• Detox Support: Supporting liver and lymphatic pathways with gentle detox strategies

• Targeted Nutrition: Replenishing skin-supportive nutrients like zinc, omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins A, D, E

• Lifestyle Changes: Stress management, hydration, quality sleep, and clean skincare products

Final Thoughts
Healthy skin starts from within. Instead of covering up symptoms with creams or medications, functional medicine helps uncover the root cause of skin problems and provides personalized, sustainable solutions that restore both internal balance and external radiance.

Call to Action
Ready to get to the root of your skin concerns? Book a consultation today and start your journey toward clearer, healthier skin.