Struggling with Acne or Eczema? You Could Be Ignoring Serious Health Red Flags | Dr. Mark Hyman

Your skin does more than act as a protective outer layer—it serves as a reflection of your internal health. From acne to eczema, many skin issues are signs of deeper, systemic imbalances often related to what’s happening inside your body.

Traditionally, dermatological care focuses on symptoms, applying treatments like steroids or antibiotics without addressing the underlying issues. These treatments—even though they may alleviate surface symptoms—often fail to tackle the real problem: inflammation and nutrient deficiencies.

Functional medicine diverges significantly by identifying and treating root causes through personalized diagnostic testing and therapeutic interventions. Instead of solely alleviating skin surface symptoms, this approach enhances overall health.

This comprehensive method involves examining numerous factors that influence health: gut health, hormonal imbalances, and food sensitivities, to name a few. Tests for microbiome function and potential allergies guide effective treatment plans.

Central to improving skin health is nutrition. An elimination diet—cutting out common inflammatories like dairy, gluten, and processed foods—is pivotal. Reintroducing foods gradually helps identify specific allergens triggering reactions.

To support skin renewal and fortify barriers, certain nutrients and supplements are integral. Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin A enable durable changes by nurturing the gut and reducing systemic inflammation.

Functional medicine redefines causes of skin disorders as structured, personalized interventions. Improving skin health leads to the underappreciated benefit of enhancing overall wellness—taking anti-inflammatory steps also elevates immune and metabolic balance.

“True skin care starts from within by embracing an inside-out approach.”

Avoid viewing skin problems like acne or eczema just as skin problems. Recognize them as signals of imbalances—"messages from beneath" that should not be overlooked but understood for clearer skin and deeper health realization.

Overall, making lifestyle changes in alignment with functional medicine principles doesn't merely mask problems but results in your body functioning better on the whole, ultimately manifesting in healthier, more radiant skin.

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