5 Facts About Skin Health Most Doctors Won’t Tell You

As a functional medicine physician, I've seen firsthand how skin health reflects deeper aspects of whole-body wellness. While external skincare products play a prominent role in skin health, true radiance starts from within. The skin is often a mirror of our internal health, and taking a holistic approach can reveal the root causes behind common skin concerns. Here are five little-known but powerful facts about skin health that could change the way you care for your skin from the inside out.

5 Facts About Skin Health Most Doctors Won’t Tell You

1️⃣ Skin health is a reflection of gut health.

Breakouts, rashes, irritations, and redness are outward signs of inflammation, which often originates in the gut. When gut health suffers, inflammation can manifest in the skin, impacting its clarity and resilience.

Tip: Support your gut AND skin with fiber, probiotics, and healthy fats!

2️⃣ Sugar accelerates skin aging.

Excess sugar triggers glycation—a process where sugar binds to collagen proteins in the skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. While reducing sugar has broad health benefits, the effects on the skin are particularly noticeable.

Tip: Keep sweets as an occasional treat to slow the glycation process!

3️⃣ Diet can minimize sun damage.

Certain nutrients, like beta-carotene and lycopene, get stored in the skin’s layers, where they help protect against UV rays and oxidative stress, acting as an internal shield. Though sunscreen is still essential, these nutrients can add a natural layer of defense.

Tip: "Eat the rainbow" to keep skin resilient against sun damage.

4️⃣ Sleep is needed for glowing skin.

While you sleep, your body releases growth hormone and produces collagen, strengthening the skin, reducing fine lines, and minimizing sagging or puffiness. Quality sleep is one of the simplest ways to keep your skin glowing and youthful.

Tip: Remember, beauty sleep isn’t just a saying—it’s essential for healthy skin!

5️⃣ Chemicals in skincare products can seep into your bloodstream.

Many skincare products contain "forever chemicals"—persistent substances that accumulate in the body and the environment. These chemicals are found in everything from sunscreens to lipsticks and can impact not only skin health but overall wellness.

Tip: Prioritize non-toxic products and always read labels carefully.

It’s a lot to take in, but these insights drive home an essential point: beautiful, healthy skin goes beyond lotions and serums. By expanding your focus to whole-body health, you can reveal the skin’s natural radiance from the inside out.

Are you ready to supercharge your health and wellness journey? I can help! As a board-certified Integrative & Functional Medicine physician, I can help you “think outside of the box and dig deeper with a variety of laboratory testing to help uncover the underlying root causes of your symptoms and create a plan personalized for you that goes beyond the prescription pad to incorporate diet/lifestyle change, nutritional supplements, holistic therapies, health coaching and more! Contact us to get started!