Skin Conditions
A Holistic Approach to Addressing Acne, Psoriasis, Rosacea, & More
Your skin is the body's largest organ of excretion and secretion — and one of its most sensitive messengers. When breakouts, rashes, redness, or chronic skin conditions persist despite topical treatments, it's almost always a signal that something internal is out of balance. Hormonal disruption, gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, Inflammation, poor liver detoxification, fungal overgrowth and nervous system mismanagement (think stress + burnout) are among the most common root drivers of skin conditions ranging from acne and eczema to perioral dermatitis, fungal acne, and vitiligo. At Dr. Lana Wellness, we address skin health from the inside out — using functional lab testing, individualized nutrition, targeted supplementation, and acupuncture to correct the underlying imbalances rather than mask the symptoms.
Skin Conditions We Can Address Naturopathically
Acne
Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that can be influenced by several factors, including excess sebum (oil) production, clogged pores, bacteria, hormonal changes, stress, and certain skincare or lifestyle habits. Breakouts may appear as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, or deeper, painful lesions and can affect the face, chest, shoulders, and back.
Team DLW takes an individualized approach to managing acne holistically, understanding the factors that may be contributing to persistent or recurring breakouts. Our work may include anti-inflammatory nutrition, targeted nutrient repletion and supplementation, support for hormonal and digestive health, acupuncture, skincare guidance, stress management, and lifestyle modifications. When needed, we also recommend working with an aesthetician or medspa of our choice to address moderate, severe, or scarring acne.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, irritated, or inflamed skin. It can occur at any age and may appear anywhere on the body, although it commonly affects the inner elbows, backs of the knees, face, neck, hands (especially between the fingers and in the webbings), and scalp. Symptoms often occur in cycles, with periods of improvement followed by flare-ups.
Team DLW works to identify factors that may be contributing to inflammation or aggravating symptoms. Our approach to clearing eczema naturally may include nutrient repletion, individualized nutrition, targeted supplementation, acupuncture, skin-barrier support, stress management, and guidance around personal environmental or dietary triggers. This care is intended to complement treatment from a dermatologist or other medical provider.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated condition that causes the body to produce skin cells more rapidly than usual. This can lead to dry, thick, raised patches that may appear red, purple, brown, gray, or silvery depending on skin tone. The patches can itch, crack, or become painful and commonly develop on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis is not contagious, and symptoms may be aggravated by stress, illness, skin injury, certain medications, smoking, alcohol,and cold and / or dry weather.
Team DLW focuses on supporting the body’s inflammatory response while helping clients identify patterns that may be associated with their flare-ups. Naturopathic care for psoriasis may include an individualized anti-inflammatory nutrition plan, targeted nutrient repletion and supplementation, acupuncture, stress-management practices, and lifestyle modifications. Our work is designed to complement care from a dermatologist or rheumatologist, particularly when psoriasis is moderate, severe, or accompanied by joint symptoms.
Dandruff & Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are common conditions that affect oil-producing areas of the skin. Symptoms may include white or yellow flakes, itching, redness or discoloration, greasy scaling, and irritated skin. While dandruff usually affects the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis may also appear around the eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, eyelids, hairline, or chest.
Team DLW considers factors that may affect the skin and scalp environment, including stress, product use, nutritional status, and overall inflammatory load. Our process for clearing dandruff naturally may include individualized nutrition, targeted nutrient repletion, supplementation, acupuncture, scalp-care guidance, and lifestyle modifications. Persistent or severe symptoms should also be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out psoriasis, fungal infection, or another skin condition.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the face. Symptoms may include persistent redness or discoloration, flushing, visible blood vessels, sensitive skin, and acne-like bumps. Triggers vary from person to person but may include sun exposure, heat, stress, spicy foods, alcohol, certain skincare products, and exercise.
Team DLW takes an individualized approach to identifying possible triggers and reducing the frequency and intensity of rosacea flare-ups naturally. Holistic support may include anti-inflammatory nutrition, targeted supplementation, gentle skincare guidance, acupuncture, stress management, and lifestyle modifications. When appropriate, we may also explore digestive symptoms or food patterns that appear to coincide with rosacea flares.
Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory facial rash that most often develops around the mouth, nose, or eyes. It may look like clusters of small red or skin-colored bumps and can be accompanied by dryness, flaking, burning, itching, or skin sensitivity. Potential aggravating factors may include topical steroid use, heavy or occlusive skincare products, cosmetics, and certain personal-care products.
Team DLW works with clients to simplify possible irritants and identify patterns that may be contributing to recurrent symptoms. Our approach to getting rid of perioral dermatitis naturally may include gentle skincare guidance, individualized nutrition, targeted supplementation, acupuncture, stress support, and lifestyle modifications. Because perioral dermatitis can resemble acne, rosacea, or other rashes, evaluation by a dermatologist may be needed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Fungal Skin Conditions & Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)
Fungal skin conditions can develop when certain fungi or yeasts grow excessively on the skin. Malassezia folliculitis, sometimes referred to as “fungal acne,” affects the hair follicles and may cause clusters of small, uniform, itchy bumps, commonly on the forehead, hairline, chest, shoulders, or back. Although it can resemble acne, it is a form of folliculitis and may not improve with traditional acne treatments.
We look at factors that may influence recurring symptoms, including perspiration, clothing, skincare and hair products, medication history, and the skin’s overall environment. Naturally clearing fungal acne and other skin conditions may include nutrition and lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, acupuncture, and product guidance alongside appropriate medical treatment.
Root Causes of Skin Conditions We Investigate
Hormonal Imbalances (Estrogen, Testosterone, Insulin): Excess Androgens drive oil production, Insulin resistance amplifies them, and Estrogen fluctuations affect skin barrier and hydration. We assess all three.
Gut Dysbiosis & Leaky Gut: The gut-skin axis means digestive imbalance shows up on your face. Endotoxins from a permeable gut lining directly drive skin Inflammation.
Food Sensitivities: Delayed immune reactions to everyday foods can produce persistent breakouts, redness, or eczema flares that seem entirely unconnected to diet.
Liver Detoxification: Your liver clears Hormones, metabolic waste, and environmental toxins. When it is overloaded, the skin takes on more of that burden — often visibly.
Stress & Cortisol: Elevated Cortisol increases oil production, impairs skin barrier repair, and drives Inflammation — which is why stress reliably worsens nearly every skin condition.
How We Help Address Skin Conditions Naturally at Dr. Lana Wellness
Functional Lab Testing: We assess Hormones, blood sugar, gut microbiome, food sensitivities, and inflammatory markers to identify what is actually driving your skin condition.
Targeted Nutrition Plans: Specific nutrients — Zinc, vitamins A and E, Omega-3s — measurably affect skin health, while high-glycemic foods and dairy commonly worsen it.
Supplement Protocols for Skin Health: Protocols are built around your lab results, targeting gut repair, Hormone metabolism, and the specific nutrient gaps affecting your skin.
Acupuncture for Inflammation & Hormones: Acupuncture reduces inflammatory signaling, supports Hormone regulation, and improves circulation to the skin — with cosmetic facial acupuncture available as an additional option.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is perioral dermatitis and what causes it?
Perioral dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition presenting as small red or flesh-colored bumps and rash around the mouth, nose, and sometimes eyes. It is often triggered or worsened by topical steroid use (including inhaled steroids), fluoridated toothpaste, heavy moisturizers, hormonal changes, and gut dysbiosis. Naturopathic treatment focuses on removing triggers, supporting the skin microbiome, correcting hormonal imbalances, and healing the gut.
What is fungal acne and how is it different from regular acne?
Fungal acne — technically pityrosporum or Malassezia folliculitis — is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia in the hair follicles, not by bacteria. It presents as small, uniform, itchy bumps typically on the forehead, chest, or back. Conventional acne treatments (including antibiotics) can worsen it. Treatment involves anti-fungal protocols, dietary modification (reducing sugar and refined carbs that feed Malassezia), and gut microbiome rebalancing.
Can gut health cause eczema or psoriasis?
Yes — significantly. Both eczema and psoriasis have strong gut-immune connections. Eczema is associated with intestinal permeability (leaky gut), food sensitivities, and dysbiosis — particularly in early childhood. Psoriasis is an autoimmune, inflammatory skin condition strongly linked to gut microbiome composition and intestinal inflammation levels. Addressing gut health through dietary changes, targeted supplementation, and microbiome restoration is a core part of naturopathic skin care for both conditions.
How does dandruff relate to gut and skin health?
Chronic dandruff is most often caused by Seborrheic Dermatitis, a condition linked to overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp. Internally, it is associated with gut dysbiosis, Candida overgrowth, and Zinc or B-vitamin deficiencies. Naturopathic care addresses dandruff through antifungal protocols, gut microbiome support, nervous system management and targeted nutrition — rather than relying solely on medicated shampoos that address only the surface.