Your skin does more than just protect you—it can act as a window into your internal health. At FoRM Health, we encourage a holistic view of beauty that starts from within. When something’s off internally, it often shows up on your skin first! Understanding these signs allows you to take targeted, proactive steps toward a more vibrant complexion and better health overall.
Unpacking four common skin complaints we hear about in aesthetic consults—and the internal health imbalances that may be at the root of these issues:
- Acne Breakouts
Frequent breakouts can be a sign that your hormones are imbalanced or that your digestion is struggling to clear toxins efficiently. To start healing from within, try “cleaning up” your diet by reducing sugar, refined grains (think anything made from white flour), and dairy. Instead, load your plate with 2-3 servings of fiber-rich, colorful vegetables each meal (or 6-9 servings daily) to support detoxification, reduce inflammation, and help stabilize hormones. Complement veggies with healthy fats like avocado, olive oil and nuts/seeds and good quality protein sources like fatty fish (salmon) and regeneratively-farmed meat.
Your complexion may take 1-3 months to clear up with dietary improvements, so be patient! If there is no improvement in your acne after 3 months, meet with a FoRM Naturopathic Doctor who may order hormone testing and/or stool testing (for GI microbiome evaluation).
- Rosacea & Facial Redness
Persistent redness or flushing often indicate your immune system is triggered by a hidden offender, resulting in a chronic inflammatory reaction within your skin. Possible culprits include: food sensitivities, chronic/reactivated infection, or toxicant exposure. Identifying the underlying problem, often starts with an elimination + reintroduction diet or food sensitivity test, which can be ordered by a FoRM Naturopathic Doctor.
Exposing the underlying problem may require a few testing attempts until something hits. In the meantime, high-quality probiotic strains like bifidobacterium breve and lactobacillus reuterii and acidophilus can help restore a healthy skin barrier and calm the “fire” from within.
- Under-Eye Circles & Puffiness
Dark circles and puffy under-eyes commonly indicate poor sleep or dehydration (fluid imbalance). Simple adjustments like cutting back on coffee, staying well-hydrated, and prioritizing 7–9 hours of restful sleep can dramatically improve the appearance of your eyes.
Commit to sleeping well and drinking ½ your body weight (lbs) in ounces for 1 month and you’re sure to appear more refreshed. If dark circles persist, it’s probably time for some blood work with your FoRM Naturopathic Doctor to evaluate for nutritional deficiencies, like iron.
- Puffy Face & Water Retention
A bloated, puffy face—sometimes jokingly referred to as “chipmunk cheeks”—can be linked to blood sugar imbalances. Over-indulging in sugar, refined carbs (again, think flour-based foods), dairy, or alcohol can spike insulin levels, leading to fluid retention for 1-2 days after an indulgence.
Replacing grains with green foods, minimizing alcohol, and stabilizing blood sugar by eating whole, nutrient-rich foods like in the Mediterranean Diet, can quickly restore a more sculpted and firm appearance.
At FoRM Health, we combine the best of Functional Medicine and Aesthetics to address skin concerns from the inside out—and the outside in. Whether you’re just starting your skin health journey or ready to level up your results, we’re here to guide you toward lasting beauty and wellness.
Dr. Kai Herman ND is the specialist to see if you are looking to Look + Feel Better using an integrative approach of aesthetic and functional medicine. Schedule a new patient visit today to get started!
