SKIN & HAIR HEALTH

Skin & Hair Health

Your skin and hair are reflections of your internal health. While breakouts, rashes, dryness, or hair thinning may appear on the surface, they’re often rooted in deeper imbalances involving the gut, hormones, liver, immune system, or inflammation. Functional medicine and acupuncture approach skin and hair issues by exploring the systems underneath—rather than just suppressing symptoms on the outside.

Common Skin & Hair Concerns We Support:

  • Acne (teen and adult-onset)

  • Eczema and atopic dermatitis

  • Rosacea and facial redness

  • Psoriasis and autoimmune skin flares

  • Hives, rashes, or histamine reactions

  • Dry, itchy, or inflamed skin

  • Dull, congested, or sensitive skin

  • Hair thinning or shedding

  • Postpartum hair loss

  • Scalp irritation or dandruff

  • Hormonal acne or cycle-related breakouts

Why Skin and Hair Reflect Internal Health

Skin and hair health are influenced by:

  • The gut microbiome and intestinal permeability

  • Liver and detox pathways (especially estrogen metabolism)

  • Hormones—including testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, and cortisol

  • Inflammation and immune reactivity

  • Nutrient absorption (zinc, biotin, iron, protein, omega-3s)

  • Stress and nervous system regulation

  • Environmental triggers, including mold, toxins, and allergens

When these systems are out of balance, it can show up as acne, eczema, rosacea, or hair shedding—even when skincare products are clean or minimal.

Our Approach

Skin is treated from the inside out, and hair health begins at the follicle—which is fed by blood, oxygen, nutrients, and hormonal signals. We explore the root causes behind skin and hair symptoms and create a personalized plan to address both systemic and local imbalances.

  • We explore:

    • Gut health and food reactions

    • Hormonal history and menstrual patterns

    • Stress, trauma, or nervous system dysregulation

    • Nutrient status, diet, and digestion

    • Skincare, body products, and environmental exposures

    • Stool testing to assess microbiome, pathogens, and leaky gut

    • Hormone and adrenal panels (DUTCH, thyroid, bloodwork)

    • Food sensitivity or histamine reactivity

    • Nutrient panels (zinc, iron, B vitamins, omega-3s)

    • Inflammatory markers and detox capacity

    • Mycotoxin or mold testing if appropriate

    • Anti-inflammatory, skin-supportive dietary plans

    • Gut healing protocols to reduce internal triggers

    • Herbal and nutritional support for liver and detox pathways

    • Hormone-balancing nutrients (e.g., inositol, DIM, magnesium)

    • Collagen, biotin, zinc, and silica for skin and hair structure

    • Adaptogens to reduce stress-related breakouts or hair loss

  • Acupuncture improves circulation, regulates hormones, calms inflammation, and supports detoxification—all of which can benefit skin and hair. Chinese medicine often treats skin by addressing heat, dampness, blood deficiency, or Liver imbalances that show up externally.

    Conditions often treated with acupuncture include:

    • Hormonal or cystic acne

    • Eczema and chronic itching

    • Hair loss from stress, postpartum changes, or anemia

    • Psoriasis and autoimmune skin conditions

    • Cycle-related breakouts or dry skin

    • Chronic scalp irritation or oil imbalance

    Herbal formulas may be recommended to address internal heat, blood flow, or damp stagnation that contributes to skin reactivity or poor hair quality.

Skin & hair conditions are not just cosmetic. They often signal deeper imbalances in the body. By addressing the internal factors like gut, hormones, stress, nutrients, and inflammation, you can support long-term improvements in how your skin and hair look and feel. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dawna Ara to discuss your unique concerns and develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for whole-body wellness.