Functional Dermatology for Acne: It’s Not Just Skin Deep
Welcome to the world of Functional Dermatology—where we ditch the Band-Aid solutions and take a deep dive into the why behind your skin issues.
Let’s face it (pun intended): acne is frustrating. Whether you’re dealing with persistent adult breakouts or stubborn hormonal acne that just won’t quit, the emotional and physical toll is real. But what if we told you that those blemishes are your body’s way of waving a red flag from the inside?
What Is Functional Dermatology?
Functional dermatology is all about looking under the surface—literally and figuratively. Instead of just applying topical treatments and hoping for the best, a functional medicine approach investigates the root causes of skin imbalances like acne.
As Root Cause Dermatology puts it:
“Your skin is a mirror of your internal health.”
At Vytal Health, our own functional medicine expert, Dr. Irene Carr, MD, brings a deep understanding of how internal imbalances—from hormones to gut health to inflammation—can lead to chronic skin conditions. And acne is a big one.
What Causes Acne?
Sure, we all know the basics: clogged pores, excess oil, bacteria, hormones. But that’s just the surface-level explanation.
From a functional medicine perspective, acne is often a symptom of one (or more) of the following root causes:
1. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal fluctuations—especially involving androgens like testosterone—can increase oil production and clog pores. This is particularly common in PCOS, perimenopause, or after stopping hormonal birth control.
2. Gut Dysbiosis
A disrupted gut microbiome can lead to systemic inflammation and poor detoxification, both of which can show up as acne. (Yes, your gut and your skin are totally BFFs.)
3. Food Sensitivities & Diet
Certain foods (like dairy, refined sugar, or even gluten) can trigger inflammation and breakouts. A diet low in antioxidants or essential nutrients can also leave your skin struggling to repair itself.
4. Toxin Overload
When your liver and detox pathways are sluggish, your body sometimes pushes toxins out through the skin—hello, breakouts.
5. Chronic Stress
Stress increases cortisol, which throws off hormones, promotes inflammation, and reduces your skin’s ability to heal. If you’re stressed and breaking out, it’s not a coincidence.
Functional Medicine Approach to Acne with Dr. Irene Carr
Dr. Carr doesn’t just treat breakouts—she investigates what your skin is trying to say. Here’s how she works with acne patients at Vytal Health:
🔬 1. Comprehensive Testing
From hormone panels to gut health assessments (like a GI-MAP stool test), Dr. Carr uses advanced testing to find hidden imbalances that may be fueling your acne.
🥦 2. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
You’ll get a personalized nutrition plan that supports your unique needs, removing inflammatory triggers and replenishing your body with skin-healing nutrients as needed.
🧘 3. Stress + Sleep Support
Balancing your nervous system and optimizing sleep are critical to calming cortisol and promoting skin regeneration.
💊 4. Targeted Supplements
From zinc and omega-3s to adaptogens and probiotics, Dr. Carr recommends evidence-based supplements tailored to your needs—not a generic protocol.
💻 5. Ongoing Virtual Support
Your acne didn’t pop up overnight—and it won’t vanish overnight either. But with regular virtual check-ins, photo sharing, and a supportive care team, you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way.
Virtual Care That Works for Your Skin
At Vytal Health, your skin concerns are always taken seriously—no more rushed 7-minute visits or being told to “just wash your face more.” With virtual functional dermatology, you can upload photos of your skin, meet with Dr. Carr from the comfort of your couch, and receive personalized care that actually works.
It’s time to stop blaming your skin and start listening to it.
If you’re ready to get to the root of your acne once and for all, book a free 15-minute discovery call with us today.
🧴🧠✨Your skin will thank you.