Let’s face it, as we get older and our skin, mind and body are showing the signs of aging, the quest for radiant skin and optimal health is unending. As we delve into this topic, it’s crucial to understand that our skin, the largest organ of our body, reflects the state of our internal health. If you are sagging and wrinkling on the outside, this reflects what is going on inside. Here are five groundbreaking tips rooted in functional medicine to enhance your skin’s radiance and bolster your overall health.

1. The Power of Estrogen in Skin Health

An important aspect of skin health, particularly in perimenopausal and menopausal women, is the role of estrogen. Research shows that after six months of treatment with either 0.01% estradiol or 0.3% estriol, remarkable improvements can be seen in the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Wrinkle depth and pore sizes decreased by an astounding 61 to 100% in both groups. Additionally, skin moisture increased, and wrinkle depth significantly reduced, as confirmed by skin profilometry. These changes are attributed to significant increases in Type III collagen. This underscores the potential of estrogen therapy in reversing age-related skin changes, highlighting its importance in maintaining youthful, vibrant skin. ¹Topical estrogen is by prescription and a functional medicine doctor can evaluate if it is right for you.

2. The Role of Topical & Oral Probiotics

The skin microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining skin health. An imbalance can lead to inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff which are often not fully addressed by conventional treatments. The resurgence of probiotic biotherapy, dating back to 1912, has shown significant promise in reducing skin wrinkling, acne, and other conditions that affect skin appearance. These probiotics not only improve skin hydration but also decrease inflammation and address the cosmetic as well as the overall health of the skin. One must be aware that there are significant technical challenges in making a probiotic skin cream. The probiotics may not remain active, and preservatives are often used to control the growth of bacteria. This may render the products ineffective. With the understanding that using topical probiotics is revolutionary, expect to see more formulas on the market and watch for quality concerns.^2–4 Furthermore, addressing the skin-gut axis suggests that a healthy gut microbiome, influenced by diet, stress, and antibiotic use, directly impacts skin health, opening new avenues for skincare and treatment. A healthy diet with lots of vegetables, some fruit, healthy fat, lean protein and oral probiotics along with stress management will give you health skin and a healthy mind and body.

3. Healthy Gut Microbiome for Skin Clarity

Clinical trials and basic science strongly support the gut and skin microbiome’s (the number and type of beneficial versus non beneficial bacteria) role in dermatology. Taking oral probiotics has been shown to improve skin conditions. Everything is connected and Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine said: “All disease begins in the gut.” Gut health affects skin health and clarity as well as overall health. This underscores the importance of nurturing our gut microbiome to combat skin issues effectively. Oral probiotics along with a decrease in inflammatory foods such as sugar, processed food, trans fats, saturated fats, hydrogenated oil and a healthy Mediterranean style diet can give you a healthy, diverse microbiome that can positively affect your hormone, immune and nervous system. ^3,5

4.Fenugreek: A Dual-Purpose Superfood

Fenugreek, with its seeds, leaves, and stems rich in phytochemicals, stands out for its culinary and medicinal properties. Its use in food and medicine are profound. It can lower blood sugar, cholesterol, decrease oxidation that causes wrinkling and accelerated aging as well as decreas inflammation that is the root cause of most chronic conditions. Fenugreek is effective in alleviating inflammatory skin conditions and improving reproductive system functions and enhances the sensory, nutritional, and nutraceutical qualities of various foods.⁶ Chef Pandya was quoted in Food and Wine as saying: “Dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) make the smoky base of butter chicken. And, medicinally, fenugreek’s fiber, protein, and iron content are highlighted in tea or supplement form.” Try some Fenugreek in your cooking or as a supplement, your skin and body will thank you for it!

5. Astaxanthin: A Potent Antioxidant for Skin and Health

Astaxanthin (AST) has emerged as a powerful antioxidant, surpassing vitamin C, E, and β-carotene in its antioxidant capacity. Oxidative stress is a key contributor to several diseases, including conditions associated with aging as well as the aging process itself. The significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, skin-protective, immunomodulator, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity, as well as the ability to improve lipid metabolism, make Astaxanthin a promising compound for the prevention or even treatment of different health conditions Using it as a supplement has been linked to improved skin texture, appearance, and moisture content, alongside protection against UV-induced skin damage. Astaxanthin’s anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and DNA repair properties contribute significantly to maintaining skin health. Moreover, its role in preventing cognitive diseases and supporting healthy aging processes showcases its potential as a nutraceutical powerhouse.⁷

In conclusion, functional medicine offers a treasure trove of insights and strategies for achieving radiant skin and optimal health. By embracing these innovative approaches, we can unlock the secrets to lasting beauty and wellness. Remember, the journey to radiant skin reflects our overall health, and by nurturing our bodies with these functional medicine tips, we pave the way for a vibrant, healthier future. Consider supplementing with astaxanthin, probiotics or fenugreek. Sign up for Supplement Savvy for my complimentary guide to supplement protocols as well as access to high quality supplements at a discount direct from the manufacturer or authorized distributor assuring you get authentic, fresh product that has been shipped and stored properly. 

1. Schmidt JB, Binder M, Demschik G, Bieglmayer C, Reiner A. Treatment of skin aging with topical estrogens. Int J Dermatol. 1996;35(9):669-674. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4362.1996.tb03701.x
2. Habeebuddin M, Karnati RK, Shiroorkar PN, et al. Topical Probiotics: More Than a Skin Deep. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(3):557. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14030557
3. De Almeida CV, Antiga E, Lulli M. Oral and Topical Probiotics and Postbiotics in Skincare and Dermatological Therapy: A Concise Review. Microorganisms. 2023;11(6):1420. doi:10.3390/microorganisms11061420
4. Arora R, Kaur R, Babbar R, Dhingra S, Dhingra AK, Grewal AS. Evolving Advances in the Cosmetic Use of Probiotics and Postbiotics: Health, Regulatory and Marketing Aspects. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. Published online July 3, 2023. doi:10.2174/1389201024666230703115732
5. Yu Y, Dunaway S, Champer J, Kim J, Alikhan A. Changing our microbiome: probiotics in dermatology. Br J Dermatol. 2020;182(1):39-46. doi:10.1111/bjd.18088
6. Alu’datt MH, Rababah T, Al-Ali S, et al. Current perspectives on fenugreek bioactive compounds and their potential impact on human health: A review of recent insights into functional foods and other high value applications. J Food Sci. Published online February 26, 2024. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.16970
7. Ng QX, De Deyn MLZQ, Loke W, Foo NX, Chan HW, Yeo WS. Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies. J Diet Suppl. 2021;18(2):169-182. doi:10.1080/19390211.2020.1739187