What Makes Functional Dermatology Different from Traditional Dermatology?
How Is Functional Dermatology Distinct From Traditional Dermatology?
The effects of skin conditions, such as acne, pigmentation disorders, eczema, and hair loss, reach far beyond the surface of the skin. They have an impact on quality of life and overall wellness. If you feel like you have tried every product or treatment for your condition but continue to experience frequent flare-ups, you’re not alone.
Today, we will clarify the differences between functional dermatology and traditional dermatology in simple terms so that it becomes more real to you, at a human level, and which approach is best suited to helping you attain your long-term skin health goals.
At SM SCAN—Cosmetology & Diagnostic Center, Puthiyakavu, we believe that the best clients make informed decisions about their options. Let us explore both styles of dermatology as they relate to caring for the skin through functional principles and help explain what makes them different.
Traditional Dermatology Explained
Traditional dermatology is the most commonly known sector that focuses on detecting and treating visible skin conditions by utilizing medical science and verified clinical treatments.
Examples of Traditional Dermatology Treatments:
- Formulas and ointments for prescription
- Oral medications (e.g., antibiotics or isotretinoin)
- Lasers and chemical peels
- Minor surgical procedures to promote healing/repair (e.g., skin grafting)
The benefit of this approach is that it can effectively address immediate symptoms, such as a severe acne outbreak or sudden onset of a skin rash.
Trauma to the body (i.e., external environment, internal health = skin condition):
On the flip side, traditional dermatology often:
- Treats only the symptoms that a person is exhibiting
- Manages only the occasional “flare-ups,” and/or
- Provides only temporary or localized relief
Traditional dermatology does not generally consider the reasons for the occurrence of the conditions.
What is functional dermatology?
Functional dermatology is an innovative and comprehensive way of treating skin conditions by assessing the underlying reasons for a person’s problematic skin.
For instance, rather than saying:
👉 “How can we get rid of this person’s acne?”
Functional dermatology would ask:
👉 “What is causing this person’s acne?”
Functional dermatology, through its holistic approach, links the skin to:
- The digestive system
- The level of hormones
- The type of food consumed
- The level of stress and
- The lifestyle of the individual
Functional dermatology at SM SCAN Puthiyakavu recognizes that healing from the root cause of the issue is the way to resolve issues regarding the skin versus simply treating the symptoms.
Functional vs. Traditional Dermatology – What’s Different?
1. How Each Treats Skin Issues
Traditional dermatology applies an insufficient treatment (perhaps like an adhesive bandage) to problems seen on the body, such as acne, eczema, or pigmentation, whereas functional dermatology focuses on root causes (such as hormones, the gut, or inflammation) by examining the whole person.
2. How Custom Treatments Plans are Developed
In traditional dermatological care, there is a cookie-cutter approach to developing patient treatment plans, whereas in functional dermatology, treatment plans are developed specifically for YOUR needs, based on YOUR unique circumstances. A functional therapeutic plan may combine multiple forms of treatment such as,
- diet/nutrition
- lifestyle changes/behaviors, and
- supplementation (nutrients/supplements)
3. Focuses on BOTH Treating Problems and Preventing Problems
Traditional dermatology only treats problems after they arise, whereas functional dermatology aims to PREVENT problems from developing.
4. Long-Term vs Short-Term Treatments
Traditional dermatology may help patients get faster results; however, the potential for relapse is significant. With functional dermatology, patients must be patient through the process of getting better; however, the end result is much more sustainable in the long run as long-term solutions are being put in place that directly affect all areas of life.
Common Practices in Functional Dermatology
Functional dermatology is a combination of traditional medicine and holistic approaches. It can encompass the following items:
✔ Nutritional Counseling
Your skin is affected by what you eat, including the types of nutrients you ingest (vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats). Foods that are high in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats can help to improve the texture and appearance of your skin.
✔ Gut Health Optimization
When your gut is healthy, your skin will be healthy too! There are many skin concerns that have a link between them and your gut, such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. These concerns often stem from inappropriate gut health.
✔ Stress Management
Stress causes an imbalance in the hormones, which can lead to acne and dull skin. Some ways to manage stress include:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Improving sleep
✔ Supplements and Natural Support
Dermatologists sometimes recommend the following types of supplements as well as natural support:
- Vitamins
- Probiotics
- Herbal support
Advantages Of Choosing Functional Dermatology
🌿 Better Overall Health
Not only will you have better skin, but you will also feel better from the inside out.
⏳ Lasting Results
You will no longer be getting only temporary fixes, but rather sustainable improvements to your skin.
💊 Fewer Side Effects
Less dependence on harsh medications.
🎯 Customized Care
Your treatment plan will be designed specifically for your body’s needs & your lifestyle.
When Should You Consider Functional Dermatology?
You should consider switching to functional dermatology if your skin issue is reoccurring, treatments aren’t having permanent results, you want an alternative, whole-body approach, and/or you believe that your diet, stress, or hormones have an impact on your skin.
Functional dermatology can be especially beneficial for chronic acne, pigmentation issues, hair loss, and/or eczema/psoriasis.
What Makes SM SCAN – Cosmetology & Diagnostic Center, Puthiyakavu, a Good Choice?
At SM SCAN, we offer a wide range of solutions that include
✔ up-to-date treatment methods in dermatology
✔ an integrated solution that treats the underlying cause of skin conditions instead of their symptoms
✔ individualized treatment options for each patient’s unique situation
✔ advanced diagnostic capabilities to provide accurate diagnoses
We believe that it is important to look at the whole person, not just their skin!
Key Takeaways
To Summarize:
Functional dermatology is all about healing based not only on a person’s overall health condition but also by looking at the root cause of skin problems.
The best possible outcome for patients usually comes from a combination of both approaches.
If you are tired of having to find solutions that work for only a short period, then functional dermatology may be the solution for you!
FAQs: Most Asked Questions
1. How is functional dermatology different from standard dermatology?
Functional dermatology looks for the cause of your condition and then addresses those issues (i.e., diet, hormones, lifestyle, etc.). Typically, standard dermatology only looks at the visible symptoms and then prescribes medications and other procedures to treat those visible symptoms.
2. Can functional dermatology help with acne?
Acne can be treated with functional dermatology by looking at the underlying causes that can lead to acne. These causes could include, but are not limited to, poor gut health, hormonal imbalance, and diet.
3. Is functional dermatology safe?
Functional dermatology is safe and is a more holistic way to look at treating conditions through natural means instead of relying on strong medications that can have significant side effects.
4. How long will it take for me to see the results of functional dermatology?
Results may take longer than traditional medications, but they will be much more stable than the nearly instant results of traditional medications.
5. Can I use both functional and traditional dermatology?
You absolutely can! A large number of facilities (like our SM SCAN Puthiyakavu) will provide you with a diversified approach to your treatment by utilizing a combined strategy.
6. Does what I eat impact my skin?
Yes, nutrition plays a significant role in the health of your skin. Eating a diet high in processed foods can lead to acne, dull skin, and inflammation. When you eat a healthy balanced diet, your skin will glow.
Want A Change In Your Skin?
If you want true, long-term skin care solutions, consider looking into functional dermatology.
📍 Visit SM SCAN—Cosmetic & Diagnostic Center in Puthiyakavu.
📞 Call to schedule your consultation today and begin your journey to a healthier, more radiant complexion.