Naturopathic Care

Skin Health

Your skin is not just a surface concern. It is a reflection of what is happening inside your body.

Dr. Margot ND - A Naturopathic doctor working in Toronto and virtually online.

The opening conversation

If you have been treating your skin from the outside and not getting the results you are looking for, there is a good reason for that. Topical products can only do so much. The real drivers of chronic skin concerns, whether that is acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or perioral dermatitis, are almost always internal. Hormones, gut health, immune function, inflammation, and stress all show up on your skin before they show up anywhere else.

This is not about adding another product to your routine. It is about understanding what your skin is actually trying to tell you and addressing it at the root.

What I can help with

Hormonal acne, cystic acne, adult acne

Eczema and atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

Rosacea

Perioral dermatitis

Dull or uneven skin tone

Reactive or sensitive skin

Skin concerns that worsen around the menstrual cycle

Skin concerns that flare with stress

Chronic skin conditions that have not responded to topical treatments alone.

How I approach

Skin Health

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Using the Hormone Cornerstone Method I look at skin health as a whole-body concern. The gut, the hormones, the immune system, and the stress response are all deeply connected to how your skin looks and behaves, and treating one without addressing the others is why so many people cycle through products and prescriptions without lasting results.

Through a thorough assessment and targeted testing where appropriate, including gut health panels, food sensitivity testing, hormonal panels, and inflammatory markers, I identify the specific internal drivers behind your skin concerns and build a personalized plan to address them. This might include dietary changes, gut repair protocols, hormonal support, stress regulation strategies, targeted supplementation, and guidance on topical products that support rather than aggravate your skin.

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What we might explore together

The full picture

Every patient's story is different but here's where we'll likely look:

The gut-skin connection and whether dysbiosis, leaky gut, or food sensitivities are driving inflammation that shows up on your skin, hormonal patterns including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHT that directly affect sebum production and skin cell turnover, cortisol and stress as triggers for flares and immune dysregulation, nutrient deficiencies including zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids that are essential for skin barrier function, immune system overactivation and its role in conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and environmental and dietary triggers specific to your skin concern.

How to get started

Let's work together.

Book an Appointment

Skin health is addressed through the 1:1 Naturopathic Care: Hormone Cornerstone Method. Available in person at Body Co in The Junction, West End Toronto, and virtually for any resident of Ontario. Direct billing available for most insurance plans.

FAQs

Don't see your question here? Reach out and I'll answer it directly.

Is this covered by insurance?

Naturopathic care is not covered by OHIP but many extended health benefit plans include naturopathic coverage. I offer direct billing to most insurance companies. Testing is not direct billed but may be covered depending on your plan.

How long before I see results in my skin?

Skin cell turnover takes approximately four to six weeks, which means even when we address the internal drivers effectively, visible changes take time. Most patients begin to notice shifts within six to twelve weeks of consistent treatment. We track progress at every appointment and adjust the plan as needed.

What is perioral dermatitis and can naturopathic care help?

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a rash around the mouth, nose, and sometimes eyes. It is frequently triggered or worsened by topical steroids, fluorinated toothpaste, heavy moisturizers, and gut imbalances. Naturopathic care can be very effective for perioral dermatitis by identifying and removing triggers, supporting gut health, and reducing underlying inflammation.

Can stress cause skin flares?

Yes. Cortisol has a direct effect on immune function, inflammation, and sebum production. Chronic stress dysregulates the immune system in ways that worsen inflammatory skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, and can trigger acne flares by increasing androgen activity. Addressing the stress response is often a core part of treating chronic skin concerns.

Can hormones really cause acne in adults?

Yes. Adult hormonal acne is one of the most common skin concerns I see, particularly in women. Androgens including testosterone and DHT stimulate sebum production and can trigger breakouts, particularly along the jawline, chin, and lower face. Estrogen and progesterone imbalances also play a role, which is why acne so often worsens around the menstrual cycle or during perimenopause.

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