Skin & Hair Conditions | Dr. JJ, Naturopathic Doctor

Skin Complaints

Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, skin conditions can cause a great deal of stress and discomfort. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Dr. JJ offers naturopathic solutions for eczema, psoriasis, acne, hyperpigmentation and a number of other chronic skin conditions. Individual skin conditions are discussed below.

Eczema

The Eczema Society of Canada defines eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, characterized by dry skin, with patches that are red and intensely itchy. These patches of eczema may ooze, become scaly, crusted, or hardened. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and the condition can negatively impact quality of life. Eczema can occur anywhere on the skin and is commonly found on the flexors (bends of the arms and backs of the knees).

There are many types of eczema, with the most common one being atopic dermatitis. Atopy refers to a hereditary tendency toward eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). People with eczema may suffer with one of the other atopic diseases.

Dr. JJ solutions: Treatment for eczema almost always includes diet changes. Many patients with eczema are triggered by the foods they eat, but are not aware of which foods are the culprits. An elimination diet or an IgG food sensitivity test may be beneficial. Dr. JJ will focus on repairing the gut, which often helps atopic diseases. In order to calm the symptoms of eczema, Dr. JJ will use supplements that have anti-inflammatory action on the skin, that repair the skin and that treat the dryness and itchiness.

Psoriasis

The Canadian Dermatology Association defines psoriasis as a common chronic inflammatory skin condition usually characterized by red elevated patches and flaking silvery scales. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.While lesions can appear anywhere on the body, the most common sites include elbows, knees, scalp, chest and lower back.Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Symptoms can include:

Dry or red areas of skin, usually covered with silvery-white scales and sometimes with raised edges
Rashes on the scalp, genitals, or in the skin folds
Itching and skin pain, sometimes severe
Joint pain, swelling or stiffness
Nail abnormalities

Dr. JJ solutions: Because psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, it cannot be “cured” per se, but can be put into remission. Psoriasis treatment often includes a very strict diet to calm the disease process and reduce inflammation. Patients with psoriasis often react to gluten. An IgG food sensitivity test may be recommended, but may not necessary as most patients with psoriasis respond best with a strict hypoallergenic diet over a few months. Dr. JJ will also suggest supplements to support the liver and gut, which are often the roots of many chronic inflammatory conditions. He will also recommend some supplements to alleviate the flaking scales. In the case of psoriatic arthritis, strong anti-inflammatory supplements will have to be used.

Acne

According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, acne occurs when pores become clogged by dead skin cells resulting in accumulation of sebum, an oily substance produced by oil glands.Bacteria within pores, called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), can contribute to pore blockage and inflammation – visible as redness, swelling and pus that may accompany acne spots. The result is acne, the term used to describe emerging blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and cysts. Acne usually appears on the face and neck but can also affect shoulders, back and upper arms.

Dr. JJ solutions: There is often a hormonal component to acne (generally excess dihydrotestosterone (DHT)) and this will be addressed by balancing hormones in both men and women. In addition to hormone-balancing supplements, probiotics may be used to improve the gut fauna, which often mirrors the types of microbes on the skin. In the case of cystic acne, specific herbs will be used to reduce the cystic/scarring process. Some patients have observed a worsening of their acne symptoms with certain foods; in these cases we may recommend an elimination diet or IgG food sensitivity test.

Hyperpigmentation (melasma, sun-damaged skin, drug-induced hyperpigmentation, mask of pregnancy, idiopathic hyperpigmentation)

Glutathione for Hyperpigmentation

In our society, youth is associated with health. Those who can maintain their youthful looks for longer may be seen as healthier.

Your skin may often show signs of disease, illness, stress or questionable lifestyle choices, this is understandable.

Sun damage, uneven skin tone, or hyper-pigmented skin (melasma, sun-damaged skin, acne hyperpigmentation, drug-induced hyperpigmentation, mask of pregnancy, idiopathic hyperpigmentation) may not cause any health concerns, but they may affect confidence and self esteem, making everyday life more difficult.

Thanks to modern science, we have discovered glutathione to be a safe solution to help solve these and other skin concerns.

What Is Glutathione?

Glutathione acts as a powerful antioxidant and cleanses the liver of chemicals, hormones and pollutants. It is the most powerful antioxidant in the brain, where in low levels it is associated with serious disease. Low levels of glutathione have been associated with lower immune function. Glutathione is heavily used by the kidneys and eyes.

Glutathione is made from 3 amino acids: l-glutamate (glutamic acid), l-cysteine and l-glycine. Glutathione is best absorbed via IV injections. It is typically not well absorbed orally, unless you are using the s-acetyl or liposomal forms of l-glutathione.

How does it work?

Your skin’s pigmentation (skin color) occurs because the body produces melanin. Melanin is produced by the melanocytes in the bottom layer of the epidermis.

Greater eumelanin production in the body contributes to darker skin whereas pheomelanin production contributes to the production of a red-yellow pigment seen in lighter-skinned humans.

Glutathione inhibits the production of eumelanin and increases the production of pheomelanin.

The result is a glowing, even and more consistent skin tone that matches more closely with the surrounding skin.

How Long Does It Take To See Results?

Although results vary based on the treatment prescribed, treatment schedule and avoidance of unprotected sun exposure, you will typically see results within 2-3 months. Treatments may take longer for certain patients.

There is no limitation on the number of repeat treatments.

What Do The Results Look Like?

If you’re concerned about getting that unnatural bleached look, don’t worry. Your skin will glow in a subtle, gradual, progressive fashion while maintaining a natural look.

For most patients, you should notice that your skin is healthier looking within 6-8 weeks. If you are prone to acne or other skin conditions, you should notice cleaner, more vibrant skin. Many patients notice that their complexion has a nice glow.

The process begins from the inside out. Patients also report an increase in energy and healthier hair.

Results, however, will vary from patient to patient.

Can Glutathione Help My Complexion On My Entire Body?

Glutathione works to inhibit eumelanin throughout your entire body. Because the process starts from the inside out, it takes time to see the initial changes in your skin.

For many patients, the treatments provide an even skin complexion. For some patients, results may be slower or subtle. Areas of increased friction, burns or hyperpigmentation may be slower to change than their surrounding skin. Dr. JJ will provide solutions for this during your treatments.

How Long Does It Last?

The effects can last a long time, so long as you avoid unprotected sun exposure. The sun will have a counteractive effect because it increases eumelanin production and darkens skin tone. Remember: unprotected sun exposure ages your skin.

To ensure you get the most out of these treatments, try to avoid excessive sun exposure and wear high SPF sunscreen (70 or above) or protective clothing when in the sun. Many sunscreens are now available in a clear form, thereby avoiding the greasy feeling and “greying” appearance of other sunscreens on the market.

Many patients choose to come in for follow-up IVs every 3 months or 6 months, while others maintain their results with s-acetyl glutathione supplements and/or avoiding sun exposure. Dr. JJ may suggest glutathione precursors such as NAC and/or s-acetyl glutathione supplements, which could help to prolong the treatment results. These supplements and the follow-up IVs, however, are not mandatory.

Dr. JJ will recommend a maintenance plan once you have achieved your desired results.

Is Glutathione Safe?

Glutathione is a safe, naturally occurring substance, produced by your body’s own cells through dietary consumption, and has been shown to have a number of health benefits. It helps eliminate toxins from the body, supports the central nervous system, aids in fertility and supports a healthy and strong immune system.

There are no known side effects or interactions with the IV administration of glutathione. Nonetheless, Dr. JJ will assess if you are taking any medications which may be hindered by IV glutathione treatment.

Other than glutathione, your injection will include a number of other vitamins, including vitamin C, which are added to the IV drip along with minerals and amino acids. All these nutrients are needed for healthy skin.

The dosage of each ingredient is customized based on your assessment by Dr. JJ. He will explain your treatment plan at your first appointment following your assessment.

To find out whether a glutathione treatment is right for you, ask Dr. JJ.

Hair loss and hair thinning

Very few people are overjoyed to lose their hair. Regardless of gender, hair loss or hair thinning is never well received. Dr. JJ offers naturopathic solutions for hair loss and hair thinning.

Hair thinning

Are you noticing more hairs on your pillow, hairbrush or tub after a shower? Your hair could be thinning. Ask your hair stylist or barber if they’ve found your hair to have thinned out since your last haircut.

When treating hair thinning, it is essential to find out the “why”. Possible causes could be low thyroid function (hypothyroid), low iron (iron deficiency anemia), stress, malnutrition and poor diet, genetics, hormones, medications, infections and unknown causes. Once we have figured out the why, then we can hopefully heal, repair or cure the source of the problem to prevent hair thinning.

In order to treat hair thinning, Dr. JJ may suggest some supplements to promote hair growth and hair strength. He may suggest supplements to correct hormonal imbalances if the cause is due to a low thyroid or hormonal issues. In this case of low iron, he will find the best form and route to take iron in order to minimize upset stomach and constipation. He may also suggest intravenous (IV) therapy such as a Hair IV to support hair growth and repair, which includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids (protein) and biotin.

Hair Loss

Hair loss can occur for the same reasons as Hair Thinning above, the main difference being that hair loss is often quicker and more severe than hair thinning.

In patients undergoing intense stress, hair loss in clumps or bald patches is very common. Dr. JJ has seen many students, both male and female, losing large amounts of hair during a semester; luckily with Dr. JJ’s hair treatments and treating their stress, their hair returned.

Some women may experience hair loss after pregnancy. Patients may also develop autoimmune hair loss, such as alopecia areata or alopecia universalis.

In these cases Dr. JJ often suggests supplements to correct the underlying cause. He may suggest some supplements to promote hair growth and strength, and intravenous therapy, such as a Hair IV to support hair growth and repair, which includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids (protein) and biotin. If the underlying cause cannot be corrected, then the aim becomes to slow down the disease process.