Isn’t it the worst when the weather suddenly changes and your skin immediately reacts? The moment the season shifts, acne pops up or eczema starts flaring again. This can feel like your skin is trying to ruin your whole Diwali glow-up! So if you’re tired of battling these flare-ups with endless creams, it might be time to make a shift to naturopathy. This approach focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself from within.
We got in touch with Dr. Narendra K Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer at Kshemavana Naturopathy and Yoga Center, Bengaluru, who shares that “The skin is the largest organ in the body, serving as our initial barrier against everything from pathogens and UV light to chemicals,” he further said. “It’s an intricate network with critical roles, including immune defense, temperature regulation, and even Vitamin D production.”
When skin health takes a hit
For many, skin struggles signal internal imbalance. Dr. Shetty points to a range of internal and external factors that compromise skin health. Internally, issues like a poor diet, lack of hydration, hormonal imbalance, poor sleep, gut health problems, and high stress levels are the main culprits. Meanwhile, factors such as pollution and the wrong skincare products can make the situation worse.
“Skin conditions are often triggered by inflammation, hormonal imbalance, food sensitivity, and an over-activated immune system,” says Dr. Shetty. He explains a crucial concept that the skin is also a major eliminative organ. “When cosmetic and environmental factors block the skin, the elimination process is tapered. That’s why naturopathy focuses on healing from the inside out, by nourishing the body with wholesome food, balancing lifestyle, and naturally reducing inflammation.”
The naturopathic advantage
Switching to naturopathic remedies offers an alternative to symptom-focused treatments. The benefits, according to Dr. Shetty, include holistic healing, reduced side effects, enhanced self-care, and, most importantly, a long-term effect by correcting the root cause of the issue.
Naturopathy focuses on factors including proper nutrition, improving gut health, adequate hydration, stress management through yoga and meditation, and maintaining a proper sleep cycle.
How does naturopathy heal acne?
For those struggling with acne, the focus shifts to anti-inflammatory and supportive nutrition. Dr. Shetty advises loading up on foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. “These nutrients are vital for reducing inflammation, supporting wound healing, promoting collagen repair, and protecting the skin from oxidative damage,” he explains.
You must avoid salt, sugar, refined items, oily foods, and junk foods. “Adequate hydration, at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily is non-negotiable for flushing out toxins. Gut health is addressed by including probiotics and, where necessary, colon cleansing techniques like enema,” he said.
Beyond diet, simple applications can work wonders. Dr. Shetty suggests Aloe Vera gel, turmeric paste, honey, and tea tree oil as effective topical remedies. Furthermore, he adds, “Neem oil application to the belly button is a traditional remedy that can help reduce acne.”
Common triggers to avoid
Eczema sufferers require a similar anti-inflammatory diet, emphasising Omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, E, and D, along with zinc and probiotics. The critical step here is identifying and avoiding triggers. “Oily foods, salty foods, gluten, dairy, and eggs are common triggers that must be avoided to support immune balance,” Dr. Shetty advises.
He further recommends natural applications like Aloe Vera gel, apple cider vinegar, colloidal oatmeal, and virgin coconut oil to soothe irritated skin.
“Healing the skin from inside out requires a holistic approach that blends nutrition, lifestyle, and natural remedies. Naturopathy not only addresses the outside impact of the disease but works to cure it from within, allowing the body to repair and regenerate. By doing so, it helps the body to last,” he said.