A root-cause approach, or as I like to call it, a functional approach to treating the skin is when a practitioner looks at skin conditions as the body's way of communicating with us, rather than treating the symptoms on the surface. The skin is a living, dynamic organ (the largest of our body) and is constantly giving us insight as to what's taking place internally.
The skin is truly a window inside your body. For example, conventional treatments for skin conditions such as acne usually look like oral antibiotics, topical medications, and potentially more intense medications such as Accutane®. Some medspas also prefer to take an aggressive approach to treating acne with deep chemical peels and lasers. Both of these approaches address what's taking place on the surface with little regard for the internal structures and functions of the skin. This approach works for some, and if that works for you, excellent. However, many people are looking for answers, not just temporary solutions. This is where a functional approach comes in.
Using knowledge of skin anatomy and physiology, we are able to take a systematic approach to skin assessment. This is like "cause and effect". For every effect, there is a cause. It is our job as functional skin therapists to figure that out.
This typically involves looking at lifestyle, diet, sleep habits, work, hormones, current skincare products and treatments to determine where adjustments could be made. This may also benefit from partnership with your medical provider to check labs for any internal imbalances.
Taking a root-cause approach to skincare is empowering because you are able to get to the bottom of what is taking place within your skin, and are able to treat it in the future. Many clients have come to me exasperated with their skin, because they feel like they've been on the hamster wheel of treatments and products for years on end because their provider only treated the surface, rather than restoring function to their skin.