Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/148952
wellness The Team Approach When a client's skin doesn't improve, seek support by Shelley Burns As a naturopathic doctor, I see many clients who struggle with their skin. They have tried every known product, have had countless appointments with their estheticians and dermatologists, and still have not seen improvement. These clients become frustrated as they continue to experience acne breakouts and skin eruptions, eczema, rosacea, or whatever the problem is. Sometimes the frustration and embarrassment of a skin condition can be so intense that the sufferers start to isolate themselves. When this happens, estheticians and other allied professionals must ask themselves: Why? Why is this client's skin not improving? What is the root cause? Is it really a skin issue, or could it be a symptom of something deeper? When a client comes to see me with a skin issue, I begin by taking a comprehensive personal history, including the client's feelings about his or her mental and emotional health. I become a private investigator, considering all possible factors that may contribute to the skin condition. If you take these steps and find that addressing all the factors within your scope of practice still does not solve the problem, it's time to consider some of the ways you can ally with other professionals for the good of the client. A doctor may decide to assess the client's hormone levels The focus should be on with tests such as a approaching your client as a thyroid panel or female hormonal panel, and whole person and building a check levels of certain nutrients such as iron team of other professionals and omega-3 fatty acids. Sometimes a as a referral network. food allergy test, a comprehensive digestive panel, or a test for diabetes markers is warranted. Testing levels of cortisol and serotonin—the stress-response hormone—can indicate how a person is coping with stress and emotion. Any of these might provide the answer to your client's skin problems. Truly understanding the mind-body-spirit connection will assist you in helping your clients through this journey. There is even a new medical field that studies this connection—psychodermatology—which "addresses an individual's emotions as they relate to the skin," according to Karen Mallin, PsyD, an instructor at the University of Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital. The key is to be aware of your client's needs. It is important to ask yourself the difficult questions if a client is not seeing improvement. The focus should be on approaching your client as a whole person and building a team of other professionals as a referral network to address all necessary areas, not trying to fix everything yourself. You probably already have a referral relationship with a dermatologist and/ or general practitioner. Consider forming similar relationships with acupuncturists, massage therapists, meditation therapists, naturopathic doctors, psychotherapists, and other professionals. Be aware of the importance of nutrition, proper exercise, relaxation, and sleep in achieving optimal skin health, and partner with those who can provide strategies for your clients in these areas. This approach can help your clients fix underlying issues and reduce their anxiety levels, or at least help them better cope with their stressful lives. By taking a proactive approach, providing skin therapies in conjunction with stressmanagement techniques and referring out when necessary, you will likely see these clients improve. The team approach will lead to greater success for both your clients and your practice. Shelley Burns, a doctor of naturopathic medicine, completed studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and has certification in complementary and integrative medicine from Harvard University. She can be reached at the Executive Health Centre at 416-222-5880 or shelley.burns@executivehealthcentre.com. Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 9