How does functional medicine improve skin clarity and long term radiance?
Many people come to Austin Transformational Health looking for ways to improve their skin. Some want a healthier glow, while others are managing acne or inflammation. Others still are curious about natural approaches to aging that do not rely on chemicals or injections. Cosmetic facial acupuncture can help with circulation, tone, and texture, but for long lasting change it helps to look deeper in the body. The condition of your skin is closely tied to the health of your gut.
This relationship is known as the gut–skin axis. Functional medicine focuses on this link because when the gut is imbalanced, it often shows up on the surface.
I am Dr. Bryn Kanuck, and I work with patients across the spectrum of gut health issues to help them to heal from within.
How the gut affects your skin
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes. When they are in balance, they support digestion, hormones, immunity, and inflammation control and when they are not, the effects ripple outward, often visibly.
Common gut issues that impact the skin include:
• low levels of digestive enzymes
• food sensitivities
• yeast or candida overgrowth
• imbalanced bacteria
• parasites, often from travel
• chronic stress affecting digestion
• increased intestinal permeability
These internal imbalances can lead to breakouts, redness, dullness, puffiness, and slower skin repair. Many patients come in thinking they have a surface level skin issue, only to discover deeper patterns beneath it.
Why functional medicine helps
Functional medicine looks beyond symptoms. It identifies what is driving inflammation, poor absorption, or hormonal shifts that affect the skin. Instead of using creams to cover the issue, we look at root causes. When the gut is supported, the skin often improves naturally.
At ATH we commonly see skin changes when patients address:
• microbial imbalances
• nutrient deficiencies
• chronic stress
• disrupted sleep
• blood sugar instability
• inflammatory foods
These are not quick fixes. They are precision adjustments based on testing and assessment. When your internal system becomes more balanced, your skin often becomes clearer, brighter, and smoother.
How gut health and cosmetic acupuncture work together
Patients who combine functional medicine with facial acupuncture tend to see stronger and more stable results. Acupuncture improves circulation, lymph flow, tone, and texture. Functional medicine reduces internal inflammation and supports collagen production from within. Together they create a full foundation for healthier skin.
Many people who begin with cosmetic acupuncture choose to explore gut health testing afterward because they notice positive shifts in sleep, stress, and digestion.
What a gut-focused skin plan looks like
A typical approach may include:
• reviewing symptoms and history
• running a GI test such as the GI MAP
• identifying microbial imbalances
• adjusting nutrition
• adding targeted supplements when needed
• improving stress, sleep, and digestive strength
• pairing internal work with cosmetic acupuncture for surface support
This approach is individualized and based on your unique story and goals.
Ready to explore the gut–skin connection
If you are looking for a functional medicine approach to better skin and overall wellness, we can help you understand what your body is telling you. Austin Transformational Health offers both cosmetic acupuncture and gut focused functional medicine care.
Your skin often reflects your internal health. When the gut is supported, the radiance follows.
