Chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis affect millions of people worldwide, causing not only physical discomfort but also emotional distress. Many individuals can become apprehensive about the appearance of their skin, resulting in daily habits such as constant covering up their skin, spending money trying a variety of skin cleansers, and more without significant improvements. While topical treatments and prescription medications are often necessary, there is growing interest in the role of nutritional supplements to support skin health from the inside out. Among the most researched and promising supplements are fish oil, berberine, and burdock root. These natural ingredients have shown potential in improving the appearance of skin affected by eczema and psoriasis by addressing inflammation, balancing immune health, and supporting healthy detoxification processes.
Understanding Eczema and Psoriasis
Before diving into what natural ingredients can help with these conditions, it is important to understand what eczema and psoriasis are.
• Eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis, is a long-standing condition where the skin becomes dry, inflamed, thicker, itchy, and cracked. It is linked to an overactive immune system response, skin barrier dysfunction, and environmental allergens. The most common type is associated with allergens, such as nickel from belt buckles and jewelry.
• Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by rapid skin cell turnover, resulting in thick, scaly silver and red patches. It also has a strong inflammatory component that is impacted by immune system challenges.
Both conditions are uniquely complex, making them difficult to treat but can often be managed with medications, diet and lifestyle changes as well as natural supplements. While topical products can be beneficial for many common skin concerns, they are not always effective in treating these complex skin issues, primarily because they do not address the underlying factors that contribute to the skin changes. Conditions such as severe cystic acne, eczema and psoriasis often require more than just surface-level treatment. Although topical cleansers, serums and moisturizers can temporarily improve the appearance of the skin, they rarely address the root cause, which may lie deeper within the body. In such cases, natural health supplements and lifestyle changes can be beneficial. Relying solely on topical products can lead to frustration, delayed healing, or worsening of the condition if the underlying cause goes unaddressed.
Natural supplements to help address skin concerns:
Fish Oil: Omega-3s for inflammation and skin barrier support
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These essential fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them particularly helpful for inflammatory skin conditions. Fish oil works in multiple ways including:
• Reduces systemic inflammation: Omega-3s reduce the production of chemicals released by the body that promote and contribute to eczema and psoriasis flare-ups.
• Improves and protects the skin barrier: EPA and DHA compounds help maintain the skin's barrier, supporting hydration and preventing redness and dryness. This can help reduce damage from outside elements and keep the skin looking smooth and clear.
• May reduce itch and scaling: Supplementing with fish oil may lead to decreased itching, redness, and scaling in individuals with psoriasis, and improved hydration and barrier repair in those with eczema.
Berberine: Anti-inflammatory immune system balancing
Berberine is a plant alkaloid compound found in herbs like Berberis vulgaris (barberry) and Oregon graperoot. It has gained attention for its powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and metabolic benefits, but it also helps keep skin looking it’s best. Berberine helps regulate overactive immune system activity which can occur in inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. As this overactive immune response decreases with the help of berberine, psoriasis lesions can improve overtime.
Burdock Root: Detoxification and antioxidant power
Burdock root (Arctium lappa) is a traditional herbal plant medicine known for its purifying and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber.
• Supports liver detoxification: Traditional medicine often links skin issues with liver function. Burdock root supports the liver’s natural detox processes, helping to clear the body of unwanted waste, which indirectly improves the appearance of skin.
• Anti-inflammatory action: The plant contains compounds that reduce inflammation, which may help soothe irritated skin and reduce flare-ups in both eczema and psoriasis.
• Antibacterial and antifungal effects: Burdock’s natural antimicrobial properties may help prevent secondary infections common in chronic skin conditions.
While fish oil, berberine, and burdock root each work through different mechanisms, they share a common goal: reducing inflammation and supporting internal balance, which can reflect positively on the skin. For individuals suffering from eczema or psoriasis, these supplements can complement conventional topical treatments and help improve overall skin appearance and comfort.
With the right combination of internal support, topical care, and lifestyle modifications, clearer and healthier skin is within reach.
Disclaimer:
Always consult your healthcare provider prior to taking medications and/or dietary supplements to ensure the products are right for you.
FAQs:
1. How long does it typically take to notice improvements in skin health when taking natural supplements?
Various skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema are chronic conditions that occur on and off for months or years, so improving these skin changes may take at least a few months but most individuals will notice some effects within the first few weeks.
2. Do I need to stop my regular skin care routine?
Many individuals continue with their usual skin cleansers, serums and moisturizers while taking natural supplements to help manage their skin health. It is always a good idea to consult with your dermatologist to determine the best skin care routine and supplements for your individual skin care needs.
3. Will my skin get worse before it gets better with fish oil and herbal supplements?
For many individuals it is common to notice a slight increase in your skin concerns before the shift towards improvement occurs. This can happen because as you consume fish oil and herbs that work to stimulate the immune system and detoxification pathways in the body, the body may temporarily get overwhelmed before balancing out. This reaction usually occurs within the first 4-6 weeks and then subsides.
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