Join us as we discuss an integrative approach to dermatology and the skin microbiome with board-certified dermatologist and researcher, Dr. Raja Sivamani. In this episode, Dr. Sivamani shares how addressing key lifestyle components like diet, environment, and stress can affect our skin microbiome’s health. Learn what steps you can take to start supporting your skin’s unique microbiome and where to access key resources for skin health.

About the guest:

Dr. Raja Sivamani is a board-certified dermatologist and practices as an integrative dermatologist at Pacific Skin Institute. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the University of California, Davis, and Director of Clinical Research and the Clinical Trials Unit. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the California State University, Sacramento, and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at California Northstate University, College of Medicine. He engages in clinical practice, as well as, both clinical and translational research that integrates bioengineering, nutrition, cosmetics, and skin biology. With training in both Allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, he takes an integrative approach to his patients and in his research. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, 10 textbook chapters, and a textbook entitled Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 3rd Edition with a passion for expanding the evidence and boundaries of integrative medicine for skincare.

To learn more about Dr. Raja Sivamani click here.

Episode Highlights

Acne

• Environment
• • Ex: a dry environment versus a humid environment can make a great difference for someone who has dry skin or eczema 
• Diet
• • It is important to take note at the kinds of foods your skin reacts negatively to
  • We all have different sensitivities and predispositions. This is not a one size fits all problem with a simple solution
  • Focus on whole foods that are good for you - avoid excessive sugars and processed foods as much as you can
  • Keep an eye on your reaction to dairy products so you can make informed decisions for yourself

Dermveda

• Dermveda seeks to direct its users to optimize their skin health
• Visit dermveda.com 
• • Dermveda will step you through a quiz to analyze specific function for specific areas

• Ex: lactobacillus rhamnosus gg has been shown to have an effect for eczema

• When looking for probiotics you really have to spend the time educating yourself
• • How were they made? What are the ingredients? What is the research behind their creation? 
  • There are many false advertisement labels in this field 
• “You can't fast-forward science” - Dr. Sivamani

 

Key Takeaway

• Dr. Sivamani says, “Your skin is dependent on so many biomes, that a holistic has to be a part of a full package.”
• The internal, external, and existential all matter - from what you consume, to what you use, and to the relationships you hold
  
  

Where to learn more about Dr. Raja Sivamani...

• Dermveda.com
• LearnSkin.com
• Pacific Skin Institute
• Pacific Skin Institute Instagram

 

Timestamps

Episode Intro … 00:00:30
Dr. Sivamani’s Story … 00:02:40
Ayurveda … 00:04:20
Skin and The Microbiome … 00:09:00
Acne … 00:17:30
Environment … 00:25:30
Dermveda Skin Profile … 00:27:50
Probiotic Use for Skin … 00:33:15
Key Takeaway … 00:47:15
Episode Wrap Up … 00:48:50