Naturopathic Dermatherapy
"The skin as a living organ - mirrors the overall constitution of the individual" - Dr. Erin Madigan-Fleck
Dermatherapy is a distinctive method for addressing skin concerns that combines naturopathy, physiological skincare products, integrative aesthetic techniques, and lifestyle concepts to help address common and problematic skin conditions while striving for skin homeostasis.
Research shows that lifestyle changes, nutritional status, and vitamin supplements may significantly impact various skin conditions, including those resistant to traditional treatments.
Naturophoria's approach focuses on integrative philosophies that combine aesthetic sciences and non-invasive techniques. Through our consultation and evaluation methods, emphasis is placed on addressing biological dynamics to develop a comprehensive program tailored to individual needs.
Naturophoria's Core Values
At Naturophoria, the primary objective is to identify and address the fundamental causes and influences underlying skin conditions, rather than merely alleviating the symptoms. With a naturopathic perspective, emphasis is placed on prioritizing bio-individuality and acknowledging that each client exhibits unique skin concerns. Scientific research and evidence underpin our approach—never a trend driven by social media or a product-centric fad. Comprehensive consultations and evaluation methods are required to understand biological dynamics, thereby enabling the development of a personalized program tailored to each individual's needs. Adopting a functional approach facilitates the attainment of progressive milestones through ongoing monitoring and re-evaluation of products, home care, and services. Advanced technologies, innovative techniques, cutting-edge cosmetic formulations, and lifestyle coaching constitute essential pillars of sustainable skincare.
DR. ERIN MADIGAN-FLECK NMD, LE, LEI
Naturopathy & Dermatological Esthetics
Dr. Erin Madigan-Fleck is a renowned figure in education with over four decades of clinical experience in dermatological skin sciences, holistic and integrative esthetics, and natural health. She began her journey in the natural health field in 2001, developing and presenting an advanced conceptual practicum in naturopathic derma therapy. She has established a unique expertise by combining her clinical and medical aesthetics experience with formal education in naturopathy, holistic nutrition, and alternative medicine. Dr. Madigan-Fleck has been recognized as a visionary, innovator, and early pioneer for integrating esthetics, natural health, and nutrition long before the holistic approach gained popularity in the esthetic industry. In 2003, Les Nouvelles Esthetique Magazine published her work "The Whole Picture on Holistic Esthetics” and “Back to Nature - The Healing Power of Naturopathy”. She received high acclaim for her groundbreaking lecture presentation on “Nutritional Influences on Skin Disorders” at the International Congress of Esthetics in 2004, where she introduced functional nutritional concepts and skin health to the esthetic industry. Dr. Madigan-Fleck's articles and research have been featured in esthetic, cosmetic chemistry, and wellness publications nationally and internationally for over 25 years, including Skin Inc., Les Nouvelles Esthetique, Euro Cosmetics, and Dermascope Magazines. In 2014, she developed and presented the first Holistic & Integrative Esthetics 5-day certification training course for United States estheticians. As an advanced esthetic educator, she has taught thousands of esthetic and medical professionals at esthetic schools, trade shows, and advanced education for major product firms and institutes. She holds certification as an Internationally Certified Corneotherapist, Oncology Esthetics by OTI International and the NCEA. She received her Naturopathic Doctoral Degree from the University of Arts, Sciences and Technology Medical School, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Madigan-Fleck is licensed in Georgia as a master cosmetologist, aesthetician, and esthetic instructor and holds a certificate as a dermatology tech. She serves on the Educational Board for the International Association of Applied Corneotherapy based in Germany and as an advisory board member for Skin Inc. Magazine. Her memberships include the American Society for Nutrition, the American Naturopathic Medical Association, The Institute of Functional Medicine, the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and the International Association of Applied Corneotherapy. She is the owner and CEO of Naturophoria.
Want to Ask Us Questions About Your Skin?
We take great pride in our work and will discuss treatments and offer recommendations with a preliminary consultation virtually or in person. For your convenience, you may schedule a new client consultation & Skin Wellness Assessment by visiting our appointment section.
Naturopathic Dermatherapy
Naturopathy
It is a time-honored philosophy of healing that incorporates the therapeutic elements of nature, encouraging the inherent ability of the body to establish, maintain, and restore health and overall wellness.
Take a cue from nature.
The process of healing includes symptoms, which are an expression of the life force attempting to heal itself. The skin is a mirror reflecting overall health, and a vital organ indicating internal wellness by observation of its functional status.
Primum No Nocere - Do No Harm
At Naturophoria, we avoid the application of harsh chemicals and procedures that may cause harm to the skin or may suppress the natural healing process and biological functions of the skin. Rather, we employ techniques, modalities and products that encourage overall skin homeostasis.
Our Referral Network & Medical Team Alliances
- Dr. Winston Cardwell- N.D., LAc - Oriental Medicine, Alternative Oncology Support
- Dr. Scott Karempelis - M.D. - Board Certified Dermatologist - Skin Cancer, Laser
- Jenny Askew - Registered and Licensed Nutritionist - Dietitian
- Roz Zollinger - Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Massage Therapy @ The Heal Center
- Dr. Susan Tanner - M.D. - General and Environmental Medicine, Wellness & Naturophoria's Medical Director
The Skin Wellness Model
Do No Harm
Our lifestyle choices and actions play a significant role in our health and well-being. Health is a vital dynamic state that allows a person to thrive and adapt to various environments and stresses. It is much more than just the absence of disease. Proactively avoiding harmful health determinants such as chemicals, processed foods, smoking, and alcohol can greatly benefit your health.
Lifestyle Investments
Invest in your personal wellness plan by following sound health principles and prioritizing self-care. Self-care is a natural decision-making process that involves both the prevention and management aspects of wellness. Key components include healthy eating, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, emotional well-being, and support from your healthcare providers. These elements are crucial for making long-term health investments.
Listen to Your Body
Healthy Skin Factors
Healthy Skin Factors
The saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" reflects a philosophy commonly embraced by naturopaths. It emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to improve your lifestyle rather than waiting for a minor condition to develop into a more serious illness. Subtle symptoms can often serve as signals from the body indicating that a need for balance is present.
Healthy Skin Factors
Healthy Skin Factors
Healthy Skin Factors
Your skin is the largest organ of the body - Give your skin what it deserves:
- Optimal nutritional status, hydration, adequate sleep, and rest
- Avoidance of chemicals, toxic products & endocrine disruptors
- Regular exercise / deep breathing, walking
- Proper elimination, balanced hormones & female organs
- Preventative home care skin practices
- Stress management, emotional well-being
- Healthy home - avoid synthetic fragrances & chemicals
- Avoid pesticides, garden chemicals, heavy metal exposures
- Avoid recreational drugs, alcohol, smoking, excessive sun exposure
THE SCIENCE OF CORNEOTHERAPY
- Corneotherapy is a philosophy and skin treatment methodology with its core principle being the repair and maintenance of the skin barrier defense systems.
- It is now widely understood that the outer layer of corneocytes of the stratum corneum is a biologically active cellular tissue.
- U.S. dermatologist Dr. Albert Kligman and his partners discovered that the stratum corneum, and the lipid barrier that keeps it intact, play a significant role in skin health; it can send many signals to the underlying living epidermis and influences the regenerative processes in deeper layers of the skin.
- This understanding of skin health, along with appropriate interventions and topical treatments is an ensemble of therapies that Dr. Kligman labelled "Corneotherapy".
© International Association For Applied Corneotherapy
- The principles of Corneotherapy can also be applied not just for the correction of skin conditions but for the supportive prevention of skin problems; the prevention of premature skin aging is an inherent outcome of this approach.
- A key principle of Corneotherapy is to keep the epidermis intact at all times, with the therapeutic actions working inward from the outer layers of the epidermis.
- This approach of retaining the integrity of the epidermis ensures the skin's defense and immune systems are not stimulated unnecessarily.
- The correct application of Corneotherapeutic principles has been shown to restore homeostasis and improve the function of the skin, protecting against harmful substances and microorganisms that can trigger skin conditions.
© International Association For Applied Corneotherapy
- There are many skin conditions that initially present with a compromised or defective stratum corneum and all have the ability to trigger continual inflammatory responses of the innate and adaptive immune systems.
- This inflammation is the precursor to premature skin aging and many of the more serious skin conditions prevalent today.
- Unfortunately, many of the more popular but rudimentary skin treatment philosophies remove the first two lines of skin barrier defenses by chemical or mechanical methods and often trigger already depleted defense systems in the skin that are not in optimal health, compounding the anomalous conditions.
© International Association For Applied Corneotherapy
A key principle of Corneotherapy is to keep the epidermis intact at all times, with the therapeutic actions working from the outer layers of the epidermis inward. This approach of retaining the integrity of the epidermis ensures the skin's defense and immune systems are not stimulated unnecessarily.
- The methodology of Corneotherapy requires a greater understanding of the skin than established esthetics and beauty therapy training provides. Its focus is repairing and maintaining the skin barrier defense systems rather than simply applying moisturizers.
- The goal of the Corneotherapist is to address the cause of the skin conditions, not merely treat the symptoms. For treatments to be successful with corneotherapy, a precise diagnosis of the skin must be made, and an investigation of the contributing factors to the prevailing conditions must be conducted.
© International Association For Applied Corneotherapy
