A Naturopathic Approach to Common Skin Issues with Dr. DeJarra Sims

Conversations for Health

Dr. DJ Sims is a Naturopathic Doctor, published author, and prolific speaker. She received her Bachelor's in Biology from Prairie View A&M University, in Texas and completed her doctorate at Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Phoenix (formerly SCNM). She has served as an Assistant Professor and Core Faculty at Bastyr University California and was a former Adjunct Professor at SCNM in Arizona. ​Dr. DJ established the virtual clinic Superhero Skin+Care to remind women of their identity and bring out the adventurous, gorgeous superhero within them. To do this, she provides personalized treatment plans to improve the skin, reset the liver, and support digestion. Dr. DJ is a leader in naturopathic dermatology and a renowned keynote speaker who makes complex medical information accessible and entertaining.

Together Dr. Sims and I talk about conquering acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss. She highlights her approach to uncovering the root causes of common dermatological ailments, general diet, and supplemental recommendations for treating microbiome and food sensitivities, and shares clinical pearls regarding accessibility and affordability of skin healthcare. Dr. DJ talks about the value of supplements including Vitamin A and zinc when combating the dysbiosis that can cause acne, key differences in the topical skin barrier, dysbiosis and stress that can all lead to eczema, and the potential causes and nutritional and lifestyle analysis for treating hair loss. Dr. DJ is working to not only treat her patient’s skin but to unleash their inner superhero and restore the confidence that comes with having clear skin.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] Dr. DJ Sims makes complex naturopathic dermatology and other complex medical information accessible and entertaining, even at Comic-Con.

[4:14] The role and encouragement that Dr. DJ’s parents offered as she entered the world of naturopathic medicine, and the patients that first inspired her to continue her work.

[8:52] A high-level overview of Dr. DJ’s approach to uncovering the root causes of common dermatological ailments.

[10:38] Top root causes of acne including hormonal imbalance of androgen or cortisol excess, dysbiosis or loss of good bacteria, and food sensitivities.

[12:05] Liver enzymes, genetic testing, and the need for higher liver support.

[13:05] Dr. DJ’s preferred method for hormone testing is DUTCH testing, which offers diet, lifestyle, and hormone answers.

[16:35] General diet and supplemental recommendations for treating microbiome and food sensitivities.

[20:10] Dr. DJ’s timeline to gut treatment, including healing and killing.

[21:55] Clinical pearls regarding GI Revive and L glutamine and accessibility and affordability of skin healthcare.

[24:44] The value of Vitamin A and zinc when combating the dysbiosis that can cause acne.

[29:10] Dosing recommendations for Vitamin A and zinc supplements.

[33:37] Addressing the skin microbiome, dietary concerns, and food sensitivities.

[39:46] Key differences in the topical skin barrier, dysbiosis, and stress can all lead to eczema.

[45:55] Addressing the depression and anxiety that accompanies acne and other skin issues.

[47:40] Psoriasis is often a grab bag of symptoms that acts like eczema but has its own unique sensitivities as well.

[49:50] Causes and nutritional and lifestyle analysis for treating hair loss, including biotin and amino acids.

[59:28] Dr. DJ shares what she has changed her mind about in her years of practice, her three favorite supplements, and essential health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. DJ Sims

Eye of Newt and Wool of Bat: The Science Behind Magic Potions and Spells | Comic Con@Home 2020

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Nutrition Blog: Ten Nutrients to Help Your Skin Glow from the Inside Out

Research Blog: Vitamin A & Retinoids for Skin Health

Research Blog: Skin Health: The Benefits of Collagen Peptides

Blog: Summer Glow: Tips to Tone Your Face and Support Skin Health

Blog: Dealing with Eczema at the Source: Autoimmunity

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.