How I Healed My Skin Naturally with Naturopathic Medicine And PRP: And How You Could Too
- Madison Fandel
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
By: Dr. Madison Fandel, ND, MSCP | Menopause Practitioner
Follow me on socials @drmadisonfandel
I still remember being in fourth grade, sitting in my pediatrician’s office for a routine checkup. As the doctor examined my skin, she casually said, “Oh, you have pimples—you have acne.”
Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. Up until that moment, I hadn’t thought much about my appearance. But hearing you, pimple, and acne in the same sentence instantly made me self-conscious. That moment marked the beginning of a long and emotional journey with my skin.
Throughout the years, I've learned ways to tame my acne, and now I help women every day in my clinic going through the same things I once did. Today, I'm sharing my acne story so that anyone reading this can know one thing: you're not alone and there are solutions out there for you. And remember: although my journey included naturopathic medicine and PRP, it doesn't mean yours needs to as well. Every body is different and it's important to always speak to a trusted healthcare professional before making any big decisions.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, naturopathic doctor, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
Early Years: The Search for Clear Skin
By middle school, my occasional pimples had evolved into full-blown acne. I tried every over-the-counter wash and scrub I could find. My mom, seeing how much it affected me, began taking me for monthly facials.
When that didn’t help, we turned to dermatology. My first dermatologist prescribed a combination of benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics. I followed the routine religiously, but my skin barely improved. Eventually, I was prescribed Accutane—the “miracle drug” for acne.
At first, I was hopeful. But within weeks, my skin was painfully dry, my lips cracked and bled, and my acne actually worsened. Despite finishing the treatment, I was left with damaged skin and deep frustration.
The Cycle Continues: Pills, Light Treatments, and More
Years later, my primary care physician prescribed oral antibiotics and birth control pills. Finally, I started to see improvement! But when I stopped the antibiotics after over a year of use, my acne came roaring back.
I tried light therapy, painful topical treatments, and eventually met a dermatologist who truly cared. She prescribed spironolactone, which finally gave me clear, glowing skin. Combined with IPL and microdermabrasion, my complexion was flawless—for a time.
But when I moved to Hawaii for college and could no longer access those treatments or medications, the acne returned, worse than before.
Discovering Naturopathic Medicine And PRP:
After completing my undergraduate degree, I began my naturopathic medical training at Bastyr University. Ironically, my skin was still a challenge at first—but as I immersed myself in naturopathic medicine, something incredible happened.
As I learned about diet, lifestyle, stress management, gut health, herbs, and homeopathy, I began applying these principles to my own life.
I cleaned up my diet—swapping processed foods for fresh vegetables and whole foods. When stressed, I went for walks instead of reaching for chips or cookies. I made exercise a priority and found it helped both my mood and my skin. I supported my gut and liver with herbs and supplements and began homeopathic treatments that aligned with my constitution.
Slowly but surely, my skin transformed. By the time I graduated, my complexion was clearer than it had been in years. Even now, I occasionally break out—but I understand my triggers and know how to bring my body back into balance.
The Natural “Panacea”: Discovering PRP Therapy
Since graduating, I’ve discovered one of my favorite natural therapies: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).
PRP is derived from your own blood and is rich in growth factors that promote healing, new collagen formation, and healthy circulation. It’s incredibly versatile—it can help reduce acne scars, calm active breakouts, improve hyperpigmentation, prevent wrinkles, and even stimulate hair growth.
Because PRP comes from your own body, side effects are minimal. It’s a natural extension of what I’ve come to believe about health: when we care for our bodies through good nutrition, movement, and stress management, we amplify our ability to heal.
What My Skin Taught Me
If there’s one lesson my skin journey has taught me, it’s this: there is no single pill, product, or quick fix for acne. Healing requires a whole-body approach—one that nourishes your skin from the inside out through diet, mental health, supplementation, and lifestyle balance.
My personal struggle with acne is what inspired me to become a naturopathic doctor. I wanted to be the kind of practitioner who truly listens, who offers hope when patients feel defeated, and who empowers them to heal naturally.
Years of antibiotics left me with a depleted gut microbiome, a reminder of how critical internal health is to skin health. The gut–skin connection is real—and nurturing it is one of the keys to lasting radiance.
Final Thoughts
Today, my skin is a reflection of balance, not perfection. It tells the story of a body that’s been supported, nourished, and healed naturally.
If you’re struggling with acne or other skin conditions, I encourage you to look beyond the surface. Healing your skin starts from within—and with the right support, your skin can become a mirror of your inner health and vitality.
Follow me on socials @drmadisonfandel