Holistic dermatology: An evidence-based review of modifiable lifestyle factor associations with dermatologic disorders

Background Holistic dermatology focuses on treating the human body as a whole and implementing lifestyle changes to enhance the treatment and prognosis of skin disease. Understanding the interplay between modifiable lifestyle factors and patients' dermatologic health will help physicians better inform patients on self-care methods to mitigate the burden of their skin disease(s). Objective To review the current scientific literature on the relationship between modifiable lifestyle factors and the dermatologic outcome of skin disorders. Methods A systematic literature search on PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science was conducted to identify research articles examining the relationship between dermatology and 6 major categories of modifiable lifestyle factors: diet, sleep, exercise, stress, alcohol, and smoking. Results A substantial amount of evidence supports the relationship between modifiable lifestyle factors and dermatologic outcomes. There were the most studies on diet, stress, alcohol, and smoking, but all lifestyle factors were supported by some degree of scientific evidence. Conclusion All modifiable lifestyle factors explored in this review play a critical role in modulating the onset and progression of skin disease. We anticipate more research studies in the future and an increasing integration of holistic dermatology into patient care.