NUNM faculty experts explore natural medicine for skin health

 

The aesthetic medicine industry is booming—valued at nearly $43 billion with clients spending an average of $900 annually on treatments.

But here’s what’s changing the game: patients are no longer satisfied with surface-level solutions. They want practitioners who can address the root causes of their skin concerns while delivering the aesthetic results they desire.

Enter: Naturopathic doctors—uniquely positioned to lead this revolution in natural aesthetic medicine.

“This field offers NDs the opportunity to help patients achieve excellent results while expanding revenue potential and enjoying greater freedom and independence in their practices,” explains Amy Bader, ND, assistant professor and attending physician at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), who teaches dermatology, endocrinology, entrepreneurship, and aesthetic medicine.

In a recent webinar on Aesthetic Medicine, Dr. Bader explored how naturopathic medicine enhances aesthetic outcomes by addressing the underlying wellness factors that influence skin health and appearance.

Why NDs Are Natural Leaders in Aesthetic Medicine

While traditional aesthetic practitioners focus primarily on treatments like Botox, fillers, and collagen stimulators, naturopathic doctors bring something additional to the table: the ability to see beyond appearances and address what’s happening beneath the skin.

Your naturopathic training uniquely equips you to understand the gut-skin connection, hormonal influences, and how diet, nutrition, and lifestyle affect a person’s appearance.

As Dr. Bader notes, “What you see on the surface tells a deeper story about overall health”—making NDs perfectly positioned to offer comprehensive care that addresses both aesthetic concerns and long-term wellness.

This whole-person approach allows NDs to:

• Identify root causes of skin concerns, including digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, stress, and sleep patterns
• Integrate internal and external treatments combining lifestyle and nutrition strategies with aesthetic procedures
• Build deeper patient relationships through comprehensive care that goes beyond quick fixes
• Serve diverse populations by considering social, cultural and environmental factors that affect skin health
• Help patients age gracefully by improving both skin quality and overall wellness

Unprecedented Career Opportunities

The aesthetic medicine boom is creating exciting opportunities for naturopathic physicians, particularly those seeking financial independence and professional autonomy.

Financial Benefits:

• Build cash-based practices with reduced insurance dependency
• Generate additional revenue streams
• Average market spending of $900 per client annually
• Growing demand among patients 35+ seeking natural approaches

Professional Growth:

• Launch skincare brands or wellness products
• Pursue executive and advisory board positions
• Develop expertise that commands premium pricing
• Build sell-able businesses with significant profit potential

The field’s explosive growth means NDs who enter now are positioning themselves as pioneers in what will soon become an essential service in comprehensive naturopathic care.

The Natural Aesthetic Medicine Advantage at NUNM

NUNM’s Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program integrates aesthetic medicine training directly into the curriculum, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet growing market demand with both clinical expertise and business acumen.
Aesthetic Medicine Elective

NUNM’s specialized 2-credit aesthetics course provides comprehensive training in the science and practice of aesthetic medicine. Students master foundational skin anatomy and physiology, learn advanced procedures including lasers, IPL, injectables, and sclerotherapy, and explore integrative approaches like Chinese facial rejuvenation and regenerative aesthetics with PRP.

The curriculum also emphasizes cultural competency for diverse populations, business development strategies, and legal considerations for safe practice.

Hands-On Clinical Experience

Under the guidance of experienced naturopathic physicians, students learn natural aesthetic medicine through hands-on clinic experience at NUNM’s Health Centers.

This comprehensive clinical training includes supervised treatments, patient assessment and treatment planning, and integration of aesthetic services with comprehensive naturopathic care. Here, students master:

Advanced Procedures

• Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments
• Sclerotherapy for superficial vein treatment

Integrative Enhancements

• Targeted nutraceuticals and botanicals
• Hormone replacement and balancing therapies
• Prescription topical treatments
• Gut microbiome optimization
• Diet, sleep, and lifestyle optimization
• Stress management protocols

Expert Faculty and Guest Lecturers

Students learn from accomplished practitioners who bring diverse expertise from across the aesthetic medicine spectrum, including regenerative aesthetics, advanced facial rejuvenation techniques, diversity-conscious care, and successful aesthetic entrepreneurship.

These industry leaders share real-world insights from their extensive clinical experience and business success, providing invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. This comprehensive approach not only delivers superior aesthetic outcomes but also creates lasting improvements in overall health—something traditional aesthetic practices can’t match.

The rigorous combination of evidence-based academic training, hands-on clinical experience, mentorship and business skills training from established experts ensures NUNM graduates enter the aesthetic medicine field exceptionally well-prepared to excel in both within and outside of clinical practice.

Is Natural Aesthetic Medicine Right for Your Career?

If you’re drawn to helping patients look and feel their best while building a thriving, autonomous practice, natural aesthetic medicine could be your ideal career path. This field offers the perfect blend of clinical excellence, creative expression, and business opportunity.

The demand is there. The comprehensive training provides exceptional exposure to the field. The question is: are you ready to be at the forefront of healthcare’s most exciting growth opportunity?

Take the Next Step

Ready to explore how NUNM’s naturopathic medicine program can provide a foundation for your career in natural aesthetic medicine? Our comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, and hands-on training provide the essential knowledge and exposure you need to begin building expertise in this rapidly growing field.

Learn more about NUNM’s Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program and discover how our aesthetic medicine training can lay the groundwork for transforming your career prospects.

Written by Dr. Amy Bader, in collaboration with Ashley Villarreal, NUNM Marketing Content Specialist