Natural vs Traditional Dermatology

Interviewer: You said you were trained traditionally as a dermatologist, but then made a move to natural health care. How much of a difference is there between the two, and what are some of the big differences?

Dr. Jeanette Jacknin: Now they're more integrated, but they're actually very different because the traditional mindset was not really open to looking for other things that were less conventional. Now, I think, people are becoming more conscious of diet. Herbal treatments are becoming more mainstream; we're more aware of all the things in our environment, the pollution and the environmental toxins. I think that, in the future, there will be more of an integration, and they won't be viewed as one or the other. They'll be, like, why don't you pick the best of both that work for you, and your body, and your condition. They were very extreme differences, but it's beginning, very slowly, to be accepted.

Most dermatologists are still very, very conventional, but they're beginning to see the value of diet and supplements, and a few things like Aloe Vera cream, a few topical. It's slowly getting some recognition or respect; especially as there's double-blind independent studies. Because we're trained as scientists, we don't believe just any anecdote, any old farmer's wife will tell you, and with good reason. The more studies that can be done independently, double-blind, placebo controlled, the more legitimacy any of these treatments have.