Learn
Delve into dermatology diseases with new approaches from conventional to complementary care.
Topics
Explore a broad spectrum of dermatological conditions and topics to enhance your practice.
Training Programs
Expert led instruction for every level of patient care.
Log in to see enrolled program content.
Conferences
Gain practical insights and meet new colleagues.
Hover over a conference to view recordings.
Join Us
The largest integrative dermatology community.
This set of six lectures explores the intersection of emerging therapies, time-honored systems of medicine, and practical tools that dermatology professionals can integrate into modern care. From light therapies and new topical agents to herbal medicine, stress resilience, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, this series equips clinicians with evidence-based strategies to support both skin health and overall well-being.
Incorporating Light Therapies Into Dermatologic Care
Presented by Dr. Ronda Farah, this session explores how light-based therapies—including phototherapy and laser modalities—can be effectively used in treating inflammatory, pigmentary, and aesthetic skin conditions. Clinical insights include patient selection, treatment protocols, and strategies to optimize safety and efficacy.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the mechanisms and indications of various light therapies used in dermatologic care.
- Identify appropriate patient populations for light-based treatments.
- Recognize common safety concerns and contraindications in phototherapy and laser use.
- Apply evidence-based treatment protocols for specific dermatologic conditions using light therapies.
All the New Topical Medications in Dermatology in the Last 5 Years – The Review You’ve Been Waiting For!
In this comprehensive review, Dr. Hadar Lev-Tov highlights the newest topical treatments introduced over the past five years. The session focuses on mechanisms of action, clinical indications, and practical tips for integrating these innovations into daily dermatology practice.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Identify and describe newly approved topical dermatologic medications and their mechanisms of action.
- Compare the efficacy and safety profiles of new topicals across various indications.
- Determine appropriate clinical applications for newer agents in patient care.
- Integrate novel topical treatments into current dermatologic practice with confidence.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Primer for Beauty and Skin Health
Dr. Joseph Alban provides an introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in dermatology, focusing on core concepts like yin-yang, qi, and pathogenic factors. The session covers how acupuncture, herbal medicine, and gua sha support skin health and how TCM can be integrated with Western care for holistic treatment.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Participants will describe the fundamental principles of TCM, including the concepts of yin and yang, qi and blood, and the six pathogenic factors.
- Participants will identify key TCM practices, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and gua sha and their role in promoting health and treating skin conditions.
- Participants will evaluate how to integrate TCM with Western medical approaches for managing chronic conditions and improving overall wellness.
- Participants will formulate integrative treatment strategies by incorporating TCM Principles to enhance patient care and skin health.
Naturopathic Approaches to Stress and Mental Resilience
Dr. Rubaina Dang explores naturopathic approaches to enhancing stress resilience and mental well-being, with a focus on their impact on dermatologic health. The session covers the link between chronic stress, mental health, and skin conditions, and highlights the use of adaptogens, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and mind-body techniques in developing integrative care plans.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explain the connection between chronic stress, mental health, and systemic or dermatological conditions.
- Identify naturopathic strategies, such as herbal adaptogens and nutritional interventions, to support stress management.
- Evaluate the role of mindfulness and other mind-body techniques in improving mental health and promoting skin wellness.
- Develop personalized, integrative care plans incorporating naturopathic principles to enhance stress resilience and mental well-being.
Herbal Medicine – Effective Use in the Clinical Practice
Dr. Amy Branum, AHP RH, presents a practical overview of herbal medicine in clinical dermatology. Participants will explore key medicinal herbs, their therapeutic uses, and how to safely and effectively integrate them into patient care using evidence-informed approaches.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles of herbal medicine and its role in supporting the body’s natural healing process.
- Identify key medicinal herbs and their therapeutic properties, focusing on their benefits for skin health and systemic wellness.
- Evaluate the evidence-based use of herbal medicine in the management of dermatological conditions and general health concerns.
- Develop integrative treatment plans, incorporating herbal remedies while ensuring safety and efficacy in clinical practice.
Low Dose Naltrexone: What you need to know
In this session, Dr. Bodemer provides a comprehensive overview of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), covering its mechanisms of action, dermatologic and systemic indications, lab monitoring and contraindications, and practical guidance on prescribing and adjusting dosing protocols.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Understand the mechanisms through which LDN works
- List dermatologic as well as systemic conditions that LDN can be helpful for
- Describe lab monitoring and contraindications for using LD
- Know how to write a prescription for LDN based on specific dosing protocol
- Identify when and why to adjust a dosing protoco
Faculty
Ronda Farah, MD FAAD is nationally and internationally recognized for her expertise in dermatology. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota. Previously, she served as Director of Medical Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Health Maple Grove Clinics and as the Cosmetic Lead for University of Minnesota Health.
Dr. Farah’s clinical interests include energy-based medicine, hair loss, and the role of social media in dermatology. She earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed her dermatology residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
She has authored numerous publications, with a focus on alopecia and dermatologic technology. Dr. Farah is a former board member of the Women’s Dermatologic Society and the Association of Academic Cosmetic Dermatology. She currently serves as a Social Media Ambassador for the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr. Hadar Lev-Tov is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive research experience. Throughout his training and in daily practice, he has always believed that the key to achieving health for his patients is grounded in his ability to truly connect to their experiences and perceptions of health and well-being. Maimonides, one of the greatest philosophers of all time realized that human knowledge, often represented as "science," is limited. As a physician, he feels he would be a fool to believe all is known. Maimonides said, "The physician should not treat the disease but the patient who is suffering from it." LearnSkin is his journey to a better understanding of his patients.
Dr. Joseph Alban is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Board Certified Herbalist. He has run a private practice in New York City for seventeen years.
Dr. Alban graduated from Touro College’s Graduate Program in Oriental Medicine, obtaining a Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and completed a Doctor of Acupuncture at Five Branches Univerisity. He completed a Chinese Medicine hospital residency in Hunan, China where he trained in acupuncture, Chinese medicine dermatology, and Tui Na medical massage.
He has received the Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology Diploma from world-renowned expert Mazin Al-Khafaji. Dr. Alban sits on the board of the International Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology Association (ITCMDA). He is also the Traditional Chinese Medicine editor for Learn Skin and on the board for the Integrative Dermatology Symposium. He is the head editor and a contributing author of the ebook An Introduction to Chinese Medicine Dermatology which resulted from a collaboration of the ITCMDA and Learn Skin.
Dr. Rubaina Dang is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor practicing in California. She specializes in a variety of hormonal, gastrointestinal and dermatological related conditions, providing a comprehensive approach on healing from the inside out. She is passionate about regenerative aesthetics, serving as a PRP educator and trainer to the medical community. In addition, she has been a hair health educator at Nutrafol and is currently serving as a primary investigator for various clinical trials at the Integrative Research Institute. She is passionate about utilizing integrative therapeutics to support the body internally as well as topically, empowering others to achieve healthy skin from within.
Amy currently has a consultation practice www.lasyawellness.com, based on herbalism, Ayurveda and functional health, and also is the director and teacher at her herbal school, The Northern California School of Botanical Studies, www.schoolofbotanicalstudies.com in Sacramento, CA.
After finishing Medical School and Dermatology Residency at the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Bodemer completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She was the first Dermatologist to be board certified in both Dermatology and Integrative Medicine and currently is the only Dermatologist to serve on the Integrative Medicine Board. She has authored academic texts and curriculum and has spoken widely on a variety of topics related to Integrative Dermatology. She has always been drawn to exploring how lifestyle choices impact skin health and disease and feels that the most powerful role a physician can play is as an educator and guide, empowering people to get healthy and stay healthy.
Related Courses
Integrative Dermatology
2025 Integrative Dermatology Symposium Lectures
Integrative Dermatology
IDS 2025 Evaluation Form
Integrative Dermatology
Whole-Person Dermatology: From Systems-Based Insight to Integrative Care
Integrative Dermatology
Equity, Culture & Practitioner Wellness
