best functional medicine & skincare practitioner award winner by:
Conditions We Treat — Root Cause Skin Healing to Hormonal Acne, Eczema, Rosacea, Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Urticaria, Vitiligo.
At Unique Verve in Boston, we go beyond surface-level treatments to address the root causes of skin concerns through Functional Medicine. Instead of masking symptoms, we take a whole-body approach, uncovering and addressing the underlying imbalances and root-causes that contribute to acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, vitiligo and other skin conditions.
Functional medicine approach helps improve chronic skin conditions including acne, hormonal acne, rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation and vitiligo by understanding how internal imbalances and health affects skin expression.
Chronic skin issues rarely occur in isolation.
Many individuals with acne, rosacea, or eczema also experience digestive discomfort, bloating, mood changes, fatigue, joint pain, or recurrent infections — signs that deeper imbalances may be influencing skin health.
At Unique Verve, Functional Dermatology in Boston goes beyond symptom management by identifying and addressing the underlying triggers affecting both your skin and systemic health.
Because lasting skin stability begins with understanding the root causes and that absolutely everything in the body is interconnected!
Traditional dermatology focuses on topical treatments and symptom suppression. While these therapies can provide relief, they never address underlying drivers and triggers of chronic skin conditions. Often times steroids are used for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, leading to immuno-suppression and HPATG/stress axis dysregulation. Long term use of topical corticosteroids have been shown to increase risk of developing osteoporosis and steroid rosacea or steroid-associated dermatoses.
Systemic antibiotics frequently used for acne can also affect the gastrointestinal microbiome — a key regulator of immune balance, detoxification, inflammation, and hormone metabolism. As a consequence, this can set up a cascade of other imbalances (e.g. hormonal imbalances, UTIs, frequent illness, mood imbalances, gut issues).
Data show that when broad-spectrum antibiotics are used even for short periods of time, it can take as long as two years for the gastrointestinal microbiome to recover.
At Unique Verve, we take a different approach.
Functional Dermatology is a holistic, root-cause approach to skin health that focuses on identifying and addressing underlying imbalances, root-causes and drivers – such as hormone imbalances, gut health, detoxification, inflammation and nutrient status – instead of just treating surface symptoms. Functional medicine finally provides you with the answers as to WHY your skin is reacting and has become a “victim”.
If you are tired of short-term solutions and if you are ready to move beyond temporary fixes and take a deeper, more personalized approach to your skin health, begin with a Comprehensive Functional Skin and Health Assessment.
We evaluate key factors influencing your skin — including symptoms, health history, lifestyle, genetics and nutrition — to uncover underlying root-causes and drivers of inflammation and imbalance.
Inflammatory skin conditions are rarely just skin-deep. A functional medicine perspective seeks to understand the biological “WHY” behind persistent flare-ups, sensitivity, and chronic inflammation.Explore a root-cause approach to skin health with Functional Dermatology at Unique Verve.
Persistent or inflammatory skin concerns are rarely isolated to the surface. Many chronic dermatologic presentations may be influenced by complex interactions involving immune regulation, inflammatory signaling, gut health, hormonal dynamics, vascular responses, and genetic predisposition.
At Unique Verve, our Functional Dermatology approach in Boston focuses on evaluating potential contributors that may influence skin behavior. Rather than applying standardized protocols, strategies are individualized based on each client’s presentation and symptom patterns.
We frequently work with individuals experiencing the following conditions:
Persistent breakouts, inflammatory lesions, cystic acne, and adult-onset acne may be influenced by hormonal patterns, blood sugar dysregulation, inflammatory activity, lifestyle factors, and internal physiological dynamics.
Chronic facial redness, flushing, visible capillaries, and skin sensitivity may reflect vascular reactivity, inflammatory triggers, and barrier instability.
Recurrent irritation, barrier dysfunction, and inflammatory skin responses may be associated with immune patterning, environmental triggers, and internal regulatory factors.
👉 View Eczema & Dermatitis Support →
Psoriasis is a complex inflammatory skin condition often influenced by immune system dynamics and systemic inflammatory activity. A functional approach evaluates potential contributing factors that may affect flare frequency and skin stability.
👉 Discover Psoriasis Support Strategies →
Vitiligo involves loss of pigment and may be associated with autoimmune and regulatory patterns affecting melanocyte function. Functional Dermatology considers systemic contributors that may influence skin presentation.
👉 Learn About Functional Support for Vitiligo →
Uneven pigmentation and discoloration may be influenced by inflammatory processes, hormonal patterns, oxidative stress, and skin barrier health.
👉 Explore Hyperpigmentation Solutions →
Persistent redness, reactivity, unexplained flare-ups, or skin intolerance may reflect barrier instability and inflammatory signaling patterns.
👉 Learn More About Skin Sensitivity Care →
In practice, persistent skin concerns are rarely just skin-deep. Many clients seeking help for acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, urticaria, vitiligo or other inflammatory conditions also struggle with challenges that may seem unrelated — including digestive discomfort (e.g. IBS, diarrhea, constipation, bloating), mood imbalances (e.g. anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD), low energy, food & sugar cravings, joint discomfort, frequent illness, UTIs.
These patterns are not coincidental. The skin is deeply influenced by immune activity, gut health, hormonal signaling, and systemic inflammation.
Functional Dermatology in Boston at Unique Verve is built on this integrative understanding. Rather than isolating the skin as a surface problem, we investigate the internal contributors and biological triggers that may be driving both your skin changes and broader symptom patterns.
Our objective is not simply temporary improvement, but restoring balance across interconnected systems — supporting healthier skin while simultaneously addressing the underlying factors that impact overall well-being.
As a certified functional medicine practitioner and someone who has suffered from severe health problems, I understand that true skin health and wellness goes beyond mere symptom management. As a functional medicine practitioner, my mission is to uncover and address root-causes of your skin and health problems and empower you to thrive, not just survive. Say goodbye to band-aid solutions and embrace a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of your skin and health concerns.
We begin with an in-depth review of:
Your medical history
Symptom checklist and timelines
Nutrition, lifestyle & stress patterns
This allows us to identify patterns and priorities — not just isolated symptoms.
Based on your needs, testing may evaluate:
Hormone balance
Gut health & microbiome
Detoxification capacity
Nutrient deficiencies
Inflammation & oxidative stress
Blood sugar & metabolic function
Labs remove the guesswork and allow us to be strategic and targeted.
This is not a generic protocol. Using insights from your Comprehensive Health History Assessment, I create a personalized wellness roadmap designed specifically for you.
Your plan may include:
Customized nutrition guidance
Targeted, high-quality supplements
Detoxification support
Hormone-balancing strategies
Gut repair protocols
Stress & nervous system regulation
Every recommendation has a reason — and a measurable goal.
I am with you every step of the way. Regular follow-ups, educational resources, and compassionate guidance ensure your progress toward optimal health.
Healing isn’t linear — and you’re not doing this alone.
We track progress, adjust protocols, and support your body as it recalibrates for sustainable results.
Acne & Rosacea: We can design a customized in-studio facial treatment plan at our Boston location to help calm inflammation, support barrier repair, and accelerate visible improvement. In addition, you are eligible to receive a complimentary Visia Skin Analysis at our Boston skincnare studio when you sign u for the 3-month Functional Medicine Program.
Other Skin Concerns: We provide personalized skincare product recommendations to support faster, healthier outcomes and reinforce your internal protocol.
Functional Medicine Comprehensive Health History Assessment & Consultation and further VIP functional medicine sessions are held via phone. Payment is required upon booking.
The process involves the following steps:
1. Schedule your initial appointment.
2. Complete the required forms, including a comprehensive online intake form and a symptom questionnaire via a secure HIPAA-compliant portal called Practice Better, which I will provide – you will need to return them to me 5 business days prior to our session in order to provide me with adequate time to review, assess them and prep for our Initial session.
3. Submit clear pictures of your skin (at least three images – front and both sides).
4. Have your consultation.
5. Enroll in the 3-month VIP Functional Medicine program (separate fee)– the cost of review of any additional lab tests is included in the program.
6. Participate in a complimentary Visia Skin Analysis and receive a customized home-care routine when you sign up for the 3-month Functional Medicine Program.
7. For clients with acne and rosacea: along with the 3-months VIP Program, if you wish to accelerate your skin’s repair and renewal process, you may come for professional in-clinic facial treatments (separate fee).
8. Achieve clear, smoother-looking, youthful skin with the INSIDE-OUT, OUTSIDE-IN APPROACH, and regain your health and glowing, youthful-looking skin in as little as 3 months! Don’t hesitate any longer; schedule your Functional Medicine Comprehensive Health History Assessment & Consultation today.
The cost of the VIP 3-months Functional Medicine Program, supplements, lab tests, facials and skincare products are not included in this service. However, you will receive 10% discount on the bioactive pharmaceutical-grade supplements and Environ skincare products.
Through the Functional Medicine approach, I will provide you with the knowledge and tools to optimize your health and achieve long-term resolution of your skin concerns.
With my specialized training in Applied Functional Medicine, I take a deep dive into the underlying imbalances and interconnected factors contributing to your skin conditions. By addressing the true root causes of internal dysfunction, we can effectively resolve acne, rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and other chronic skin issues without medications, leading to healthier skin and overall well-being.
You can heal your body and have glowing skin again. You can feel healthy and vibrant again!
Take charge of your skin and well-being today. Start by scheduling a Comprehensive Health and Skin Assessment today.
Now that you understand the process, the next step is clarity.
A Comprehensive Functional Health and Skin Assessment allows us to connect the dots between your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle — so you’re no longer guessing.
Still have questions? Review the FAQs at the bottom of the page or email us at [email protected]
I’m Natalie, an AFMC-Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with over two decades of experience in advanced skincare, wellness, and root-cause healing.
I am honored to have been recognized with the title of Boston’s Best Facial by InStyle Magazine, Allure Magazine, and Improper Bostonian Magazine, as well as being named Best Functional Medicine Practitioner in Boston. These recognitions reflect my commitment to excellence in both advanced skincare and integrative, root-cause wellness care.
As a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, I’ve completed a rigorous 3-year long training at The School of Applied Functional Medicine which is an Accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) Provider.
WHAT IS AFMC CERTIFICATION (Advanced Training in Functional Medicine)?
Dedicated practitioners commit to 620+ hours of rigorous training in advanced functional medicine sciences and validated application through clinical case studies.
My approach blends:
Evidence-based functional medicine
Clinical experience
Personalized care
Education & empowerment
I don’t believe in quick fixes.
I believe in helping your body do what it was designed to do — heal.
Personalized Health and Diet Review: Natalie delves deep into your medical history, lifestyle, symptoms and dietary habits. No two individuals are alike, and neither are their health journeys. Natalie tailors every assessment to your unique needs.
Detoxification for Optimal Vitality: Environmental toxins, stress, and poor dietary choices can burden your body. Our detoxification protocols gently support your liver, kidneys, and gut to eliminate harmful substances. Feel lighter, clearer, and rejuvenated.
Strategic Diet and Lifestyle Changes: At Unique Verve, we don’t believe in restrictive diets or quick fixes. Instead, we guide you toward sustainable changes that fit seamlessly into your life. Whether it’s optimizing nutrient intake, managing stress, or improving sleep quality, we’ve got you covered.
Bio-Active Supplements: When necessary, Natalie recommends high-quality supplements to bridge nutritional gaps. Our approach is science-backed, ensuring you receive the right nutrients in the right form.
Functional Medicine is a constantly evolving field — and staying current matters.
I am deeply committed to ongoing education and continuously invest in my clinical growth by:
Reviewing current clinical research and emerging studies
Attending advanced Functional Medicine seminars and professional trainings
Participating in educational webinars led by leading clinicians and researchers
Staying up to date on evolving lab technologies, protocols, and evidence-based strategies
This ensures that the care I provide reflects the most current science, while remaining personalized, practical, and results-driven.
Your health deserves more than outdated protocols — it deserves informed, intentional care.
Functional Dermatology is a systems-oriented approach to skin health that evaluates potential underlying contributors to chronic or inflammatory skin conditions. Rather than focusing exclusively on visible symptoms, this model considers factors such as immune activity, gut health, hormones, lifestyle patterns, and inflammatory triggers that may influence skin behavior.
Traditional dermatology commonly emphasizes diagnosis-based treatment of skin symptoms through topical or pharmaceutical therapies. Functional Dermatology expands this perspective by examining broader physiological and lifestyle factors that may contribute to persistent skin concerns, with the goal of supporting long-term skin stability and overall balance.
A functional perspective may be helpful for individuals experiencing recurring or persistent conditions such as:
This approach is particularly relevant when skin concerns coexist with digestive, hormonal, or systemic symptoms.
Yes. Acne is one of the most common concerns addressed through our Functional Dermatology approach. Rather than focusing solely on surface symptoms, we evaluate factors that may influence inflammation, oil regulation, and skin stability, including lifestyle, dietary patterns, and internal contributors. When appropriate, customized in-studio facial treatments and personalized strategies may be recommended to support long-term skin health.
The skin is closely connected to multiple biological systems, including immune regulation, gastrointestinal function, detoxification pathways, and hormonal signaling. Imbalances affecting these systems may influence inflammation, barrier function, and skin reactivity, which is why many individuals observe patterns between skin changes and internal symptoms.
When clinically appropriate, functional laboratory assessments may be recommended to explore factors commonly associated with inflammatory or persistent skin concerns. Testing decisions are individualized and based on health history, symptoms, and clinical presentation.
No. Functional Dermatology is designed as a complementary, wellness-oriented approach and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Clients are encouraged to maintain relationships with their healthcare providers for medical evaluation and care.
Skin responses vary based on individual physiology, health history, and contributing factors. While some individuals may notice earlier changes, others may require a longer timeframe as deeper systemic patterns are addressed.
Outcomes are also influenced by the client’s level of engagement and consistency with the program, which may include recommended nutritional strategies, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle modifications.
Our focus is on supporting sustainable, long-term skin health rather than pursuing short-term or purely symptomatic improvements.
Yes. For certain concerns — particularly acne and rosacea — customized facial treatment programs may be designed at our Boston studio to support barrier repair, reduce visible inflammation, and complement internal strategies. For other conditions, personalized skincare recommendations are provided to enhance outcomes.
This approach is often well-suited for individuals who:
• Experience recurrent or persistent skin issues
• Have tried multiple treatments with limited success
• Prefer a root-cause, integrative perspective
• Notice connections between skin and systemic symptoms
The process begins with a Comprehensive Functional Skin and Health Assessment, where we evaluate health history, symptom patterns, lifestyle factors, and potential contributors influencing skin health.
This consultation is designed to provide a structured, in-depth understanding of your case and to determine whether a functional approach is appropriate for your needs.
Scheduling a consultation is the first step toward a personalized strategy for long-term skin stability.
Following the initial consultation, clients typically transition into a personalized 3-month Functional Medicine Program. This program is tailored to your individual presentation and focuses on addressing the underlying contributors, regulatory patterns, and imbalances identified during the assessment.
Recommendations may include targeted nutritional strategies, lifestyle modifications, and supportive supplementation designed to promote systemic balance and skin health.
This structured program allows sufficient time for meaningful physiological adjustments and sustainable improvements.
Yes. When laboratory assessments are recommended, they are optional and involve a separate fee. Testing decisions are individualized and based on clinical considerations, health history, and client preferences.
Any recommended testing is discussed in detail prior to ordering.
If you have recent basic laboratory results, you are welcome to submit them for review as part of your Initial Consultation.
For clients enrolled in the 3-Month Functional Medicine Program, the review of relevant follow-up laboratory assessments is included as part of the program structure.
Outside of an active program, laboratory review services are available for a separate fee of $240.
Yes. The 3-month Functional Medicine Program is a structured service separate from the initial assessment. Program details, inclusions, and associated fees are reviewed during the consultation process to ensure clarity and alignment with your goals.
Testimonials reflect authentic client experiences shared through verified Google reviews, feedback submitted directly via our website, and private client communications.
Read more success stories and functional medicine tips on our Instagram
Given the substantial initial investment in thoroughly reviewing your Comprehensive Health History Forms and Symptom Questainnaire, diligently analyzing the interrelated factors contributing to your skin problems (e.g. acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, vitiligo) and health concerns, and customizing your personalized program, we regret to inform you that we are unable to accommodate refund requests.
Payment is required at the time of booking an appointment, and refunds will not be granted unless a minimum of 5 business day notice is provided. This policy also applies to instances of no-shows or unused session time. Appointments may be rescheduled with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.
You must email in order to reschedule or cancel an appointment (phone call is not acceptable for cancellation or rescheduling purposes).
If you know you are going to be more than 5 minutes late, please let me know.
Please note late starts shorten the length of the session, but the rate for the service remains the same.
Information and content on this website is provided for information and educational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. No information offered here should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disease, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health-related advice from your healthcare professional. Always speak with your healthcare professional before taking any medications or supplements. Information provided on this website does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any professional affiliated with this website. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Natalie Maibenko, a Functional Skincare Therapist is not acting in the capacity of a doctor and will not diagnose, treat or cure any disease, condition or other physical or mental ailment of the human body. Rather she serves as a mentor and guide who helps a client to reach her/his own health and wellness goals through implementing incremental, positive, healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes that help the client to live and thrive using simple methods.
