WHAT IS CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE?

Conventional medicine, sometimes called Western medicine, is the practice of healthcare mainly used in the United States and other developed countries. Conventional medicineis practiced from a deductive reasoning approach, coming to a hypothesis based on observation and logical reasoning [1]. Treatment in conventional medicine is usually focused on acute disease care such as pharmaceuticals, surgery, and radiation [2]. 

This is distinct from traditional, or eastern medicine, that sees the body in balance with its surroundings. Eastern medicine principles have been passed down through thousands of years dictating that if balance is not aligned, then the person is unwell.In traditional medicine, a more preventative approach is taken to treatment, advising herbal and lifestyle remedies over more invasive procedures. 

WHAT IS BIOHACKING?

On the other hand,biohacking is a relatively new player in the healthcare field that seems to be a mix of the more established routes of treatment. A comprehensive explanation of biohacking is found in our Lab Readshere [3]. 

Inspired by the birth of computer science, biohacking is attempting to understand the language of our bodies and naturally manipulating our systems to optimize our health. An example of biohacking specific to skin could be hacking our sleep schedules for optimal skin health, seehere [4]. Our lab team has previously found studies linking sleep to increased blood flow that allows our topical products to be more effectively absorbed by the skin [4,5]. Also, sleep aids in the hydration of our skin that plays a role in wrinkles and aging [4,6]. 

HOW DO THEY COMPARE?

Conventional medicine and biohacking seem to fall on different ends of the spectrum when it comes to treatment. Conventional medicine is focused more on “fixing” the damage: through pharmaceuticals and surgery. Not much focus is placed on education and prevention. 

Conversely, biohacking is harnessing the molecular knowledge we have about the body and mimicking it’s processes to influence our health. Biohacking falls more into preventative medicine as opposed to acute treatment.  

BEAUTOLOGY LAB’S PHILOSOPHY 

At BEAUTOLOGY LAB, we strive to create non-toxic skincare that is actually good for you! Our evidence-based and science-driven approach uses the most reliable literature to biohack our skin’s processes. 

We have put together comprehensive reviews for biohacking your skincare in theLAB READS section of our website. For example, studies show that eating foods rich in healthy fats, collagen, antioxidants, and vitamins can positively affect the skin by acting in the skin’s molecular pathways [7]. 

Our products aim to harness the power of science to best care for your skin’s needs, in a natural and sustainable manner.

Sources:

1. Tseui J. J. (1978). Eastern and western approaches to medicine.The Western journal of medicine,128(6), 551–557.

2. https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/holistic-vs-modern-western-medicine/

3. https://beautologylab.com/blogs/lab-reads/biohacking-101

4. Yetisen AK (2018) Biohacking.Trends Biotechnol 36, 744–747.

5. Lyons AB, Moy L, Moy R, Tung R (2019) Circadian Rhythm and the Skin: A Review of the Literature.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 12, 42–45.

6. Oyetakin-White P, Suggs A, Koo B, Matsui MS, Yarosh D, Cooper KD, Baron ED (2015) Does poor sleep quality affect skin ageing?Clin Exp Dermatol 40, 17–22.

7. https://beautologylab.com/blogs/lab-reads/5-foods-for-glowing-skin