Episode 057 | Dermatologists like me — rightfully so — spend a lot of time talking about the short and long-term harmful effects of UV light from the sun. Those are plentiful and very real.

However, most of us don't spend enough time talking about the benefits of controlled, moderate doses of UV light and the things we can do to Sun Responsibly beyond just sunscreen, clothing, and avoidance. That's why I get so much inspiration and knowledge from Dr. Katie Varman.

Dr. Varman is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Shine Functional Dermatology located at 566 E St. Lincoln, CA 95648 and Shine Nutraceuticals, LLC.

She has a special interest in photo-dermatology and phototherapy and enjoys teaching patients and colleagues about the interaction between sunlight, skin, and the immune system. Her commitment to functional medicine shapes her approach to care, and she is dedicated to reversing chronic skin conditions with diet and lifestyle interventions.

Dr. Varman is a graduate of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where she graduated with Research Distinction after completing a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship at the University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill. She later completed dermatology residency at UNC before moving with her family to Northern California and accepting a position with The Permanente Medical Group. After five years of employment, she chose to develop a new approach to dermatologic care and opened Shine Functional Dermatology.

Based on a deep understanding of photo-dermatology, Dr. Varman has a special interest in the development of nutraceuticals that support our bodies' innate management of sunlight. The goal of her work in this area is to allow the body to get the sunlight that it needs for optimal health and wellness without taking on unnecessary risk of skin cancer and photo-aging. SolcareMD is the first of the Daily Defense line borne of Dr. Varman's experience in photomedicine and integrative dermatology.

Outside of the office, Dr. Varman is a homesteader and enjoys an active farm life with her husband and children.

This episode was recorded on April 7th, 2025.

Connect with and learn from Dr. Varman
Shine Nutraceuticals / SolcareMD
Shine Functional Dermatology
Dr. Varman's Blog: The Sunlight Doctor
info@shinefunctionalmed.com

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Need a dermatologist? Fill out this short interest form, text or call me at 715-391-9774, or email me at drlewellis@aboveandbeyondderm.com if you'd like to have a no obligation discovery call. I offer in-office visits, house calls, and virtual care in Wisconsin and virtual care in Illinois, Nebraska, and Colorado.

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Shining Bright in NorCal through Integrative Dermatology, Phototherapy, and Nutraceutical Development | Katie Varman, MD