Acne. Where is it coming from?!

Here’s what I’m exploring with patients when their main goal is getting rid of acne & pesky breakouts:

✨ 𝐆𝐔𝐓 & 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
The gut and liver play an important role in eliminating hormones and toxins from the body. Any sluggishness in these organs can lead to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. The gut microbiome is key when it comes to managing acne.

✨ 𝐍𝐔𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒
Certain nutrient deficiencies have been linked to the development and severity of acne.

✨ 𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒
Hormone fluctuations in puberty, PMS, pregnancy, and conditions like poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can trigger acne. Hormones such as androgens increase the size and activity of sebaceous glands, which can lead to excess oil production, clogging pores.

✨ 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes is commonly found on the skin and can contribute to acne. When pores are clogged, this bacteria can multiply and cause inflammation, leading to acne lesions.

✨ 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐒
A family history of acne can increase a persons susceptibility to developing acne.

✨ 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐑
Increased insulin levels can stimulate the production of androgens, like testosterone. An increase in androgens may cause sebaceous glands to become overactive, clogging up hair follicles and creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. Elevated insulin also increases the production of inflammation, which can worsen acne breakouts and make them more persistent.

✨ 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒
In general, stress increases the production of hormones like cortisol, which increases inflammation.

✨ 𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐓
Food sensitivities or highly inflammatory foods increase the bodies immune response, leading to inflammation.

✨ 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
Certain medications can influence hormone levels and sebum production.

✨ 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐒
Cosmetic products that are comedogenic (pore clogging) or that contain irritating ingredients can worsen acne.

Struggling with acne? Reach out 🩷