Acne

What is Acne?

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. While many people think acne is just a surface problem, it is actually influenced by various factors, including hormones, gut health, diet, and lifestyle. And the good news? By addressing the root causes, we can get tot he bottom of those pesky breakouts!

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The Role of Hormones in Acne

Hormones play a starring role in acne development, which is why you might notice breakouts around your period, during pregnancy, or as a teenager. Androgens (often referred to as "male hormones"), particularly testosterone, increase sebum production in the skin. Excess androgens can trigger your skin's oil glands to go into overdrive, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. 

• High Androgens: Elevated levels of androgens, such as testosterone, can cause an increase in oil production, leading to clogged pores and acne. 

• Fluctuating Estrogen and Progesterone: Hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can also trigger acne, particularly premenstrual breakouts. 

• Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance, often associated with conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can drive up androgen levels and contribute to acne. 

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Symptoms of Hormonal Acne  

If you notice that your acne worsens during certain times of the month or after stressful periods, hormones are likely playing a major role in your breakouts. 

• Increased Oil Production: High androgen levels trigger your skin's sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This excess oil combines with dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores and acne formation.

• Cystic Acne: Hormonal imbalances often result in deeper, painful cysts that form beneath the skin's surface. These can be stubborn and difficult to treat with topical solutions alone.

• Flare-Ups During Menstruation: If you notice breakouts right before or during your period, that's likely due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. As these hormone levels drop, sebum production can increase, leading to premenstrual breakouts. 

• Oily Skin: Excess sebum production can leave your skin feeling greasy and prone to breakouts. 

• Inflammatory Lesions: Red, inflamed pimples or pustules that are difficult to treat with topical products alone. 

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The Naturopathic Approach to Acne

Medicine is fluid, and there are many different paths to healing. Every individual is unique, and what works best for one person may differ for another. This is why I believe in a comprehensive and integrative approach to health - combining the best of naturopathic care with other evidence-based treatments to create a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs.

Now that we know how hormones can trigger acne, let's dive into how a naturopathic approach can help restore balance and clear your skin. Unlike conventional treatments, which often rely on topical creams and medications, naturopathic medicine focuses on healing the whole body, addressing the root causes of acne from the inside out. 

Hormone Balancing

Since hormonal imbalances are often at the core of acne, we work on restoring balance using natural methods. Herbal medicines such as Vitex (Chaste Tree) and Maca can help regulate menstrual cycles and balance estrogen and progesterone levels. Spearmint tea has been shown to lower androgen levels, reducing excess sebum production. For those with high androgens, herbs like Saw Palmetto or Licorice Root may also be beneficial. 

Supporting Gut Health

Your gut plays a crucial role in your skin's health. You skin is a direct representation of what is happening on the inside of the gut. An imbalance in your gut microbiome can lead to systemic inflammation, which can worsen acne. Incorporating probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods helps to heal the gut and calm inflammation. We may also assess food sensitivities, as certain foods (like dairy and gluten) can trigger or exacerbate breakouts. 

Dietary Changes

What you eat directly impacts your skin's health. Focusing on a low-glycemic diet that minimizes sugar and refined carbohydrates, helps reduce insulin spikes that can contribute to acne. Instead, I emphasize nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds), and lean proteins. Focus on foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and flaxseeds), zinc (pumpkin seeds and chickpeas), and Vitamin A (leafy greens and sweet potatoes). These nutrients help reduce inflammation and support skin repair. Seed Cycling can also be an effective tool for balancing hormones naturally and supporting clear skin. 
Detoxification and Liver Support

Your liver is responsible for metabolizing hormones and detoxifying your body. If your liver is overburdened, it may struggle to clear excess hormones and toxicity, leading to acne flare-ups. We can support detoxification through gentle liver-cleansing herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, and burdock root, as well as by increasing fiber intake to promote the elimination of toxins. Castor oil is also an incredible support for the liver as well. 

Managing Stress

Stress can lead to an increase in cortisol, a stress hormone that contributes to acne by promoting inflammation and excess sebum production. Together, we can explore stress-management techniques like acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness, and deep-breathing exercises to lower cortisol levels and support clear, calm skin. ​

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Diagnosis and Understanding Acne in the Body

To understand acne's root causes, it's important to take a comprehensive look at your health history, hormone levels, and overall lifestyle. We may recommend testing for hormone imbalances, such as elevated androgens and evaluating your digestive health to uncover potential food sensitivities or gut imbalances contributing to inflammation. From there, we can create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. 

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Acne can be a frustrating, confidence-draining condition, but it doesn't have to be permanent. By taking a naturopathic approach - balancing hormones, healing the gut, supporting detox pathways, and managing stress - we can address the root causes of your acne and help you achieve lasting, clear skin. 

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If you are ready to explore these natural treatments and dive deeper into what may be causing your acne, feel free to book a free discovery call. Together, we will build a plan to support your skin's health from the inside out. ​