Healing Acne With Naturopathic Medicine
May 08, 2022
Acne vulgaris is the most prevalent inflammatory skin disorder, affecting 90% of the adolescent population and 30% of adults. Acne occurs when skin pores become blocked by dead skin cells, excess sebum, bacteria and inflammation. An increase in androgen hormones causes an excess in sebum, an oily substance produced by oil glands in the skin. Changes in sebum production can lead to acne lesions and also produce pro-inflammatory factors. Bacteria within skin pores Cutibacterium acnes (previously called Propionibacterium acnes) can colonize contributing to a clogged pore and inflammation visible on the skin: redness, swelling and pus.
Acne is characterized by comedones (open comedones: blackheads; closed comedones: whiteheads) and inflammatory lesions including papules, pustules and nodules. Acne most commonly appears on the face and neck but may also appear on shoulders, back and upper arms. Where acne is located on the body can explain a lot about the cause. For example, acne located along the jawline and chin is often due to hormonal imbalances.
Despite how prevalent acne is, the negative effects are profound on psychosocial functioning. Acne has been associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, failure to thrive at school and in social environments. Acne vulgaris also has a major impact on self-esteem and self-image.
Acne is mediated by the immune system, genetics and is often hormonally driven. Acne can be caused by many lifestyle factors such as cosmetics, medications, stress, diet, tobacco use, and environmental factors like humidity. Overall, acne is an inflammatory reaction happening in the skin and needs to be targeted in the treatment of acne.
DIET
Studies show that dairy intake (specifically cow’s milk) is associated with an increase or worsening of acne breakouts. Bovine growth hormone can increase insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which can increase androgen production.
Higher glycemic diet, very high in sugar can increase the severity and occurrence of acne in patients. Glycemic index is a value assigned to foods indicating how fast or slow those foods increase blood sugar levels. A higher glycemic diet can increase insulin, which can therefore increase more androgens in the body. An increase in androgens therefore promotes more sebum production and inflammation resulting in acne outbreaks.
GUT
If your gut is inflamed then it’s likely your skin is also inflamed, showing up as acne. The health of the gut is a reflection of your skin health. The microbiome in the body is made up of trillions of bacteria, virus, fungi and protozoa that live on the skin and in the gut. There are various factors that over time can cause a dysbiosis (imbalance) of the microbiome in the gut: unhealthy diet, stress, toxins, food sensitivities, drugs (e.g., antibiotics, birth control pill), excessive alcohol consumption and pathogens. Any dysbiosis happening within the microbiome of the gut can be another contributing factor to causing acne.
GENETICS
Genetic factors can play a role in the expression of acne, especially if acne shows up in family members. Those with a first-degree relative who had adult acne, such as a parent or sibling, are more likely to have it themselves. Those struggling with acne may have a genetic polymorphism that cause their livers to eliminate sub-optimally. Genetics can also determine our bodies immune responses, and influence our hormonal control, both of which could predispose someone to develop acne.
STRESS
An increase in stress hormone (cortisol) can lead to acne. Cortisol can increase androgens and inflammation leading to an increase in sebum production, creating clogged pores and acne breakouts. Anything that can increase cortisol, whether it’s a physical, environmental, various lifestyle habits or psychological stress has the potential to impact acne.
HORMONES
Acne is often the result of a hormonal imbalance. Especially higher levels of male/androgenic hormones can lead to acne symptoms. Androgen hormones include testosterone, DHEAs, and androstenedione. These androgens covert to DHT (most potent androgen) and causes acne by increasing sebum production and increasing skin cells (hyperkeratinization) that can clog pores. High androgens can be caused from insulin levels, IGF-1, inflammation, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), high prolactin levels, high cortisol high estrogen levels, or low progesterone levels.
Your skin is a reflection of what is happening internally in the body and a sign for further investigating. A lot of marketing is geared towards topical skin care products for helping clear acne, and this may be beneficial for short-term relief. But in the long term if the internal root cause of acne is not properly assessed, then acne may persist in the long term. There are various factors to consider when treating acne: reducing inflammation, healing the gut and hormones, liver support, healing emotions associated with acne, balancing insulin and healing your skin barrier. This will lead to a long-term resolution of acne.
With my knowledge of naturopathic medicine and from my personal experience of overcoming adult acne, I am here to help you on your journey to heal your acne for good. Contact me with any questions or book online today to work with me on healing your body naturally from the inside out.
Dr. Julie Clark, ND
References
Broussard A, Oge LK, Marshall M. Acne vulgaris: diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician. 2019; 100(8):475-484. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1015/p475.html
Ebede TL, Arch EL, Berson D. Hormonal Treatment of Acne in Women. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2009; 2(12):16-22. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923944/
Gallitano SM, Berson DS. How acne bumps cause the blues: the influence of acne vulgaris on self-esteem. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2016; 4(1):12-17. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.004
Juhl CR, Bergholdt H, Miller IM, Jemec G. Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,592 children, adolescents and young adults. Nutrients. 2018; 10(8):1049. DOI: 10.3390/nu10081049
Oakley A, Ngan V, Morrison C. Acne vulgaris. [Internet]. DermNet NZ;2014 [cited 2021 March.30]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-vulgaris/
Interested in how to heal your acne naturally? Look no further than Clear Skin Alchemy: The Natural Acne Solution. This 8-Week program will walk you through every step of the way on your acne healing journey. Feel confident, radiant and beautiful in your own skin.
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