All About Acne. The why and what to do about it.

Reposted from www.drmichellegaucher.com

Acne is a common concern that I see in my practice. In my opinion, acne itself is not a disease or condition but rather a symptom of another underlying cause that often needs to be addressed. At least this is the case for the majority of individuals. So let's discuss what different processes can cause or contribute to acne, how to potentially figure that out & what to do about it!

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF ACNE

• Nutrition
  • Food sensitivities: If we consume foods we are reactive to, we initiate inflammation in the gut. The food most commonly associated with acne, especially cystic acne, is dairy.
  • High sugar intake: Sugar is inflammatory and can contribute to insulin resistance, worsening acne formation.
• Hormones
  • Testosterone & DHT: Higher levels increase sebum production, causing oily skin.
  • Estrogen: Helps counteract testosterone on the sebaceous glands; drops in estrogen can trigger breakouts.
  • SHBG: Low levels mean more "active" testosterone is available to stimulate acne.
• Inflammation: Skin is an external manifestation of gut health. Inflammation from toxins or diet shows up on the face.
• Microflora: Imbalanced skin or gut bacteria can increase breakout frequency.
• Beauty products: Harsh chemicals in commercial products can cause surface-level reactions.

HOW TO INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE CAUSES

• See an ND: Naturopathic doctors investigate root causes through detailed history and clinical testing.
• Testing options: Food sensitivity blood tests (IgG), hormone panels (Bioavailable Testosterone), and GIT investigations (SIBO or stool samples).

POTENTIAL ACNE TREATMENTS

From the Inside: Dietary changes, balancing hormones, and optimizing liver and gut health.

From the Outside: High-quality skincare (Retinol, Vitamin C), Photomodulation, Exfoliating Peels, and AC Dual.

*Never treat active acne with exfoliating methods such as microdermabrasion or with modalities that puncture the skin such as micro-needling.

My approach to acne is unique because although the main goal is to treat the root cause, I also support my patients with external, symptomatic treatment. Working from the inside out & the outside in is the most successful path for lasting results!

**Disclaimer: This is not medical advice and is intended for educational purposes only.

By Dr. Michelle Gaucher