3 Reasons You May Be Experiencing Adult Acne

29 Sep 2021

I am seeing so many adult women come into my practice with adult acne. They may be experiencing a flare up, or new onset of adult acne that they have never experienced before. I hear about the long lists of topical treatments they have tried without lasting success and the frustration this has caused. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I see the skin as a reflection of what is occurring inside of the body. When we experience changes on the outside, it is a cue to look deeper and restore health from the inside out. Together, let’s dig a little bit deeper to support and optimize your skin health. Here are 3 reasons you may be experiencing adult acne.

3 Reasons you may be experiencing adult acne

Hormones

The idea that hormones can directly affect acne is not news to anyone. In many cases women are offered an oral contraceptive pill as their main option to treat hormonal acne. This can be a wonderful and effective option in managing symptoms for many women. However, the oral contraceptive pill may not fit the goals of everyone, and will only help with symptom management rather than treating the root cause of the issue.

Often there is an underlying reason for hormonal acne such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome that can be missed or overlooked. Understanding your hormones, and taking an individualized approach through diet, lifestyle, and the right nutraceuticals is an incredibly affective way to treat acne related to PCOS and other hormonal concerns. 

Stress

There is no denying it, stress impacts all of us and can be hard to manage and navigate at times. Stress affects so many of our body systems and the skin is no exception. Stress hormones can affect blood sugar balance, inflammation, and affect the immune system. These physiologic changes caused by high stress can create a perfect environment for acne to thrive. Nourishing and supporting our stress hormones should be at the forefront of any well rounded treatment for acne.  

Digestive Health

What we eat, the organisms that live in our microbiome and the way our body eliminates waste directly affects our skin health.  Are you feeling bloated, gassy or have difficulty with your bowel movements? Although incredibly common, these symptoms are not normal. The skin – gut connection should never be overlooked. Food sensitivities, dysbiosis, intestinal permeability, and our organs of elimination all have to be functioning optimally in order to support healthy skin. 

Conclusion

Adult acne is a common complaint I hear from women in my practice. It can be annoying and uncomfortable. It can also be a big sign that something else is going on inside. If you are looking for the root cause and a personalized approach to achieving healthy glowing skin, I am here to support you! 

Book a 15 minute meet and greet with me at Natural Choice Medical Clinic in Guelph to see how I can help!

Dr. Daniela Jesin

Naturopathic doctor