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Electroacupuncture
28 Jan 2020
5 Common Causes of Acne That Have Nothing To Do With Skincare
28 Jan 2020
1 . Eating the wrong foods
Acne is almost always the result of an internal issue, as opposed to a skincare mistake. A typical North American diet that is high in sugar, processed foods and inflammatory oils is a common acne culprit. There is truth to the old saying that “eating badly leads to bad skin”. While some foods can directly cause acne, others can change the internal environment of the body in a way that allows acne to flourish. Blood sugar dysregulation commonly develops alongside a poor diet and can lead to acne by increasing inflammation in the body, overburdening our organs of detoxification and increasing levels of acne-causing hormones.
2. Not having a stress management plan
We’ve all heard it before, but the sad truth is that stress is a huge acne trigger! Exposure to chronic stress over time increases levels of our stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol has a significant impact on our gut health, inflammation levels, and hormones, which can lead to acne development down the line. This is why having a consistent stress management routine is essential for clear skin!
3. Poor digestion and gut health
Most people don’t think of their digestive system when considering possible causes of their acne. However, there is a very strong gut-skin connection, and the majority of acne-sufferers also have some kind of digestive disturbance. Everything from heartburn, constipation and bloating could be triggering your acne. These are all symptoms of poor gut health, and are signs of possible issues with gut microflora composition, intestinal motility, digestion and absorption. A healthy digestive system is the cornerstone of clear skin, which is why optimizing gut health is crucial for finally getting rid of your acne.
4. Hormonal imbalance
When the topic of hormonal acne comes up, we typically think of puberty and the wild hormonal ride that accompanies this aging milestone. However, hormonal acne is increasingly affecting adults long after their teenage years are over. Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of acne and can lead to the most dreaded acne type of all: cystic acne. Oftentimes this is due to an increase in male hormones, such as testosterone. Other times it can be due to elevated levels of the adrenal hormone DHEA, which is released during periods of stress and is converted to testosterone down the road. Finally, sometimes acne can be caused by an imbalance between the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Hormone testing allows us to get to the bottom of any suspected hormonal imbalances and tackle acne from the inside out.
5. Using acne-triggering household products
You might be surprised to hear that common household products such as your laundry detergent or dryer sheets could be causing your acne. Some products can trigger acne directly when they come into contact with your skin, while others can lead to hormonal imbalances over time, leading to the development of hormonal acne. Taking an inventory of your household products and finding acne-safe replacements can do wonders for clearing stubborn breakouts.
Are you wanting to learn more about finding the cause and ideal treatment for your acne? Feel free to book a complimentary meet and greet appointment with me so that we can discuss the kinds of diagnostic tools and therapies that I have to offer.
In health,
