Natural Acne Treatment at BionwoRx.

Acne

A functional medicine approach to acne.

Seeking a natural treatment for acne? This page covers:

At BionwoRx, we’ll collaborate with you to uncover the root cause of your acne. Then, we can address the real issue naturally and effectively.

Understanding your skin condition

What is acne?

While the occasional pimple is common, acne is a more severe and persistent form of breakouts that can appear on the face, back, or chest. This type of acne, known as acne vulgaris, typically affects the t-zone with a mix of whiteheads, blackheads, and redness.

Then there’s cystic acne, also called acne conglobata. These large, hard bumps form under the skin and may never come to a head. Cystic breakouts penetrate deep into the skin, are often painful to the touch, and can last for weeks or even months. Cystic acne commonly appears along the jawline, as well as on the chest, neck, back, and shoulders.

Acne

Natural treatment for acne.

Tired of dealing with stubborn acne? Conventional medicine often leaves acne sufferers frustrated, unable to find a lasting solution. But the good news is, we have a deep understanding of acne’s causes – and several natural ways to clear it up without side effects or scarring.

By identifying the root factors behind your acne and addressing them, we can help you get rid of breakouts for good. Our patients are already seeing incredible results they’ve been chasing for years through other approaches. We’re here to help you achieve the clear, confident skin you deserve – naturally and permanently.

Natural Acne Treatment

What causes acne?

Acne can take a real toll on your self-confidence, mental health, and sense of self. When it appears on your face, it’s there for the world to see – at a time when making friends, finding partners, and building your network and career are priorities.

Unfortunately, there’s a real stigma around acne. Many assume that if you have it, you’re not clean and don’t take care of yourself. But that’s often not the case. Plenty of people with chronic acne eat healthy diets and wash their faces regularly. We’ll explain more later about why those factors may not solve the issue.

Teenage and adult acne.

For more than half of teenagers, acne clears up naturally as they near the end of high school. However, some people continue to struggle with acne well into their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s. In fact, the largest age group dealing with acne is women between 20 and 35, with up to 50% experiencing some degree of the condition.

Acne in adults tends to be more cystic in nature, and often appears on the lower half of the face, including the cheeks, jaw, chin, and sometimes the neck, chest, and back. This is in contrast to the T-zone (forehead, nose, mouth) breakouts more common during the teenage years.

While most teenagers can look forward to their acne clearing up, those dealing with adult-onset or persistent acne often find the situation much more frustrating. Without the promise of a light at the end of the tunnel, the condition can be more stressful, which can actually make the acne worse. Staying positive and working closely with a dermatologist are key for managing adult acne.

The main cause of acne.

In conventional medicine, hormonal imbalance is often identified as a key cause of acne. However, the critical question of why this imbalance is occurring, and what can be done to restore balance, is rarely asked. In contrast, the functional medicine approach to acne starts by asking a fundamental question: “Why? What’s causing or driving the expression of acne in this person?”

Understanding the root cause of a hormonal imbalance is the key to solving a chronic health issue like acne. By getting clarity on the “why,” the best course of action to restore hormonal balance and resolve acne can be determined.

First, we need to prioritize identifying which hormone or hormones are out of balance, and then determine why they’re out of balance.

Estrogen dominance.

Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels are excessively high compared to progesterone. These two hormones work like a seesaw, moving up and down throughout the body’s hormonal cycle. A delicate balance between them is crucial for maintaining good health.

Estrogen dominance can happen in a few ways: you may have normal estrogen but low progesterone, or high estrogen and normal progesterone. This disruption in the estrogen-progesterone balance can have far-reaching effects, including acne.

Some common causes of estrogen dominance include:

Key signs of estrogen dominance include:

  • Mood swings
  • PMS
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Weight gain
  • Bloating

Women with acne may notice their breakouts worsen or improve around their menstrual cycle, depending on their hormonal fluctuations.

Androgen excess.

Excess androgens, or male hormones, can cause a range of issues. Excess testosterone increases the production of sebum (oil) in the skin, and overproduction of keratin – a protein in skin cells – that can clog pores. This androgen excess is often linked to:

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • A genetic mutation that boosts the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into a more potent form
  • Stress, which causes the adrenal glands to secrete more androgens

Some key signs of excess testosterone include:

  • Dark, thick hair growth on the face, neck, chest, and abdomen
  • Irregular periods
  • Acne
  • An “apple” body shape with a higher waist circumference

By addressing the root causes of androgen excess, you can help manage these unwanted symptoms and restore hormonal balance.

Can your diet really lead to breakouts?

You’re probably wondering, “Why do I still have acne when I eat a healthy diet, while my friends who eat junk food and drink alcohol don’t seem to have any issues?” It’s a common misconception that junk food and high-sugar diets are the sole cause of acne.

While it’s true that a high-carbohydrate diet can increase the conversion of testosterone to its more potent form (DHT), which contributes to acne, even people with healthy eating habits can still struggle with breakouts. This shows that diet plays a smaller role in acne than is often believed.

In reality, diet is more commonly a contributing factor rather than the sole cause of acne. Some individuals may be particularly sensitive to changes in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which can be elevated in high-glycemic index (high-sugar) diets or diets containing dairy products. When IGF-1 binds to receptors in the skin’s sebaceous glands, it can stimulate excess sebum production, leading to acne.

Many of our patients have tried cutting out dairy and following a low-glycemic diet, hoping it will clear up their acne. While these dietary changes can certainly help, they rarely solve the problem entirely. That’s why most people who try this approach end up disappointed.

Another diet-related factor that can influence acne is food sensitivities. When the body has an immune response to certain foods, it can worsen existing acne, though it’s unlikely to be the primary cause.

So, don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re eating well and still dealing with breakouts. The relationship between diet and acne is complex, and there are often other underlying factors at play.

Detoxification plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin..

Your body has sophisticated detoxification pathways that involve your liver, gallbladder, kidneys, urinary tract, bowels, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin. Each of these organs plays a critical role in keeping your hormones balanced.

Hormonal imbalances can arise when these detoxification systems are suboptimal:

When taking a functional medicine approach, it’s essential to look at all the detoxification systems, not just the skin. Pinpointing which pathways are underperforming will determine the appropriate treatment, whether that’s supporting digestion to eliminate constipation, providing herbs and nutrients to assist the liver, or ensuring proper hydration.

The acne and stress connection.

Acne can be a stressful situation for most people. Unfortunately, this stress can actually make acne worse or even cause it in the first place. When we’re stressed, our bodies speed up certain processes, including increased oil production in the skin’s glands. This excess sebum leads to more breakouts.

The skin is a hormonal organ, and research suggests that stress can influence how certain hormones like testosterone behave locally in the skin. Stress plays a significant role in the body’s systems, and this extends to the specific processes that contribute to acne formation.

Prolonged stress can even disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Stress causes the adrenal glands to produce more testosterone, activates testosterone receptors in the skin, and can throw off the menstrual cycle.

Stress triggers a rise in cortisol, which is a normal short-term response. However, chronic stress keeps cortisol levels consistently high. This can come at the expense of progesterone production, leading to an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. So stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances that worsen acne.

The key takeaway is that stress and acne are deeply connected. When we’re stressed, our bodies react in ways that exacerbate acne, from increased oil production to hormonal disruptions. Managing stress is an important part of keeping acne under control.

The acne and gut connection.

Beyond constipation, other gut-related factors can contribute to acne production. That’s because the skin is connected to the digestive system through the immune system. The gut-immune-skin axis can be influenced by:

  • An imbalance in intestinal gut flora (called ‘dysbiosis‘) from exposure to antibiotics, toxins, or other stressors that reduce beneficial gut and skin flora.
  • Immune cells from the large intestine traveling to the skin when it’s exposed to an allergen. Once in the skin, these immune cells cause inflammation that can impair the skin’s integrity, allowing bacteria to enter and spread.
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) – a condition where large intestine bacteria take up residence in the small intestine. Symptoms include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, skin issues, food sensitivities, fatigue, and depression.
  • Intestinal hyperpermeability, also known as leaky gut, resulting in food sensitivities. Proteins from foods can enter the bloodstream, causing an immune response and systemic inflammation, including increased skin inflammation. Low stomach acid, where proteins aren’t broken down effectively, is often present as well. In fact, up to 40% of acne sufferers have been shown to have low stomach acid levels.

By addressing these gut-related factors, you can help improve acne and support overall skin health.

Natural vs conventional acne treatments.

Conventional acne treatments.

The most common conventional acne treatments are effective to varying degrees, but they also have some downsides.

The first strategy most people try is using a skincare product targeted for acne-prone skin, often recommended by a beautician or through word-of-mouth.

They may also visit a beautician for treatments like chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser therapy, light therapy, or extraction facials. These can be useful for managing acne, but they don’t work for everyone, likely because they don’t address the underlying causes.

If topical treatments don’t solve their acne, people will typically see their doctor or get a referral to a dermatologist.

Doctor’s have three main approaches for eliminating acne:

  • The oral contraceptive pill
  • Accutane (isotretinoin)
  • Antibiotics

While these treatments can be effective, their results often aren’t long-lasting, and they carry the risk of side effects.

Oral contraceptive pill.

The birth control pill is not an effective acne treatment for men. It is commonly prescribed to women because their acne often coincides with hormonal changes like irregular periods or heavy menstrual bleeding. The pill works by masking a woman’s natural hormonal environment, which can be the underlying cause of her acne.

While the pill may temporarily clear up a woman’s acne, it doesn’t actually solve the problem. Once she stops taking the pill, the acne is likely to return. We often see patients who have been on the pill for years, even since their teenage years, just to control their acne. Now, as they want to get pregnant, they’re concerned about their acne coming back and the impact it will have on their self-esteem and mental health.

It’s a catch-22 situation – they want to stop taking the pill to get pregnant, but they don’t want their acne to flare up again. The pill simply postpones the acne, rather than treating the underlying hormonal imbalance. And of course, the pill can also have side effects like mood changes and weight gain that women want to avoid.

In summary, the birth control pill is not a long-term solution for acne, especially for men. While it may provide temporary relief for some women, it doesn’t address the root cause of their skin issues.

Accutane.

Accutane is a synthetic derivative of the nutrient vitamin A. This drug works in about 50% of cases, but it doesn’t always provide long-term results for that 50%.

Acne forms when oil builds up in the sebaceous glands, along with an abnormal, rapid shedding of skin cells that block the glands. Bacteria on the skin then multiply, leading to a pus-filled lesion – a pimple.

Accutane works by significantly reducing sebum/oil production and the overproduction of keratin, preventing pimples from forming. However, one of its well-known side effects is liver damage, which is why patients must get liver function tests when their doctor prescribes it.

Additionally, Accutane is a teratogenic drug, meaning it can harm unborn babies. So women taking it are encouraged to use birth control to avoid pregnancy. Given the potential for fetal harm, this drug should be used with extreme caution.

While taking Accutane, many people experience drying effects like dry mouth, nasal passages, cracked lips, and increased sun sensitivity. These side effects can be just as frustrating as the acne itself, causing some patients to feel depressed or even have suicidal thoughts.

Accutane is often touted as an acne solution, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. Many people require multiple courses of the drug, and their acne still keeps coming back. This raises questions about the long-term safety of repeatedly taking such a powerful medication.

Overall, Accutane can be an effective treatment, but it comes with significant risks and side effects that patients should carefully consider with their doctor.

Antibiotics.

Doctors often prescribe antibiotics for acne treatment, typically for 6-12 months. The goal is to target the bacterial strain, Propionibacterium acnes (Corynebacterium acnes), which has been identified as the microbe responsible for the inflammation in acne. The idea is that by eliminating the environment where this bacteria can thrive, the acne formation process will be halted.

However, this approach only addresses one part of the problem – the inflammatory microbe. As mentioned earlier, there are other factors that contribute to acne. That’s why many people find that their acne returns once they stop taking antibiotics. Another downside to this treatment is that antibiotics don’t just target the specific acne-causing bacteria – they impact the entire microbiome.

What is the microbiome, and why is it so important?

Your microbiome is a unique collection of microbes that live on your skin and in your body. These microbes influence your digestive health, immune health, brain health, skin health, and more. Just like your genetics, your microbiome is unique to you. However, disrupting your microbiome by using antibiotics can have long-term consequences for your health. With chronic antibiotic use, your microbiome may never fully recover to its natural state.

The Propionibacterium acnes bacterium, which is often blamed for causing acne, is just one part of the diverse microbial flora on our skin. Many other strains of bacteria also live on the skin. Emerging research shows that disrupting the balance of this skin flora is implicated in the progression of various skin diseases, including acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Interestingly, many of these skin bacteria are now identified as helping to promote skin health.

Wiping out bacteria is like clear-cutting a forest – it changes the entire environment. This can make it challenging to reinoculate the skin with the right balance of bacteria, which may negatively affect the long-term health and integrity of your skin.

Therefore, antibiotic treatment is not an ideal solution. This brings us to the next strategy, which may also not be the best idea – and our advice may seem counterintuitive – cleansing.

Cleansing your skin won’t actually clear up acne – in fact, it could even make things worse.

You’ve probably seen the ads for antibacterial cleaning products, such as Clearasil, which contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. The idea behind these products is that the more you clean your skin, the clearer it will be, as you’re removing all the ‘nasty’, ‘dirty’ bacteria. However, when it comes to treating acne, this approach can actually make the situation worse.

This is partly because of the skin’s microbiome – the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria on the surface. By over-cleansing, you’re not just removing the ‘bad’ bacteria, but also the beneficial ones that can help improve your skin. Disrupting this natural microbiome can lead to more problems.

Therefore, treating acne with antibacterial products, both topically and internally, may be a flawed approach. You’re continually killing off bacteria that could be helping, which ends up disrupting the entire skin ecosystem.

Another reason people with acne tend to over-cleanse is their concern about oil production. Many acne cleansers are quite drying, which can be effective at reducing oil. However, this also removes the skin’s protective top layer of oil, compromising the skin’s integrity.

When the skin’s integrity is compromised, it becomes more vulnerable to bacteria getting in, which can cause increased inflammation and irritation – factors that can actually make acne worse, especially for pimples that have already erupted.

The best approach is to treat acne gently. Stick to a gentle cream-based cleanser, soothing toners like rosewater, and moisturizing products. This helps improve the skin’s integrity, reduce irritation and inflammation, and ultimately, improve the overall appearance of acne-prone skin.

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Testing for the cause of acne.

Hormone Testing.

The first step most people take is to get their reproductive hormones tested by their doctor. The essential hormones to test are estrogen, progesterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and testosterone – even for women. However, while this test can be helpful, there are two important limitations:

  1. Timing of the test isn’t considered
    Doctors often don’t check where a female is in her menstrual cycle. But hormone levels can vary significantly depending on the cycle stage. Ideally, it’s best to test a woman’s hormones on days 19-21 of a typical 28-day cycle, day 18 for shorter cycles, or day 23 for longer cycles. This ensures the results reflect the most relevant hormone patterns.
  2. It only shows total hormone amounts.The standard blood test measures the overall levels of hormones. But it doesn’t reveal what’s happening when those hormones get broken down by the liver and excreted.

At BionwoRx, we use a more comprehensive test that provides greater insight. This test shows not just the total hormone amounts, but also the metabolites (breakdown products). By looking at the balance between hormones and their metabolites, we can get a clearer picture of how your hormones are actually functioning. For example, we can see if testosterone is being converted into a more potent form, which can contribute to issues like acne or excessive hair growth.

Food sensitivities.

If you’re dealing with acne, testing for food sensitivities can help identify whether certain foods are causing problems. Alternatively, you can try an elimination diet to pinpoint any troublesome foods.

Gut health analysis.

If your digestive system may have imbalances, we can use tests to determine the state of your gut health. For instance, a comprehensive stool test can identify dysbiosis or intestinal permeability, while a breath test can reveal if you have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

Functional medicine approach for treating acne – the role of nutrition.

We’ve gained a clearer understanding of the key drivers of acne, as well as the conventional methods and tests used to identify underlying factors. Now, let’s shift gears and explore how to turn things around, starting with a focus on improving the skin’s integrity.

Accelerate your skin’s healing with these key nutrients (and prevent scarring).

Anyone with a chronic skin condition needs to produce more skin cells than someone with healthy skin because their skin is constantly repairing damaged tissue. To speed up this healing process and reduce localized inflammation, it’s essential to provide the skin with the right nutrients.

While diet can help, the increased demand for skin-healing nutrients is often not fully met through diet alone. Providing the skin with key vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids like vitamin A, zinc, and DHA can be very helpful for accelerating healing and restoring skin integrity.

This gives us a clearer understanding of the root causes and factors that drive acne, as well as the conventional approach and tests that can identify the underlying issues. Now let’s explore how to turn things around, starting with a focus on improving the skin’s overall health and strength.

Vitamin A can help reduce excess sebum and keratin production. Zinc aids in skin healing, tissue regeneration, and strengthening the immune system to protect against bacterial infection. Zinc can also reduce the conversion of testosterone to DHR, thereby lowering sebum and keratin levels.

Additionally, the essential fatty acid DHA may help reduce insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in the skin, halting the overproduction of keratin that leads to pimple formation.

Of course, a major concern for those with acne is scarring. We’ll dive into that next.

Pitted scarring.

Picking at pimples can cause permanent pitted scarring that damages the skin’s surface and structure, giving it an uneven, dimpled appearance.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the discoloration that can occur after a skin injury or inflammation, such as a pimple. Depending on your skin tone, the scarring can appear red, purple, or even black. This type of scarring often results from picking at pimples, though it can also occur when the skin doesn’t have enough time to fully heal. Even after the original blemish is gone, the discoloration can linger for 2-3 months as it resolves.

Fortunately, there are some nutrients, herbs, and other compounds that can help speed up the healing process and reduce hyperpigmentation. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like licorice, niacinamide, and hydroquinone are often used topically. Hydroquinone in particular is a common skin-lightening agent that can help diminish redness.

Of course, the best approach is to avoid picking at pimples in the first place, as difficult as that may be. Extraction facials performed by a professional can be a better alternative, as they use the proper equipment and techniques to extract blemishes without causing further damage.

Once your acne has fully cleared (and you’re not using photosensitizing treatments like Accutane or high-dose Vitamin A), laser treatments may also be an option to fade any lingering pigmentation. Gentler laser therapies like Cuetera can stimulate collagen production to accelerate skin healing.

Another emerging technique is microneedling, which uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries that boost collagen synthesis and repair. However, this should only be done on clear, non-active skin, and it’s best to have it performed by a professional to ensure proper sanitation and safety.

The BionwoRx approach.

The functional medicine approach to acne.

As you can see, many factors contribute to acne, and your unique circumstances determine the best course of action. That’s why the functional medicine approach is personalized – it assesses your health history, genetics, diet, and lifestyle to uncover the root cause of your acne. Once identified, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan to address the underlying issue and clear your acne for good.

Our functional medicine practitioner looks at:

  • Your health history, including family health and genetic factors
  • Hormonal production and metabolism
  • Detoxification efficiency (skin, bowels, liver, kidneys, lymphatic)
  • Stress and the endocrine system
  • Digestive system health (microbiome)
  • Immune health and inflammation
  • Dietary factors like insulin sensitivity and food intolerances
  • Nutritional status
  • Supporting skin health from the inside out to accelerate healing

We’ll use functional testing to identify any hormonal imbalances, particularly in estrogen, progesterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and testosterone. Then we’ll take a targeted approach – whether that’s improving an enzyme involved in hormonal metabolism or supporting detoxification pathways.

Unlike the conventional approach that seeks to artificially balance hormones and suppress their production, the functional medicine approach aims to naturally rebalance the hormonal system so it’s no longer driving your acne.

We’ll also consider lifestyle factors like sleep, stress reduction, and exercise, since sleep is essential for healing and sweating is a key way the skin detoxifies.

This comprehensive approach is more likely to significantly improve or resolve your acne, and it helps you understand the root causes so you can prevent future breakouts.

If you’re ready to get rid of acne naturally and get your confidence back, learn more about our functional approach to treating acne.

Banish acne for good with these simple steps you can take right now..

Some steps you can take to start improving your acne:

  • Stop over-cleansing. Instead, use gentle, soothing, and moisturizing skincare treatments. If you can’t quit antibacterials, apply them sparingly with a Q-tip only to problem areas. Opt for a gentle cream-based cleanser, rose water toner, and a good moisturizer.
  • Stay well hydrated. Drink at least 2 liters of water daily. Proper hydration supports your body’s detoxification systems, including bile flow, stool elimination, sweat production, and kidney function. Check your urine color and odor – if it’s dark yellow and strong-smelling, you need to drink more.
  • Get sweaty through exercise. Sweat helps detoxify your skin. Just be mindful that exercise can also increase oil production, so balance is key.
  • Manage stress. Stress hormones can disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone, leading to increased oil production and acne.
  • Get your hormones tested. Work with your doctor or a functional medicine practitioner to assess your hormone levels and identify any imbalances.
  • Seek a holistic assessment. A functional medicine approach can help uncover the root causes of your acne, which are unique to your body, diet, genetics, and lifestyle.

With the right personalized plan, most people see acne improvement within 2-3 months, and resolution within 6 months or more. The key is addressing the underlying factors driving your acne.

FAQs.

How to naturally treat hormonal acne?

To treat hormonal acne naturally, first uncover the root cause of the hormonal imbalance. Determine which body systems need support to resolve the acne. Targeted nutrients like zinc and vitamin A, along with hormone-balancing herbs, dietary changes, and improved sleep can all help address the underlying issue. Consulting a functional medicine practitioner can also be very beneficial in identifying and treating the root cause.

How to treat different types of acne?

The primary driver of all acne is hormonal imbalances. However, other factors like diet, food sensitivities, stress, poor sleep, suboptimal detoxification, and an unbalanced microbiome can also contribute to acne development.

Regardless of the specific type of acne, a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s overall health is crucial to identify their personal contributing factors. This should then inform a customized treatment plan, which is one of the most effective ways to address acne effectively.

What types of foods help acne?

Certain foods can be incredibly beneficial for skin health. Eggs, cod liver oil, and organ meats contain vitamin A, which can help reduce excess oil (sebum) and keratin production. Meats like lamb, chicken, and beef, as well as seeds, provide zinc – a nutrient that accelerates skin healing, tissue regeneration, and strengthens the immune system to ward off bacterial infections. Fatty fish like sardines and wild-caught salmon are rich in DHA, an essential fatty acid abundant in the skin. Supplementing with DHA may even help reduce insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in the skin, preventing the overproduction of keratin and pimple formation.

However, getting enough of these skin-nourishing nutrients from diet alone can be challenging, especially for those dealing with chronic skin issues. That’s because people with ongoing skin problems need to produce more skin cells to constantly repair damaged tissue. Boosting nutrient intake through supplementation can help speed healing and reduce localized inflammation in the skin.

How do you treat severe acne?

To effectively treat severe acne, the first step is to uncover any underlying hormonal imbalances or other contributing factors. This often requires functional testing to identify the root causes. Once the key issues are pinpointed, a targeted treatment plan can be implemented. This may involve nutritional supplementation, dietary changes (addressing food sensitivities), stress management, and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. By taking this comprehensive approach, the most appropriate treatment path can be determined to address the specific drivers of the severe acne.

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