10 Tips To Treat Acne Naturally

Treating Acne is No Easy Task

What if I told you that the health of your gut affects your outer appearance? It’s true! There is a real thing called the gut-skin axis. This important connection provides a direct line of communication between the millions of microorganisms living in your gut and your skin. That’s why treating your skin externally isn’t the only key in achieving healthy skin and the clear complexion you’re hoping for. We have to go deeper to get to the real root of acne.

“If there’s one thing to know about the human body, it’s this: the human body has a ringmaster. This ringmaster controls your digestion, your immunity, your brain, your weight, your health, and even your happiness. This ringmaster is the gut.” ~ Nancy Mure, PhD

If you’re experiencing inflammation in your skin, you can almost always bet that your gut is also inflamed. Eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and acne all find their roots in your gut microbiome or your gut “colony.” Except in the case of topical skin problems, such as contact dermatitis, angry skin is letting you know that your gut needs some careful attention and TLC.

For example, have you ever suffered from a sudden breakout within a day or two of noticing that your digestive system is grumpy? This happens because the inflammatory response messengers in your gut are talking to your skin, letting your skin know that there’s a problem! The longer this problem is allowed to continue, the more imbalanced your gut will become, and the more complex healing your gut & skin issues may become.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY GUT IS HEALTHY?

If you think of your skin as a window into the health of your gut, you can gain a lot of insight into this inner world that deeply affects your mind, body, and soul. When you have a healthy gut, your body will thank you with a strong immune system, healthy skin, a digestive system that runs smoothly, and even a well-balanced mood. When there’s an imbalance in your gut microbiome, you’ll probably notice a range of health issues ranging from uncomfortable to downright life-altering. If you’re noticing any of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to pay attention and possibly consult your doctor for further investigation:

• Excessive gas and bloating

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

• Acne of any kind, including acne vulgaris and cystic acne

• Rosacea, psoriasis, rashes, and other inflammatory skin conditions

• Frequent headaches

• Regular colds, viruses, and other illnesses

• Low energy levels and fatigue

• Achy joints and muscles

• Mood imbalance or anxiety

• Strong sugar cravings

• Food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances

• Autoimmune disease

If you’re beginning to suspect that you might have an imbalanced gut, don’t worry! Use your newfound knowledge and the tips below to empower yourself towards doing further investigation. Your body was created with the ability to heal itself, and that’s what it wants to do. You’ll be back on the road to health with every right diet and lifestyle choice you make. Severe gut issues can take time and persistence to correct, so be sure to seek support from a trained practitioner who knows how to treat gut dysbiosis properly. 

HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE GUT -ACNE HEALING TIPS:

1. Do not eat dairy – Everybody balks when I cut dairy out of their diets. They simply cannot imagine life without milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. But there is a direct, scientific reason why dairy causes acne and research on the connection. Cows contain a hormone that is very similar in molecular structure to our own IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor) hormone. Sadly, this IGF-1 has receptors on our sebum glands in the skin, and the bovine hormone fits right in the receptor. So this means as soon as you eat dairy, the body is being sent a direct message to increase oil production in the skin. Bad idea for acne sufferers. More research here.

2. Balance your blood sugar – In the early part of the twentieth century, acne was aptly called ‘Diabetes of the Skin’. Subsequent scientific studies have found that acne sufferers are more sensitive to blood sugar imbalances than non-acne sufferers. This means the following: eat three meals a day (and a few snacks if needed), avoid simple carbohydrates, and include protein and healthy fats in each snack and meal. Lots of fresh vegetables and cut way down on added sugars.

3. Support your liver – A properly functioning liver is necessary to detoxify the body and manage hormone levels (which we will discuss soon). Most people that suffer from acne have a sluggish liver, but luckily there are some beautiful herbs that help the liver perform optimally. Milk thistle and dandelion are two of the herbs that are most commonly used, but there are many other herbs and herbal combinations that work beautifully. Check out our cycle balancing teas that contain all the liver supportive herbs for glowing skin.

4. Have regular bowel movements – When the bowels are not moving daily, excess hormones and toxins continue to circulate in the body, often affecting the skin. Regular bowel movements are essential to hormone balance and glowing skin. Look at incorporating 4-6 cups of vegetables and fruits daily into your diet.

5. Improve your Digestion – There is a huge connection between the skin and the gut. In fact, I always start skin healing protocols (for acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, etc.) by taking a look at digestion and what’s is happening there. If you experience bloating, gas, IBS, constipation, or any type of gastric dysfunction (GERD) – it may be time get a thorough evaluation via a GI MAP Stool test. After testing some healing approaches may include eliminating food sensitivities, probiotics, and gut-healing herbs, nervous system support, and more.

6. Relax– The bad news first: studies have shown that acne sufferers are more sensitive to stress. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol contribute to insulin dysregulation and imbalanced blood sugar, which leads directly to acne (remember that acne has been called ‘Diabetes of the Skin’). In addition, when exposed to stress acne sufferers produce high levels of a neuropeptide called Substance P, which acts directly on the oil glands of the skin to produce more oil, and thus more acne. The good news: all you have to do is relax. Easier said than done, but you can make it fun!

7. Check your hormones – After you have completed steps 1-6 for at least a month, get your hormones checked. Simply following the tips above will help normalize your hormones somewhat, but a little extra help is often needed. I perform either salivary or blood tests on my patients, and prescribe herbs based on the results. Everybody is a little different, and I definitely do not want to mess with the hormones without hormone testing.   After a few months of hormone treatment, the acne should improve. And you will feel better in general. Win-win.

8. Use a Manuka Honey Mask – This is my personal favorite treatment. I smear a little raw manuka honey on my face for 5 minutes after I cleanse both morning and night. Raw honey has anti-bacterial properties against over 60 different types of bacteria – and manuka honey has almost double the anti-bacterial action of regular raw honey due to its high levels of methylglyoxal. In addition, honey is a humectant, which means it absorbs moisture from the air – leaving your skin clear and moist. Simply beautiful.

9. Use a Peel (but not if you are using a retinoid)– Acneic skin often has a reduced ability to naturally exfoliate, which means peels are essential to keep the pores of the skin open and clear (otherwise dead skin cells tend to clog the pores and contribute to the formation of acne). There are many types of peels out there, but I find that using a combination peel of Alpha AND Beta Hydroxy Acids on a weekly basis helps acne tremendously. The alpha hydroxyl acids (sometimes referred to as glycolic acid) help to exfoliate surface cells, while beta hydroxyl acids penetrate the pores to help to clean deeply. You may want to contact your holistic estician if you have concerns or question on this one.

10. Use a Topical Retinoid – The bottom line is that retinols are the only skincare treatment that has been scientifically proven to reduce acne and aging at the same time. And they are also pretty natural (with the exception of synthetic retinoids such as adapalene, tarazotine, and isotretinoin). Retinol is the form of vitamin A found in nature, and it is also the form of retinoid found in most over-the-counter treatments. Retinol is converted into its active form, retinoic acid, in the body. Retinoic acid binds to retinoic acid receptors in the skin and normalizes desquamation (exfoliation) and increases collagen production. When used consistently, retinoids can keep your skin clear, even out skin tone, repair sun damage, and prevent premature aging. This skin-changing factor, along with other exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, make retinoids the gold standard for acne and anti-aging treatments. You may want to contact your holistic estician if you have concerns or question on this one.

IN NEED OF EXTRA SUPPORT?

Have you been dealing with symptoms for so long that you’ve adapted to this being your new normal?

We’re here to tell you that digestive distress is not something you need to live with and that it is possible to address the root cause.

You deserve to feel your best.

You can heal.

If you’re interested in further investigating your gut health with functional testing and a 1:1 personalized approach you can learn about our services & programs here.