Why Do Some People Get Acne? The Underlying Cause and How to Treat It

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is typically characterised by red pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. While many of us go through times of acne during our teenage years, some people experience it well into adulthood. So, what causes acne? And how can you treat it? In this blog post, we will explore the underlying cause of acne and the various treatment options available.

Genetics: One of the primary reasons some people get acne is due to genetics. If you have parents who suffered from acne, you may also be predisposed to getting it. Genetics can increase sebum production, making your skin more prone to breakouts.

Hormones: Hormonal imbalances are another common cause of acne. During puberty, the body produces an excess of androgen hormones, which in turn stimulate sebum production. This excess oil production can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations/ imbalances during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy can also cause acne. Make sure you rule out hormonal conditions that could be driving your acne like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). 

Stress: Whether it’s school, work, or personal problems, stress causes hormones like cortisol to surge in the body. Cortisol can trigger the release of androgens and inflammation which can lead to acne breakouts. Additionally, stress can interfere with your sleep, diet, and skincare habits, all of which can contribute to acne. 

Gut Imbalance: An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to inflammation, poor immunity and in turn skin conditions like acne. It’s important to fuel our bodies with fibre rich foods, pre and probiotics and a diverse variety of wholefoods to support the health of our gut to support healthy skin. 

Digestive issues: If you’re experiencing issues with your digestion like irregular bowel motions, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, headaches or bloating, this can indicate that your body is not processing waste properly. The skin is an organ of elimination, so if the body is not eliminating waste as well as it should, it can show on the skin in the form of acne. Make sure you’re drinking at least 1.5 L of filtered water a day, getting bitters in your diet like dark leafy greens and lemon and apple cider vinegar in warm water to support your digestive system. You can try incorporating our Digestive tea blend, which has been crafted to help support your digestive system.

Diet: As acne is an inflammatory, immune condition it is important to avoid reactive, inflammatory foods such as sugar, processed foods, and dairy. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, and omega-3 can help reduce inflammation and improve overall skin health.

Treatment options: There are many underlying causes of acne which is why it's always important to have a 1:1 consultation with a Naturopath to individualise treatment for you. Supporting your digestion and gut health, managing stress, balancing hormones and consuming a balanced diet are all important areas to be supported when managing acne. No amount of topical cream or medication is going to effectively treat acne until you get to your underlying cause. With patience and persistence, you can achieve clear, healthy skin.