Our Perth natural medicine clinic specialises in natural acne treatments. We treat the underlying cause of acne and resolve the root cause. Many of our natural acne treatments focus on the gut, methylation, detoxification and hormone clearance and balance. read on for more about how we treat acne.

Acne vulgaris is characterised by increased sebum production and keratinocyte formation, with inflammation and infection of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin causing papules, pustules and comedones.

Acne affects those areas containing the largest sebaceous glands, including the nose, central forehead, medial cheeks, middle chin, back and trunk.

It can affect people of all ages, but is most common during adolescence (affecting approximately 20% of adolescents and young adults).

Symptoms usually diminish after adolescence and have gone by age 30. Acne is most prevalent in Western societies.

Causes of Acne

The primary cause of acne vulgaris is thought to be high circulating androgens which stimulate sebaceous gland activity leading to excess sebum and keratin production in the sebaceous glands.

Increased sebum and keratin leads to blockage of pores, leading to inflammation and overgrowth of bacteria (in particular Propionibacterium acnes).

The increase in testosterone may be related to an increase in 5-alpha-reductase which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form of testosterone.

Contributing factors that cause acne:

Gut bacteria / microbiome imbalance / leaky gut
Methylation – without this functioning correctly our ability to detox and clear hormones is greatly impaired
Fluctuating hormones in adolescence, pre-menstruation or pregnancy
High glycaemic load diet: stimulates release of insulin leading to increased testosterone, sebum and keratin production; also increases acne-related bacteria and suppresses immune function
Diet high in trans fats, refined vegetable oils, junk foods etc: increase inflammatory markers, contributing to skin inflammation
Dairy intake: associated with an increased incidence of acne, possibly due to hormonal content
Obesity and insulin resistance: associated with elevated 5-alpha-reductase
Accumulation of dead skin cells (need regular cleansing)
Use of greasy skin or hair products containing animal or vegetable fats
Stress: exacerbates androgen/estrogen imbalance, suppresses immune response and increases inflammatory response
Allergy to bacteria in skin
Reactions to foods or medications (including anabolic steroids) – Oral contraceptives are common contributors, especially those high in progesterone along with the Mirena IUD
Smoking
Exposure to dioxins
Exposure to heat and humidity
PCOS

Signs & Symptoms of Acne

Characterised by whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, nodules, cysts, red inflamed areas
Chin (also back and face): hormonal
Neck: lymphatic congestion
Widespread: poor elimination

Differential diagnosis

Acne rosacea

NATURAL TREATMENT STRATEGY FOR ACNE

Address underlying gut issues and improve digestion / gastric function
Ensure methylation is optimised
Reduce serum androgen levels
Reduce sebum production and sebocyte proliferation
Regulate blood sugars and improve insulin sensitivity
Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and promote tissue repair
Support immune function and reduce bacterial proliferation
Support channels of elimination
Manage HPA Axis response
Treat symptoms topically

Dietary plan guidelines for Acne

Low glycaemic load diet: avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates improves insulin sensitivity, lowers free testosterone levels and reduces acne lesions.
High fibre diet: improves bowel eliminations, supports healthy gut flora, stabilises blood sugar levels and increases SHBG (thus decreasing free androgens)
Include zinc-rich foods: inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, thus reducing DHT levels; also supports immunity and promotes tissue repair
Avoid/reduce dairy foods: can be associated with acne due to hormone content

Acne Supplements – Natural Acne Treatments

Zinc: inhibits conversion of testosterone to DHT: promotes skin repair; prevents scarring; supports immunity
Omega-3 fatty acids : anti-inflammatory; decreases androgen activity
Vitamin A & Vitamin E: tissue repair, antioxidant, decreases sebum and keratin, reduces scarring
Chromium: balances blood sugars
Vitamin D: boosts skin immunity; anti-microbial to skin
Selenium: antioxidant, detoxifier, immune system modulation
B6: assists with premenstrual acne and the clearance of hormones
Pantothenic acid: short term high doses have shown to decrease acne; important in fat metabolism
Probiotics: immune support, especially if patient has been on antibiotics

Herbal treatments to consider for Acne

Herbs to decrease serum androgens: saw palmetto, peony/licorice combination (in PCOS)
Premenstrual acne: chaste tree
Anti-inflammatory: licorice, turmeric, Oregon grape, calendula, sarsaparilla, Echinacea
Antioxidant: turmeric, schisandra, rosemary, green tea
Immune stimulants: echinacea, andrographis, baptisia
Liver Support: dandelion, yellow dock, barberry, celandine
HPA Axis support: rhodiola, panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, withania, licorice

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE – NATURAL TREATMENT OF ACNE

The above are some basic lifestyle adjustments that can contribute to the improvement of Acne. A comprehensive assessment of all body systems including the gut, hormone pathways, methylation and detoxification systems is required to identify and address underlying causative factors.

Treating the body as a whole with a functional medicine approach allows the condition to be resolved completely rather than treating symptoms with drugs such as Accutane that cause potentially nasty side effects.

At Perth clinic of Functional medicine we successfully treat many cases of adolescent and adult acne, patients predominantly have underlying issues either gut, detoxification, hormone or diet and lifestyle related that are driving the condition.

Addressing the Gut-Hormone axis, supporting detoxification pathways and modifying diet and lifestyle measures if required is the key to resolve.

If you are suffering from acne or have a story regarding treatment we would love to hear from you, please write a comment below.

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Natural Acne Treatments