Monthly Archives: July 2019

In an increasingly appearance-conscious society, our skin is too often seen as a reflection of our status and value. It is no wonder that those with skin conditions such as acne become increasingly self-conscious and even avoid socialising with friends and family. More than simply a condition of adolescence, acne can have a devastating impact on our self-esteem. Acne is the result of inflamed hair follicles, which occur mainly on the face, back and chest. This inflammation manifests in the form of pimples, blackheads, white heads and cysts. In some cases, acne can lead to permanent scarring.

Why do I have acne?

Acne usually coincides with the start of adolescence and generally lasts about ten years, but it some cases, can continue into adulthood. It is primarily caused by androgen hormones, which are released into the body at the start of puberty. Androgens are present in both males and females but are more predominant in males. These androgens increase the production of oil in the skin glands on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back. Bacteria that naturally occurs on the skin surface digest the oil, and the by-products that result irritate the skin and block pores, ultimately causing blackheads, pimples and cysts.

Lifestyle factors also play a role

There are a number of lifestyle factors that trigger or exacerbate acne:

• Stress – Unfortunately, the added stress of socialising with friends and family can aggravate acne symptoms. This is because there are a multitude of nerve endings connected to the skin which also wrap around the organs. When we become stressed, it is expressed through our skin, similar to how stress manifests through high blood pressure and gastrointestinal symptoms.

• Certain medications – Drugs such as those containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium.

• Diet – Studies indicate that diets with high levels of high glycaemic index (GI) foods – such as white bread, short-grain rice, confectionery and fried foods – may worsen acne. A link has also been found between aggravated symptoms and dairy foods, with the exception of cheese. To maintain a healthy functioning skin, it is important to consume a well-balanced diet and keep active. Water is also an important nutrient as it helps to flush the wastes impurities out of the body.

Conventional treatment methods

When we have acne, the instinctive solution is to apply topical anti-acne creams. While some creams may be effective, they are only a band-aid solution and do not treat the underlying cause of the problem. Some of the stronger creams have also been shown to have harmful side effects.

Doctors commonly treat acne by prescribing antibiotics and retinoids (vitamin-A derived drugs) such as Roaccutane. The problem with antibiotics is that they wipe out the gut microbiome, thereby compromising gut health and exposing the body to other inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Roaccutane, as a derivative of vitamin A, can if not monitored lead to toxicity of the liver. It also has several side effects, including depression with or without suicidal thoughts.

For women with acne, another commonly prescribed treatment is the contraceptive pill. While it is effective at suppressing skin oils and clearing up pimples, it does this by overriding the function of your hormones, switching off your ovaries entirely. This may lead to complications falling pregnant in the future.

An effective alternative

The devastating impact acne can have on our self-confidence means that we are often willing to take or do anything to make the pimples go away. However, it is important not to create more problems by using shortcut solutions that only address the symptoms (pimples etc.) whilst overlooking the underlying causes (hormonal and physiological functions). This is not to say that traditional treatment methods such as anti-acne drugs are ineffective; however, once we stop taking these drugs, the acne often reappears.

Alternative treatment methods such as changes to diet and lifestyle combined with supplementation target the causes of acne by supporting the body’s natural processes. These methods help to bring about a more sustainable solution to the condition. I have seen these positive effects firsthand in treating my own son’s acne.

If you are struggling with the anxiety of acne, get in touch to see how we can help.