The 3 Most Common Causes of Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that affect people of all ages and backgrounds. While we often think of acne as something that only teenagers deal with, it can persist well into adulthood.
I am here to tell you that there is almost always a deeper cause as to why your skin is misbehaving. Sure, stress and poor skincare habits can contribute to acne, but there are also underlying factors that might be at play.
In this blog post, we’re going to dive into the three main causes of acne. By understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface, you can take targeted action to get clearer, healthier skin
- Gut driven acne
Your gut health refers to the condition of your gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and colon. The gut microbiome, which is compromised of trillions of bacteria, plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and maintaining overall health.
Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for maintaining healthy skin, as the skin is often considered a reflection of the digestive system. If your gut is not functioning optimally, it can lead to various skin conditions, including acne. Therefore, if you are looking to address the root cause of your acne, it is important to start by examining your gut health!
Gut symptoms
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Leaky gut
- SIBO
- Food intolerance
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
If you have any of these symptoms PLUS acne, your root cause could very well be gut related.
2. Hormonal acne
The menstrual cycle is characterized by fluctuations in hormone levels, including oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Achieving clear, glowing skin requires a delicate balance of these hormones throughout the month. By paying attention to the pattern and timing of your breakouts, you can gain valuable insight into which hormones may need support to address the root cause of your acne.
An example of this is when our skin produces more keratin and sebum in response to the hormone cortisol (our stress hormone). Therefore, leading to redness and inflammation of the skin. This is a sign that our body is struggling to manage stress and needs additional support.
Patterns that could indicate a hormonal element to your acne
- PMS acne – breakouts 7-10 days before menstruation or at a particular point in your menstrual cycle
- Stress-related acne – acne that manifested after a stressful event
- Post-pill acne – acne that develops 3-6 months after withdrawing from hormonal birth control
- PCOS acne – breakouts caused by elevated androgens as part of PCOS
3. Fungal acne
Fungal acne is a type of acne that is caused by an overgrowth of fungi or yeast on the skin. While yeast and bacteria are normally present on our skin, an overgrowth can result in an infection of the skin. Several factors can contribute to this overgrowth, including the use of antibiotics, high blood sugar, and blocked hair follicles.
Symptoms indicating yeast and fungus are driving your acne
- A history of dandruff or itchy scalp
- Tinea versicolour (a patchy discolouration of the chest and back common in summer – google it)
- Athlete’s foot (tinea between the toes, peeling skin, smelly feet, fungal toenail infections etc)
- Yeast infections of the vagina like thrush
- Bloating and digestive issues
- Itchy acne that seems to flare up after exercise
- Acne on the chest, back & shoulders
- Acne that has migrated down your face from your hairline
If you are struggling with acne, consulting with a nutritionist can be a helpful step in addressing the underlying causes and achieving clear, healthy skin. By making dietary changes, providing lifestyle support, and recommending targeted supplementation, a nutritionist can help support your body’s natural balance and achieve the radiant, healthy skin you deserve.
