ACNE Root Causes
A Functional & Naturopathic Medicine Approach
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, affecting nearly 85% of adolescents and a growing number of adults. While conventional treatment often focuses solely on topical solutions, functional and naturopathic medicine digs deeper to uncover the root causes of acne. By addressing underlying imbalances in the gut, liver, and hormones, and combining this with supportive topical care, we can create a holistic and sustainable healing plan.
Root Causes of Acne
1. Gut Imbalances (Dysbiosis & Leaky Gut)
The gut-skin axis plays a crucial role in acne development. An imbalance in the microbiome, often from poor diet, antibiotics, or stress, can lead to systemic inflammation and worsen breakouts.
Functional Medicine Approach: Focus on probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and removing inflammatory foods (dairy, refined sugar, seed oils).
2. Liver Detoxification Overload
The liver is responsible for filtering toxins and metabolizing hormones. When overloaded by environmental toxins, alcohol, medications, or poor diet, the liver may struggle to clear out excess hormones and toxins, which can manifest as acne.
Naturopathic Support: Milk thistle, dandelion root tea, castor oil packs, and a nutrient-dense anti-inflammatory diet support liver detox pathways.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Androgens (like testosterone and DHT) increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and bacterial overgrowth. Women often see acne flare-ups during PMS, PCOS, or perimenopause due to estrogen-progesterone imbalances.
Functional Medicine Approach: Balance blood sugar (stable glucose and insulin levels reduce androgen spikes), support adrenal health, and consider botanicals like Vitex (chaste tree) for cycle support.
Foods That Can Trigger Acne
What we eat directly affects gut health, hormones, and inflammation. Certain foods are strongly associated with acne flare-ups:
Refined sugar & high glycemic foods: Cause blood sugar spikes → increase insulin → trigger androgens and excess sebum.
Dairy products: Especially skim milk, which may increase IGF-1, a growth factor linked to acne severity.
Fried & fast foods: High in trans fats and refined oils (like soybean and canola) that promote systemic inflammation.
Alcohol: Stresses the liver and raises inflammation, impairing detox pathways.
Processed foods & snacks: Preservatives, additives, and emulsifiers disrupt the gut microbiome.
By reducing these foods and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory meals, many people notice significant improvements in their skin.
Healing Acne: Inside-Out
Nutrition & Lifestyle
Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet: Whole foods, omega-3s, leafy greens, zinc-rich foods, and antioxidants.
Hydration: Adequate filtered water (consider Sans, AquaTru, or Berkey) to support detoxification.
Stress Management: Meditation, yoga, and quality sleep regulate cortisol, which directly influences skin health.
Targeted Functional Medicine Support
Probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) for gut balance.
Omega-3 supplements to reduce inflammation.
Zinc & Vitamin A for skin barrier health and oil regulation.
Topical Solutions: Supporting the Skin Externally
While healing acne requires addressing internal root causes, topical treatments can reduce inflammation, bacterial load, and clogged pores:
Avoid toxic skin care products. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database here.
Skincare brands I use and love:
CLEARstem: Combines anti-acne and anti-aging ingredients without pore-clogging toxins.Use the code: THENOURISHINGPLATE for 15% off at checkout
Krave Beauty - Gentle, barrier-supporting formulas with antioxidants for sensitive, acne-prone skin. I LOVE their cleanser:
Sulfur Treatments: Reduce oiliness and bacteria while calming inflammation.
Final Thoughts
Acne is not just a skin-deep condition, it’s a message from the body pointing to deeper imbalances in the gut, liver, and hormones. By combining functional medicine strategies (diet, gut healing, hormone balance) with naturopathic support (herbs, detox pathways), alongside clean topical care, we can restore skin health from the inside out.
Healing takes time and consistency, but with the right approach, clear skin becomes a reflection of true inner balance.
Reference Guide
Bowe, W. P., & Logan, A. C. (2011). Gut Pathogens, 3(1), 1.
Yadav, V. R., et al. (2016). Pharmacological Research, 106, 79–86.
Arowojolu, A. O., et al. (2012). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012(7).
Burris, J., Rietkerk, W., & Woolf, K. (2017). Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(2), 276–289.
Jung, J. Y., et al. (2014). Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 134(2), 301–308.
Zaenglein, A. L., et al. (2016). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945–973.
Before starting any new supplements, talk to your healthcare provider.
