Acne
Understanding Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns around the world. While it mostly affects teenagers and young adults, it can occur at any age. Many experts believe acne has become more common with changes in diet and lifestyle over recent decades.
Acne is an inflammatory condition that shows up on areas of the skin with oil glands, including the face, chest, and back.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops from a combination of factors. The main drivers are hormonal changes and diet, which influence four key processes:
Excess oil production – Overactive oil glands create a greasy environment that can block pores.
Inflammation – Inflammation makes acne worse and slows skin healing.
Bacterial imbalance – Certain bacteria on the skin can multiply in blocked pores, triggering immune reactions.
Overproduction of skin cells – Too many keratin cells can block pores, preventing old skin from shedding and causing congestion.
The Role of Hormones and Metabolism
Hormones like testosterone and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) can increase oil production and inflammation. IGF-1 also activates a pathway called mTOR, which stimulates oil production, keratin formation, and inflammatory responses—essentially fuelling acne.
Overactive mTOR is not just linked to acne—it can also affect metabolism and contribute to conditions like insulin resistance or chronic inflammation.
The good news? Diet and lifestyle choices influence these pathways, which means you can actively support clearer skin.
How Diet Affects Acne
Certain foods can trigger the pathways that worsen acne:
Sugary foods and refined carbs can spike insulin, which increases IGF-1 and promotes oil production.
Dairy products can act similarly: the proteins in milk (like casein) and naturally high insulin response can raise IGF-1 levels, which may increase androgen hormones and drive acne.
Some people are also sensitive to specific dairy proteins, which can irritate the gut and increase inflammation.
The Gut-Skin Connection
Your gut health plays a major role in acne:
A “leaky gut” allows toxins and by-products to enter the bloodstream, which can trigger skin inflammation.
Your skin also has its own microbiome. An imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria can impair your immune response and worsen acne.
Research shows that people with acne often have less diversity in their gut bacteria, which can affect inflammation and hormone regulation.
Detoxification and Skin Health
Your body’s ability to remove waste also impacts skin health:
Liver function helps process hormones and toxins.
Lymphatic circulation removes waste from tissues; movement, massage, and skin brushing help keep it flowing.
Gut elimination is key for removing excess hormones like estrogen through stool.
Acne and Hormonal Conditions
Hormonal conditions such as PCOS often come with high androgens and insulin resistance, which can make acne more likely. With the right diet, lifestyle, and targeted support, these hormonal imbalances can be managed, reducing acne over time.
Key Takeaway
Acne is complex, with many factors contributing to its development. By taking a holistic approach—supporting hormones, gut health, detox pathways, and inflammation—you can address the root causes, not just the symptoms, for longer-lasting results.
References:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-020-00542-y
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6678709/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8826298/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1610-0387.2009.07019.x
