Many of us can still remember that sinking feeling when, as teenagers, we would notice the start of a pimple or an acne breakout. Living with acne at any age is not pleasant and sufferers would do just about anything for a cure.
Until recently acne treatments have been focused on topical skin remedies and long-term oral antibiotics. This strategy does not offer a long-term solution and unfortunately ONLY addresses the symptoms of the problem, hence the acne is likely to recur, because the underlying cause has never been fully addressed.
There are numerous significant medical conditions that are associated with acne, that need to be identified and addressed. Conditions such as low stomach acid, dysbiosis and leaky gut all compromise skin, but more importantly have future health ramifications such as autoimmune disease, food sensitivities, allergies and even cancer if they are not adequately addressed.
In addition, low stomach acid will eventually lead to low levels of Zinc and other important minerals and vitamins which are essential for good, healthy skin.
What are the underlying causes of acne?
- The primary cause of all acne is increased sensitivity to the androgen hormones especially DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) and DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone).
- A person may have the acne gene that could predispose them to its development.
- Low stomach acid is associated with acne, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
- When suffering from low stomach acid and an inflamed gut, vitamins and minerals especially Zinc are not well absorbed. There is a link between acne and poor digestion.
- Internal inflammation increases oil production in the hair follicles and when mixed with bacteria and dead skin cells, can result in inflamed blemishes.
The Gastrointestinal Tract and Acne
Research has shown that acne very often starts in the gut:
- Low stomach acid can lead to a microbial imbalance in the gut, called DYSBIOSIS, which leads to a leaky gut syndrome. This causes increased inflammation in the skin and promotes the formation of acne.
- 70% of our immunity starts in the gut and as a result of our modern lifestyle, the majority of people nowadays suffer from some form of gut imbalance. Restoring harmony in the gastrointestinal tract will improve our overall health and wellbeing as well as improving acne outbreaks.
- Bacterial overgrowth in the gut can lead to leaky gut syndrome and as there are no symptoms to indicate this problem, this can lead to other health problems if not corrected.
- Chronic inflammation of the gut aggravates the problem and the use of probiotics has been shown to reduce this inflammation and acne.
How to restore gut health and reduce acne breakouts
The five ‘R’s’ of gut restoration:
- Remove factors that promote+ bacterial overgrowth and low stomach acid by eliminating grains, sugar and alcohol from the diet. It is also important to remove the bad bacteria that overpopulate the small intestine.
- Replace stomach acid, digestive enzymes and nutrients that aid digestion.
- Re-inoculate beneficial bacteria by taking the correct supplements and probiotics and pre biotics to maintain a healthy gut.
- Restore and heal the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Retain health and proper functioning of the GI tract with a healthy diet, adequate sleep, nutritional support, regular exercise and stress management.
Skin Treatment for Acne
Once treatment has started by combating Acne from the inside and restoring the gut, the related cascade effect combined with in office treatments will ensure best results. These treatments will be much more effective and permanent if the underlying cause is under control.
Damage that has occurred on the skin’s surface due to the acne lesions i.e. acne scarring, roughness, texture and hyperpigmentation can now all be successfully treated and the results sustained with topical treatments such as Chemical peels, Laser Genesis, Dermapen, Titan and Carboxytherapy.
Ask your Skin Renewal doctor about our special discounted acne packages that we have formulated for our acne patients. Our Carboxy Acne Facial package is particularly popular as it includes a Beta Peel combined with Carboxytherapy, Laser Genesis and transdermal mesotherapy. A great package which addresses acne and all the deleterious side effects it has on the skin.