Acne is misunderstood not only because of its complex and multiple causes, but also because of the perpetuation of outdated science. This results in myths about acne and a sense of helplessness for the person who suffers from it. In this article, we will give you new scientific information, so that you can make an informed choice about your acne treatment.
Who is affected by acne?
About 85% of adolescents, 40% of adult women and about 15% of adult men.
What is acne?
ALL ACNE IS HORMONAL AND INFLAMMATORY. In other words, the various forms of acne that manifest on the skin as pimples (with or without pus), blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads or other cysts, all start from inflammation under the skin and are caused by various factors such as hormones, nutrition, stress, imbalance of the gut microbiome, imbalance of the skin microbiome, etc.
Teenage acne is mainly caused by various growth hormones and sex hormones, which are responsible for the development of their sexual organs. At this stage, a diet consisting of high glycemic index foods acts like a spark in a very dry bush.
Adult acne can be caused by a variety of factors, but most commonly, hormonal imbalance, gut microbiome imbalance, and a weakened immune system play a central role.
In any case, hormones play an important role. In the case of adolescents, the fluctuation is due to the rapid growth of sex hormones; in adult women, the main fluctuation is monthly menstruation; in adult men, the fluctuation is usually due to an external stimulus such as taking anabolic steroids or whey protein to build muscle. There are other reasons for hormonal fluctuations, but these are the most common. "Hormonal acne" has a broader meaning than the occasional acne around the chin.
Acne is simply a message, or even an alert from your body about what is going on inside you. Acne reflects the state of your systems. Therefore, a solution that improves your overall health is the best way to target acne.
Current Acne Prescriptions
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Antibiotics |
Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) |
Contraceptive Pills |
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Oxytetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Azithromycin |
80% efficiency rate |
Controversial teen acne treatment that manipulates hormones during sex organ development |
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Efficiency rate between 0% and 15% |
1/3 of users need a 2nd and 3rd treatment |
Acne often comes back as soon as you stop taking the pill. |
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Prescription of 3 months or more |
6+ months prescription |
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Contributes to STRONG antibiotic resistance |
Suspected of being anti-androgenic (hormone manipulator) |
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Reduces microbiome diversity, sometimes irreversibly |
Very serious side effects |
Prescription creams - Retinoids, Adapalene, Tretinoin, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydrocortisone (steroid cream) - are harsh chemical treatments for the skin.
The main problem with these treatments:
They are based on science that is 40-50 years old. All of these treatments predate the Human Genome Project (mapping our genetic makeup) and the Human Microbiome Project (mapping our microbial makeup). These latter sciences have exponentially multiplied the understanding of the human body in the last ten years. By analogy, we can think of them as the advent of the internet in human health. And to put that in perspective, prescription acne treatments would be in the pre-internet era.
What causes acne?
1. A panel of different hormones, the main ones being:
- ANDROGENS: High androgen levels mean higher sebum levels, which causes acne. This hormone is the main link to acne.
- CORTISOL: High cortisol (the stress hormone) influences androgens to produce more sebum. High cortisol also means increased insulin which influences androgens and triggers acne.
- GROWTH HORMONES: It is the growth hormones of adolescents that are responsible for the overproduction of sebum, which promotes acne.
- INSULIN: High insulin levels influence greater androgenic activity. Insulin is related to nutrition.
- ESTROGENS: Too much estrogen and too little estrogen causes acne.
- PROGESTERONE: Low or high progesterone levels also lead to acne.
2. Inflammatory factors. To maintain hormonal balance and provide our cells with enough antioxidants and nutrients, it is important to have a good diet.
3. The microbiome. The gut microbiome affects almost every system in your body, and that includes balancing your hormones. A lack of diversity in your gut flora and leaky gut walls (even mild leaks) can also be causes of acne.
4. Damaged skin barrier, imbalanced pH, are detrimental to the skin microbiome . A damaged skin barrier is an open door to infections (pathogens) and other aggressors like pollution, dirt and UV rays. A damaged skin barrier is also conducive to skin conditions like acne and eczema because the skin is too fragile to repair itself. Products like soaps and skin care alter the pH of the skin, which creates a hostile environment for the microbiome.
We now know that drying out the skin and oil, killing gut or skin bacteria, sensitizing the skin with harsh ingredients is NOT the way to treat acne.
What are the alternatives to prescription treatments?
Our formulations: Based on the latest scientific discoveries
Respect the skin microbiome and improve the gut microbiome.
Improve and respect the skin barrier
Natural and high-tech formulations
Non-sensitizing, non-irritating, non-photosensitizing
Here you can find more information about the Regulation Serum, including test results.
Here you will find the Acne Kit, for a holistic In & Out approach
What type of nutrition should we adopt?
Thanks to new nutritional science, healthy eating now has a new purpose. Given the critical importance of our gut microbiome in overall health and skin health, you should choose foods that will nourish your gut microbiome. To improve acne, a hormone-related skin condition, you should also prioritize foods that help balance your hormones.
Examples of foods that help feed your microbiome :
- High fiber fruits and vegetables like oats, broccoli, bananas, apples, cabbages, etc.
- Varied plant-based foods – aim for a minimum of 30-35 different foods per week (including herbs, spices, seeds, fruits, vegetables) to improve gut microbiome diversity.
Examples of foods that help restore hormonal balance :
- Healthy fats like olive oil, flax seeds, crushed hemp seeds, avocado, nuts.
- Small amount of protein.
Cut the sugar :
- High sugars (including simple carbohydrates) produce more insulin (hormone). An increase in insulin leads to an increase in androgens. An increase in androgens leads to an increase in sebum and potentially acne or pimples.
- In the case of skin aging, sugar causes premature aging through a process called glycation. Glycation irreversibly damages collagen and elastin, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.
Foods that can make acne worse should be avoided, such as cow's milk, processed or fried foods, sugar and chocolate.
To learn more about diet and acne, click here .
What kind of lifestyle should we adopt?
Exercise increases blood flow, and blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the body's active cells, including the skin. Physical movement is also essential for hormonal balance. Any form of exercise is effective, from brisk walking to strength training. Find an activity you enjoy doing, and you'll be more likely to stick with it.
Stress management is another key element of health and healthy skin. Incorporate breathing exercises into your life, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Yoga is a great way to combine physical and breathing exercises. In case of prolonged periods of stress, we recommend taking our Skin & Stress food supplement , rich in antioxidants and magnesium.
Improve your sleep and take time to relax. Stress (via the hormone cortisol) is an aggravating factor for acne, and many people suffer from stress without recognizing the symptoms.
To learn more about stress and acne, click here .