Acne is misunderstood, not only due to its complex and multiple causes but also because of the perpetuation of outdated science.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 sufferer. In this article, we will provide you with new scientific information so that you can choose your acne treatment with full knowledge of the facts.
Who is affected by acne?
Approximately 85% of teenagers, 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 stem from inflammation under the skin and are triggered by various factors such as hormones, nutrition, stress, gut microbiome imbalance, skin microbiome imbalance, etc.
Adolescent acne is mainly due to 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 due to various factors, but most often, 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 the monthly period; in adult men, the fluctuation is usually due to an external stimulus like 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 just the occasional acne around the chin.
Acne is simply a message, or even an alert from your body about what is happening inside you. Acne reflects the state of evolution 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% efficacy rate |
Controversial acne treatment for teenagers that manipulates hormones during the development of sexual organs |
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Efficacy rate between 0% and 15% |
1/3 of users require a 2nd and 3rd treatment |
Acne often returns as soon as the pill is stopped |
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3-month prescription, or even longer |
6+ months prescription |
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Contributes to STRONG antibiotic resistance |
Suspected of being anti-androgen (hormone manipulation) |
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Reduces microbiome diversity, sometimes irreversibly |
Very significant side effects |
Prescription creams - Retinoids, Adapalene, Tretinoin, Benzoyl Peroxide, hydrocortisone (steroid cream) - are aggressive chemical treatments for the skin.
The main problem with these treatments:
They are based on 40-50 year old science. All these treatments predate the Human Genome Project (mapping our genetic heritage) and the Human Microbiome Project (mapping our microbial heritage). These latest sciences have exponentially multiplied our understanding of the human body over the last ten years. By analogy, they can be considered the advent of the internet in the field of human health. And to put this into perspective, prescription acne treatments would be in the pre-internet era.
What are the causes of acne?
1. A panel of different hormones, the main ones being:
- ANDROGENS: A high level of androgens means a higher rate of sebum, which causes acne. This hormone is the main link to acne.
- CORTISOL: A high level of cortisol (the stress hormone) influences androgens to produce more sebum. High cortisol also means increased insulin, which influences androgens and triggers acne.
- GROWTH HORMONES: These are the growth hormones of adolescents that are responsible for the overproduction of sebum, which promotes acne.
- INSULIN: A high level of insulin influences greater androgen activity. Insulin is linked to nutrition.
- ESTROGENS: Too much estrogen and too little estrogen cause acne.
- PROGESTERONE: A low or high progesterone level also leads to acne.
2. Inflammatory factors. To maintain hormone 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 this includes the balance of your hormones. A lack of diversity in gut flora and leaks caused by a leaky gut wall (even slight) can also be causes of acne.
4. Damaged skin barrier and unbalanced pH are harmful to the skin's 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 such as acne and eczema because the skin is too weakened to repair itself. Products like soaps and skincare change the pH of the skin, which creates a hostile environment for the microbiome.
We now know that drying out the skin and sebum, decimating gut or skin bacteria, and sensitizing the skin with harsh ingredients is NOT the way to treat acne.
What are the alternative solutions to prescription treatments?
Our formulations: Based on the latest scientific findings
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
You will find more information here on the Regulation Serum, including test results.
You will find the Acne Kit here, for a holistic In & Out approach.
What type of nutrition should you adopt?
Thanks to the new science of nutrition, a healthy diet now has a new goal. Given the primary 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 skin problem linked to hormones, you should also favor foods that help balance your hormones.
Examples of foods that help nourish your microbiome:
- Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables like oats, broccoli, bananas, apples, cabbage, etc.
- Varied plant-based foods - aim for a minimum of 30 to 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 out 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 leads to premature aging through a process called glycation. Glycation damages collagen and elastin irreversibly, which leads to sagging skin and wrinkles.
It is advisable to avoid foods that can aggravate acne such as cow's milk, processed or fried foods, sugar, and chocolate.
To learn more about diet and acne, click here.
What type of lifestyle should you adopt?
Physical 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 weight training. Find an activity that you enjoy doing, and you will 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 is only for 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.