Your skin just looks amazing! That’s how I finally feel post-pandemic having had to fight maskne with medication, which failed; microneedling, which failed, and even fancy brands like Curology. Ok, that last one worked for a some time but once I stopped the acne came back. The tips I’m sharing you today is key to rebalancing your skin.

Just so you know, there are multiple types of bacteria or fungus affecting the imbalance in your skin health. With that said, the most common type of bacteria causing acne is Propionibacterium acnes aka (P.Acnes).

There are 4 reasons as to why someone develop acne:

1. Due to high androgen aka hormones causing increased sebum production.
2. Increased in follicle hypercornifcation.
3. Colonization and proliferation of Probionobacterium acnes.
4. Stimulation of a local innate immune reaction.

What is acne vulgaris?

Acne vulgaris is a disease of the hair follicle/skin pore aka the pilosebaceous unit manifesting in non-inflammatory comedones or inflammatory pustules and papules. Acne is commonly associated with microbial dysbiosis aka an imbalanced of good and bad gut bacteria in your skin.

Now, don’t go fire your favorite dermatologist. But, how many of them discuss their patient’s diet, lifestyle, ask them about the type of pillows they use or their patients’ gym practices as it pertains to their acne. Some maybe, I don’t know that most do. I know mine did not.

Get curious about your health and educate yourself on your body’s amazing ability to heal itself with the right nutrients today.

Which hormones you should consider testing if you struggle with acne?

• Insulin: A diet high in sugar increases the production of insulin and insulin-like growth factor(IGF-1), these are hormones that promote the reproduction of sebocytes (cells that make sebum) and keratinocytes(cells that make keratin), as well as increase the production of lipids in the sebaceous gland, this is how we keep our skin moist and supple, but also caused that excess oily skin you try so hard to mitigate with witch hazel. That’s stuff is too drying, yuk.
• Testosterone and DHT: My patients with acne undeniably have high levels of DHT and Testosterone hormones and if you are asking if this goes for male and female then the answer is yes! Both men and women make testosterone, DHT is what I call the bad testosterone. When you have too much testosterone it converts to estrogen and DHT. Hello acne, and male pattern baldness.
• DHEA: Is a steroid hormone that makes estrogen, testosterone and yes cortisol! DHEA increases insulin sensitivity to help your body respond better to sweet treats and is also an amazing antioxidant and has many docs saying that it has anti-aging properties.
• Cortisol: The stress hormone we all know. Cortisol doesn’t deserve the hate it gets. Cortisol is the hormone that allows us to get up in the morning. But if you have chronic stress, cortisol will often be higher and may cause more acne. Cortisol thickens sebum, witch is that oily substance our skin makes. It also increases blood sugar, which again can negatively impact your skin health.

How your liver health is related to your skin health?

Your liver is the organ of detoxification. It is also the organ that helps us process all these wonderful hormones mentioned earlier.

With poor diet, lack of movement, environmental toxins that we consume, drink and put on our skin; our liver becomes sluggish and can’t process hormones and toxins well. Next thing you know, your skin is freaking out. This is why if you want to transform your skin in 2023, you have to get back to the basics. Clean food, movement and a few added supports to keep your skin clear.

How to liver detox?

There are two phases to liver detoxification and each phases requires certain herbs, nutrients or vitamins. This is the reason why solely taking out carbs or alcohol is not enough to detox. You also have to add certain nutrients back in your diet to help your sluggish liver do its job.

Phase 1 Liver Detox: This phase allows our body to take fat soluble toxins like pesticides, prescriptions drugs, alcohol, environmental pollutants and break them down to be processed.

Phase 2 Liver Detox: Most people go through the first phase fine and then struggle with that second phase. Toxins from the first phase can become more toxic for our bodies once they are broken apart. That’s why that second phase is key to getting the most out of your weight loss goals, toxin detox goals, skin goals and hormone goals (for my estrogen dominant people).

Nutrition support I love

Vitamin A, B, C, D3, E, Zinc

As you see in the graphic above, these are key nutrients to support healthy detoxification. Unfortunately, juicing green juice all day is not enough to detox your liver and get clear skin

• Vitamin A reduces excess sebum production.
• Zinc and vitamin helps with collagen and wound healing.
• Vitamin E regulates retinal levels and prevents free-radicals aka oxidation in the skin.
• B Vitamins like B3, B5 and B6 specifically can help with hormone metabolism of testosterone.
• NAC/Glutathione aka the master antioxidant keep our liver healthy and our skin clear. I used to work in a practice where patients came for glutathione injections for its amazing health benefits. My favorite liver, hormone, cholesterol and skin supplement is Liver Detox Support from the brand Protocol for Life balance can be ordered if you chose here. It combines my favorite herbs that you see in the graphic and some extra liver supportive ones you may not know. As with any supplements, talk to your doctor before trying. I have used it, my patients have loved it and I can’t say enough about this brand. And no the company does not pay me to say nice things about their products.

• START AVOIDING/LIMITING: All the toxins that may cause your body harm. This means being mindful of simple things like scented candles, plastics, non-BPA free canned goods, etc. Limit/avoid alcohol, refined sugars which cause an imbalance in your skin and gets these hormones up there fired up. Mind the oils you use for cooking. Trans fats and refined oils like canola or sunflower are more inflammatory. Choose coconut oil, avocado oil or olive oil when you can.
• ADD MORE INTO YOUR DIET: Herbs like milk thistle, dandelion, parsley and cilantro. Befriend cruciferous veggies like broccoli, and don’t skimp on turmeric and ginger. Choose whenever possible organic fruits/berries because they tend to have more pesticdes. Check out EWG.org for their list of what foods you should preferably buy organic. Proteins from poultry, grass-fed meats, healthy fats from wild caught fish will also keep your skin healthy and your liver happy.

Topical superstar I swear by:

My go skin washes: I vacillate between these 3. La Roche Posay, Fresh and Urban Skin RX.

Toners and Serums: love Fresh’s rose toner, right after washing my face and I alternate between a glycolic serum for brightening and the Hyaluronic acid hydrating B5 Serum by La Roche Posay as well.

Sunscreen and hydration that won’t clog your pores.

My skin rescuer: To use when you in are in a bind! Effaclar Duo, literally transformed my life this summer after all our friends weddings. Within one week I saw less breakouts, less oil production and less hyperpigmentation. I used it as a spot treatment or very rarely all over my face avoiding the sensitive skin around the eyes and mouth and then layer a lotion from above on top. I have tried it under my makeup as well, but because it has peroxide in there I almost always use it at night time.

Studies show that applying a 10% lotion of benzoyl peroxide daily for two weeks helps decrease the amount of  Propionibacterium acnes in hair follicles by 98%, and the amount of free fatty acids decreased by 50%. Results where compared to oral acne medication.

While this blog is purely for entertainment and education, talk to your favorite aesthetician to create a skincare protocol. And no, I do not get paid for promoting this brands. Just a few that I have loved. I keep my routine very minimal. Remember, start with nutrition and add the topical superstars!

And if you are want a personalized cortisol supportive, liver detox protocol to balance your hormones, and get your skin in tip top shape consider working with an integrative practitioner who can customize you care plan.