When you think of acne, you probably picture a teenager dealing with the woes of puberty. But the reality is that 54% of adult women and 40% of adult men still experience acne. While hormones can be a factor, they’re often not the only trigger. In fact, multiple underlying causes could be contributing to your breakouts. The good news is that identifying your personal acne triggers can help you finally achieve clear skin.
Let’s explore the top causes of acne that might surprise you and learn how to address them for long-lasting, blemish-free results.
Top Causes of Acne
1. You’ve Developed a Food Sensitivity
Food sensitivities can contribute to persistent acne even if you don’t have any digestive issues. Unlike food allergies, sensitivities can develop later in life and may not produce immediate reactions. Instead, they can cause delayed responses like headaches, fatigue, bloating, and acne. These sensitivities trigger your immune system, causing inflammation that can lead to breakouts.
The Fix: Consider an elimination diet to identify potential acne-causing foods. By removing common inflammatory foods for at least 30 days and gradually reintroducing them, you can pinpoint triggers. If you’re struggling to identify these foods, consider a food sensitivity test to gain clearer insight.
2. You’re Constantly Stressed Out
Ever notice that pimples pop up right when you’re feeling stressed? Chronic stress can break down the gut lining, allowing toxins and antigens to enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation—the major underlying cause of acne.
The Fix: Incorporate daily stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or simply engaging in hobbies like walking, reading, or dancing. Adaptogens are also great for reducing stress and promoting clearer skin.
3. You’re Not Eating Enough Healthy Fats
It might be tempting to dry out oily skin, but healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 are crucial for maintaining clear skin. They help create the skin’s natural oil barrier, ensuring it stays hydrated and inflammation is kept in check. However, most people consume an improper ratio of these fats, leading to increased inflammation and acne.
The Fix: Aim for a 4:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Replace processed foods and industrial seed oils with omega-3-rich foods like walnuts, chia seeds, salmon, anchovies, and flax seeds. You can also consider a high-quality fish oil supplement to ensure you’re getting enough omega-3s.
4. Your Diet Is Too High in Sugar
Does sugar really cause acne? Yes, it can. High-glycemic foods feed bad bacteria in your gut, contributing to dysbiosis or an imbalanced gut ecosystem. This imbalance can lead to breakouts. The Fix: Focus on a whole foods-based diet with a balance of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Swap high-glycemic carbs like rice, pasta, and bread for fiber-rich alternatives like fruits, starchy vegetables, and whole grains
Ready to Banish Your Acne for Good?
If you’re tired of dealing with pesky breakouts, book a wellness assessment today. We’ll work together to uncover your specific root causes, create a personalized plan, and help you achieve acne-free, glowing skin with dietary changes and skincare regimens.
Want to consult directly with one of our estheticians? Try our DMK Enzyme Therapy Facial—a highly customizable treatment that addresses skincare concerns from the inside out.
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