Living with Acne: Exploring the Functional Medicine Approach
Advancements in medicine have greatly improved the treatment of acne, a common skin condition affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. While most people find success in managing their acne breakouts with topical and oral medications, the functional medicine approach offers a more holistic perspective by considering various contributing factors. We interviewed Sooji Hong, PA-C, a OnePeak Medical provider with an extensive background in dermatology, to discuss how root-cause medicine can effectively address chronic acne for good.
Sugar & Dairy
For most people, it comes down to diet. “Sugar and dairy products are big acne triggers,” said Sooji.
Sugar and dairy can contribute to acne in several ways. High sugar intake can lead to increased insulin levels, which can stimulate the production of skin oils and clog pores, leading to acne. Additionally, dairy products contain hormones that can affect oil production in the skin and contribute to acne breakouts. Not everyone with a sweet tooth or who enjoys dairy foods has acne. So, it’s essential to assess individual responses to these dietary components when managing acne.
Gut Health
Gut health is another focal point in the functional medicine approach to acne treatment. Research suggests that imbalances in gut bacteria and inflammation in the gut may contribute to the development of acne. The gut-skin axis is a term used to describe the connection between gut health and skin conditions like acne.
“When the gut is unhealthy, it can lead to increased systemic inflammation and a disruption in hormone regulation, both of which can exacerbate acne,” shared Sooji. “Improving gut health through a balanced diet, probiotics, and managing stress may help reduce acne symptoms for some individuals.”
Treating Acne with Nutrition
Dietary education is a crucial aspect of the functional medicine approach to treating acne. Imbalances in certain nutrients can cause acne such as low levels of zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin D, as well as high levels of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12, although is very important in mood and energy, higher than optimal levels can also increase facial bacteria which results in inflammation, and thus could lead to acne.
“Depending on the individual, we may recommend they see one of our nutrition and fitness advisers to identify foods and products that may be impacting their skin,” said Sooji. We always look at the patient holistically, as stress can also trigger acne as stress contributes to changes in the gut and can cause leaky gut, that can then lead to acne.
At OnePeak Medical, nutrition and fitness advisors are integral in treating acne. These professionals can provide valuable guidance in identifying foods and products that may exacerbate acne and work with patients to implement dietary and lifestyle changes that support improved skin health. “The nutritionists at OnePeak Medical can be a huge adjunct to my acne patients as we work closely together to see if there are any food sensitivities that may play a role in the root cause of the patient’s acne – we may try elimination diet over a 3-4 week period which can be a helpful tool to identify possible triggers,” said Sooji.
Hormonal Acne
Hormonal factors are also carefully considered in the functional medicine approach. Testosterone and DHEA can exacerbate acne, so checking hormone levels is essential in identifying the underlying cause of acne. However, this approach can also identify conditions that have been undiagnosed by traditional medical providers for years.
“I have had patients come in with acne concerns, and after checking their hormone levels, we discovered that PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is the underlying issue.”
Sooji adds that people who have PCOS tend to have a lifelong battle with acne, which can affect people from their teens well into their 40s. Identifying and addressing these hormonal imbalances is crucial to the functional medicine approach to acne treatment.
It’s important to note that treating hormonal imbalances in male patient requires a tailored approach. Suppressing testosterone can lead to other health issues, such as fatigue and reduced sex drive. Instead, functional medicine practitioners explore dietary modifications to mitigate acne without compromising overall health. Dairy and sugar products are often identified as significant contributors to acne, and adjustments to the diet are recommended to address these factors.
Holistic Approach to Treating Acne
The functional medicine approach to treating acne goes beyond conventional topical and oral medications. By addressing dietary, hormonal, and gut health factors, practitioners can provide comprehensive and sustainable solutions for patients struggling with acne. This approach not only seeks to alleviate the symptoms of acne but also aims to improve overall health and well-being.
If you have acne and are interested in a more holistic approach, schedule an appointment with one of our providers today.