5 Surprising Causes Of Adult Acne

The Functional Medicine Approach to Acne, Eczema, and Skin Concerns

Acne, eczema, and other skin concerns are not merely skin problems. Instead, they serve as external signals of internal imbalances. Functional medicine recognises that the skin is a direct reflection of overall health, meaning that addressing underlying issues within the body is crucial for achieving clear, healthy skin. 

Instead of masking symptoms with topical treatments, we aim to uncover and resolve root causes, ensuring long-term skin health.

5 Primary Causes of Acne

1. Stress and Cortisol Dysregulation

Chronic stress can significantly impact the body’s hormonal balance, leading to breakouts and other skin issues. One of the key stress hormones, cortisol, contributes to acne in two major ways:

• Increased Sebum Production: Elevated cortisol levels stimulate the sebaceous glands, causing an overproduction of oil (sebum). When this excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, it clogs pores and leads to acne.

• Skin Dehydration and Barrier Disruption: Cortisol breaks down collagen and reduces the body’s natural hyaluronic acid production. This weakens the skin barrier, making it more prone to irritation and dehydration. In response, the skin overcompensates by producing even more oil, which worsens breakouts.

To mitigate stress-induced acne, lifestyle interventions such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, regular exercise, and quality sleep can be highly beneficial. Additionally, dietary modifications, such as reducing caffeine and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, can be fundamental for balancing cortisol levels.

2. Gut Health and the Skin-Gut Connection

The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in overall health, and when it is out of balance, it can manifest through various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and rosacea. A compromised gut can lead to:

• Leaky Gut Syndrome: When the intestinal barrier is damaged, toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles leak into the bloodstream. The body then attempts to eliminate these toxins through the skin, resulting in acne and inflammation.

• Microbial Imbalance: Overgrowth of harmful bacteria, yeast, or candida can lead to chronic inflammation that exacerbates skin conditions.

Common symptoms of poor gut health include bloating, cramping, irregular bowel movements, and even mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. However, many individuals with skin issues may not experience obvious digestive symptoms. Functional lab testing, such as the Organic Acid Test, provides a comprehensive assessment of gut health and helps pinpoint the root causes of imbalances.

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play a pivotal role in regulating skin health, particularly in cases of cystic acne. Fluctuations in testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone can trigger excess sebum production and inflammation. For example:

• Testosterone dominance increases sebum production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

• Progesterone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can contribute to premenstrual acne.

• Estrogen dominance or imbalances between estrogen and progesterone can cause persistent hormonal acne.

To gain a deeper understanding of how your hormones may be influencing your skin, functional lab testing is invaluable. The Comprehensive Hormonal Test, available through Synergised, provides insights into estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol levels, allowing for a tailored approach to acne treatment.

Additionally, hormonal contraceptives, especially those that contain synthetic progesterone, may exacerbate acne. If hormonal birth control is a contributing factor, exploring non-hormonal contraceptive options and implementing dietary and lifestyle modifications can help restore balance.

4. Food Sensitivities and Inflammatory Reactions

Many individuals experience food sensitivities without realising their impact on skin health. Unlike immediate food allergies, IgG food sensitivities can have delayed reactions, with symptoms appearing days after consuming trigger foods. These reactions can cause systemic inflammation, disrupt gut health, and manifest as skin conditions.

Common food triggers include:

• Dairy

• Gluten

• Processed sugars

• Soy

• Artificial additives

Elimination diets and functional lab testing can help identify problematic foods.The Food Sensitivity Test provides a clear picture of which foods may be triggering inflammation and skin issues. 

Alternatively, a structured elimination diet, helps clients identify and eliminate inflammatory foods while restoring gut health.

5. Toxin Overload and Liver Detoxification

The liver is the body’s primary detoxification organ, and when it becomes overburdened, toxins may be excreted through the skin, leading to acne, eczema, and dull complexion. Exposure to environmental toxins, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors in personal care products can contribute to skin problems.

To support liver detoxification:

• Incorporate liver-supportive foods such as cruciferous vegetables, turmeric, garlic, and beets.

• Stay hydrated to facilitate toxin elimination.

• Reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, cosmetics, and household cleaners.

The Functional Medicine Approach to Clear Skin

Functional medicine emphasises a root-cause approach to skin health. Instead of merely treating acne with topical solutions, it focuses on internal healing through lifestyle, nutrition, and personalised interventions. By identifying and addressing underlying imbalances, long-term skin transformation becomes possible.

Key Steps to Healing Acne Naturally:

1. Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-reducing practices and consider cortisol testing.

2. Optimise Gut Health: Address leaky gut, candida overgrowth, and bacterial imbalances through targeted protocols.

3. Balance Hormones: Identify hormonal imbalances and modify diet and lifestyle accordingly.

4. Identify Food Sensitivities: Use IgG testing or an elimination diet to pinpoint triggers.

5. Support Detoxification: Enhance liver function and reduce toxin exposure.

The Bottom Line

Acne, eczema, and other skin concerns are not merely surface-level issues; they are a reflection of your body’s overall health. Chronic stress, poor gut health, hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, and toxin overload are among the most common contributors to persistent skin conditions. By adopting a functional medicine approach, you can identify the root cause of your skin concerns and implement targeted strategies to restore balance.

If you are struggling with acne and are unsure of the underlying cause, functional lab testing is the most effective way to gain clarity. Comprehensive tests, such as the Hormonal Test, Organic Acid Test, and The Food Sensitivity Test, provide valuable insights that can guide a personalised healing plan.

If you are ready to take control of your skin and overall health, exploring these evidence-based approaches can help you achieve lasting, radiant skin from within.