Studies suggest Acne may often be related to an underlying imbalance in the body. Many of these imbalances can be nutritional, hormonal, metabolic or autoimmune.
Nutritional Causes and Risk Factors of Acne
There are many studies on how certain nutrients impact acne.
Vitamin D: A 2024 study found low vitamin D to be a risk factor for acne and more severe symptoms (2024).[1] Another 2024 study showed vitamin D supplementation may reduce acne relapses (2024).[2] There is additional research connecting vitamin D to acne (Review of 13 studies).[3]
Vitamin B12: High levels of vitamin B12 have been found to aggravate acne symptoms (2017).[4]
This list is not exhaustive - there are many other nutrients related to acne. Our clinic will complete a comprehensive panel that looks at all nutrients that have been found to be related to acne.
Hormonal Causes and Risk Factors of Acne
Studies have found several hormones that are related to acne.
It is important to complete a full hormone panel to identify any other related hormones.
Metabolic Causes and Risk Factors of Acne
Studies have found that the metabolism may be related to acne.
Insulin: High levels of insulin appear to be a risk factor for developing acne (2011).
Glucose: Insulin resistance and high blood sugar was identified as a risk factor for acne in a 2024 study.[5]
Our clinic can complete a metabolic panel to assess for factors related to acne.
Environmental Factors in Acne
A 2017 study identified high lead levels is a risk factor for developing acne (2017).[6] Testing can be considered in those with a history of lead exposure.
Autoimmune Causes and Risk Factors of Acne
Occasionally, acne can be related to an underlying autoimmune condition. For example, some research suggests that hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition; it causes a severe form of acne. If HS is suspected, there is an additional panel of testing that our clinic will consider completing. You can read about our approach to HS here.
Dietary Causes of Acne
There are several foods and dietary approaches that research has connected to acne. For example:
A high glycemic load diet has been shown to increase the risk of developing acne 2006.[7]
A 2024 study found that acne was nearly twice as common in those who consume whey protein[8]
Our clinic will create a comprehensive dietary plan based on your case and blood work. It prioritizes foods and dietary approaches that have been shown to affect symptoms of acne.
What is Acne
Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disorder affecting the skin that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.
Natural Therapies for Acne
The therapies used will depend on what these blood testing panels have found. After identifying deficiencies, they can be addressed through diet, supplementation, lifestyle or medication. Our clinic will use a combination of therapies tailored to what your results show.
Conclusion
Acne is a complex condition often linked to underlying imbalances in the body. By understanding the potential nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic factors involved, we can develop personalized treatment plans. Our clinic's comprehensive approach involves thorough blood testing, dietary analysis, and tailored therapies to address the root causes of acne and promote long-term relief.
References
[1] Kazeminejad A, Hajheydari Z, Taghian SS, Gholizadeh N. Serum zinc, selenium, and vitamin D levels in patients with acne vulgaris: A case-control study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Jul 25. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16494. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39051440.
[2] Ruikchuchit T, Juntongjin P. Role of vitamin D supplement adjunct to topical benzoyl peroxide in acne: a randomized double-blinded controlled study. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2024 Jul 1;10(3):e163. doi: 10.1097/JW9.0000000000000163. PMID: 38957412; PMCID: PMC11216666.
[3] Hasamoh Y, Thadanipon K, Juntongjin P. Association between Vitamin D Level and Acne, and Correlation with Disease Severity: A Meta-Analysis. Dermatology. 2022;238(3):404-411. doi: 10.1159/000517514. Epub 2021 Aug 4. PMID: 34348293.
[4] Martínez de Espronceda Ezquerro I, Oscoz Jaime S, Yanguas Bayona JI. Vitamin B12-induced acne. Med Clin (Barc). 2018 Aug 10;151(3):e15. English, Spanish. doi: 10.1016/j.medcli.2018.01.002. Epub 2018 Feb 26. PMID: 29496247.
[5] Srivastava PR, Khare J, Saxena A, Jindal S. Correlation between acne and insulin resistance; experience from central India. J Family Med Prim Care. 2024 Feb;13(2):723-725. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1232_23. Epub 2024 Mar 6. PMID: 38605790; PMCID: PMC11006054.
[6] Ikaraoha CI, Mbadiwe NC, Anyanwu CJ, Odekhian J, Nwadike CN, Amah HC. The Role of Blood Lead, Cadmium, Zinc and Copper in Development and Severity of Acne Vulgaris in a Nigerian Population. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2017 Apr;176(2):251-257. doi: 10.1007/s12011-016-0839-4. Epub 2016 Sep 6. PMID: 27600928.
[7] Çerman AA, Aktaş E, Altunay İK, Arıcı JE, Tulunay A, Ozturk FY. Dietary glycemic factors, insulin resistance, and adiponectin levels in acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 Jul;75(1):155-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.02.1220. Epub 2016 Apr 6. PMID: 27061046.
[8] Muhaidat J, Qablan A, Gharaibeh F, Albataineh GH, Abdo N, Alshiyab D, Al-Qarqaz F. The Effect of Whey Protein Supplements on Acne Vulgaris among Male Adolescents and Young Adults: A Case-Control Study from North of Jordan. Dermatol Res Pract. 2024 Apr 9;2024:2158229. doi: 10.1155/2024/2158229. PMID: 38633058; PMCID: PMC11022506.