What Causes Acne – Hormone Dysregulation And Epigenetics
Exactly what causes acne requires a multi-faceted answer. Certainly genetic factors affect the production and sensitivity of hormones that trigger acne development. One study found that variations in specific genes related to immune system regulation and hormone production are closely linked to the occurrence of acne.1
Instead of looking at acne as an independent disease, it’s more appropriate to label it an immune system and hormonal issue. The promising news is that even if one possesses the genes that are linked to acne, that doesn’t necessarily mean these genetic variants will be expressed.
Environmental factors that we have control over are the underlying cause of immune system dysregulation, hormone issues, and undesirable epigenetic changes that lead to acne.
What Causes Acne – Environmental Factors That Lead To Immune System Dysfunction
There are several environmental factors that contribute to immune system dysfunction that in turn leads to the development of acne. These include diet, pollution, toxins, and stress.
What Causes Acne – Certain Foods
Studies have found a correlation between high-glycemic index diets and acne. The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly carbohydrates are broken down into glucose in our bodies. Foods with a high GI, such as refined carbohydrates and sugary foods, causes a spike in insulin levels, leading to increased sebum production and inflammation.2
Read more about the link between sugar and disease.
What Causes Acne – Air Pollution
Air pollution has been linked to a variety of health issues, including immune system dysfunction. Studies have shown that exposure to air pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, allergic reactions, and acne.3
What Causes Acne – Stress
Stress has long been associated with acne breakouts. This is because stress has a negative impact on the immune system. When the body is under stress, it produces high levels of cortisol, a hormone that suppresses immune function.4
What Causes Acne – Sleep Problems
Getting enough quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, including proper immune function. During sleep, our bodies produce cytokines, proteins that help fight off infections and inflammation. Chronic lack of sleep has been shown to decrease the production of these cytokines and weaken the immune response.5
Read more about the role sleep plays in good health.
What Causes Acne – Toxins
Exposure to toxins in our environment, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals, pesticides, and chemicals found in household products disrupt immune function. These toxins both damage immune cells and cause hormone problems.
What Causes Acne – Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that interfere with the normal functions of hormones in the body. These chemicals can be found in various everyday products such as plastics, pesticides, and personal care products. When these EDCs enter our bodies, they mimic or block the effects of hormones, leading to hormonal imbalances. This results in a variety of health issues, including acne.
Studies have shown that exposure to certain EDCs, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), increase the production of sebum. In addition, these chemicals also trigger inflammation in the skin, further exacerbating acne symptoms.6
What Causes Acne – Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used in various personal care and household products. They are found in items such as cosmetics, fragrances, plastics, and even food packaging. Phthalates are known to disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to numerous health concerns including acne.7
What Causes Acne – BPA
BPA has been found to mimic estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development of acne. When BPA enters the body, it binds to estrogen receptors and blocks normal hormonal functions. This disruption leads to an increase in sebum production, clogged pores, and inflammation.8
What Causes Acne – Pesticides
Exposure to pesticides weakens our immune system. When we consume foods that have been treated with pesticides, small amounts of these chemicals enter our bodies. This is because it is hard to remove pesticides completely from fruits and vegetables during the washing or peeling process. These chemicals then disrupt our hormonal balance, leading to an overproduction of sebum.9
What Causes Acne – Parabens
Parabens, a type of preservative, are commonly found in household products and have been linked to acne breakouts. These chemicals disrupt the hormonal balance in our bodies, leading to increased production of oil and clogged pores.10
Using harsh skincare products that strip the skin of its natural oils actually do more harm than good. This is because our skin needs a certain amount of oil to stay balanced and protect against external irritants. Using gentle, non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) are a better option.11
Cellular Membrane Inflammation Leads To Hormone Dysregulation
Toxin-induced inflammation of the cellular membrane causes hormone dysregulation that leads to acne. Hormone receptors located on the cellular membrane are responsible for allowing hormones to bind and trigger essential cellular processes. Think of them as keys that unlock specific functions within our cells.
However, cellular membrane inflammation changes the shape of these hormone receptors so they are not able to effectively connect with their corresponding hormones. This leads to what is known as hormone resistance.12
What Causes Acne – Epigenetic Changes
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These changes are influenced by various environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle choices, stress levels, and exposure to toxins or pollutants.
Studies have shown that epigenetic changes impact the functioning of sebaceous glands. When epigenetic modifications cause the glands to become overactive, they lead to clogged pores and inflammation, resulting in acne.13
One study found that individuals with severe acne had higher levels of DNA methylation in their skin cells compared to those with clear skin. This is because certain genes involved in regulating sebum production can be turned off or suppressed in those with acne.14
Another study looked at how a high glycemic diet impacts epigenetic changes in the skin. It found that consuming a high glycemic diet caused an increase in DNA methylation, which in turn led to an increase in sebum production and acne formation.15
Typical Acne Treatment – Topical Treatments, Oral Antibiotics, And Accutane
Many topical acne treatments contain harsh ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. These chemicals can cause redness, dryness, and peeling of the skin. In some cases, they may even lead to more severe reactions like contact dermatitis.
Some topical treatments make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, increasing your risk of sunburn and long-term damage like premature aging. Topical treatments that contain alcohol or other drying agents strip the natural oils from your skin and leave it dry, flaky, and irritated.16
Oral antibiotics are often prescribed by dermatologists to help manage moderate to severe acne. They kill the bacteria that contribute to acne breakouts. However, prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to gut problems and antibiotic resistance, where the bacteria become immune to the medication and continue to thrive.
Moreover, oral antibiotics do not address the root cause of acne and only provide temporary relief. They also come with side effects such as upset stomach, dizziness, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.17
Accutane is a powerful medication used for severe acne that has not responded well to other treatments. It works by reducing oil production in the skin, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation. Accutane comes with a long list of side effects and risks. Specifically, accutane is linked with depression, heart disease, IBD, mental health problems, osteoporosis, and liver disease. Other common side effects include dry skin, chapped lips, nosebleeds, and joint pain.
Another one of the most well-known dangers of Accutane is its link to birth defects in pregnant women. Due to this risk, it is heavily regulated and requires strict monitoring while taking the medication.18
None of these options address the underlying cause of acne, but only treat symptoms.
Natural Acne Treatment – Baking Soda
Thanks to its alkaline nature, baking soda acts as a natural exfoliant so it helps remove dead skin cells and unclogs pores. To use baking soda as a spot treatment for acne, simply mix 2 tablespoons of it with 1 tablespoon of water to form a paste. Then, apply the mixture onto any areas affected by acne and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. However, just like other treatments, baking soda only addresses symptoms, not the underlying cause.19
5Rs – Addressing The Underlying Cause Of Acne
The 5Rs approach provides a comprehensive strategy to tackle acne by targeting the root cause and promoting overall health and well-being.
R1: Removing Toxins From Our Lives
The first step in the 5Rs approach involves identifying and eliminating sources of toxicity in our environment. This could include things like mercury fillings, pollution, or other harmful substances that lead to immune system and hormone dysfunction.
R2: Regenerating Cellular Membranes
Toxins cause inflammation in our cellular membranes, hindering important processes like nutrient absorption and waste removal. By regenerating these membranes, we improve overall cellular function and can reverse hormone resistance that leads to acne.
R3: Restoring ATP Production
In addition to supporting cellular detoxification, the 5Rs approach also focuses on increasing ATP production. This energy molecule is vital for optimal functioning of cells and helps remove toxins from within.20
R4: Downregulating Cellular Membrane Inflammation
Even after removing toxins, cellular membrane inflammation still continues due to a complex cycle known as the NO/ONOO cycle. Nutraceuticals are used to effectively reduce inflammation back to normal levels.21
R5: Restoring Methylation
By restoring proper methylation, we can turn off the genes that cause acne breakouts even if we are genetically susceptible to acne.22
By following the 5Rs approach, we can address the root cause of acne and achieve clear, healthy skin.
To learn even more about the 5Rs, join me in my free webinar or read more about the connection between a lack of sleep and autoimmune conditions.
References
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2 Meixiong J, Ricco C, Vasavda C, Ho BK. Diet and acne: A systematic review. JAAD Int. 2022 Mar 29;7:95-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2022.02.012. PMID: 35373155; PMCID: PMC8971946.
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