Clear Skin, Balanced Hormones: A Naturopathic Approach to Healing Acne
At Oak, we know how frustrating it can be to manage acne. As a naturopathic physician, I approach acne by looking deep into the root cause of this common skin condition.
One potential root cause of acne is hormonal imbalance, such as estrogen dominance. As a naturopathic physician, I understand the mechanisms behind estrogen dominance and its impact on the skin. I look to treat the underlying root cause of acne and create effective, holistic treatments to help the skin be vibrant and glowing.
If you are struggling with stubborn acne read on and consider booking a consultation at Oak Integrative Health with Dr. Michele Black, ND today.
Estrogen Dominance: The Root Cause
Estrogen dominance occurs when the levels of estrogen in the body are high relative to other hormones, especially progesterone. This imbalance can arise due to various factors, including chronic stress, poor diet, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
When estrogen dominates, it affects the levels and activity of androgens—the male hormones present in both men and women. Androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a pivotal role in the development of acne. They stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more sebum, an oily substance that helps protect and moisturize the skin. However, when produced in excess, sebum can clog pores, setting the stage for acne.
Androgens and Sebum Production: A Double-Edged Sword
Sebum is essential for maintaining healthy skin, but when its production is unregulated, it can lead to problems. Androgens increase sebum production, and when this oily substance accumulates, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog hair follicles. This creates an ideal environment for the growth of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacterium naturally present on the skin. The overgrowth of P. acnes in clogged pores triggers an immune response, leading to the inflammation, redness and swelling characteristic of acne.
Additionally, sebum is prone to oxidation, especially when exposed to air. Oxidized sebum can further irritate the skin, worsening inflammation and contributing to the formation of acne lesions.
Estrogen Metabolism and Acne: The Role of the Gut and Liver
The gut microbiome, particularly a subset known as the estrobolome, plays a critical role in estrogen metabolism. An imbalance in the gut microbiome can impair estrogen metabolism, causing estrogen to recirculate in the body and contribute to estrogen dominance. This ongoing hormonal imbalance perpetuates acne.
The liver is also crucial in metabolizing and detoxifying excess hormones, including estrogen. When liver function is compromised—due to factors like poor diet or alcohol consumption—estrogen may not be efficiently cleared from the body.
A Naturopathic Approach to Healing Hormonal Acne
Acne in the context of estrogen dominance is driven by a complex interplay of hormonal and gut microbiome imbalances that lead to excessive sebum production, clogged pores, inflammation, and bacterial overgrowth.
Addressing estrogen dominance through targeted lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, stress management and when necessary, medical interventions, can help restore hormonal balance and promote clearer, healthier skin.
If you are looking for clearer, more vibrant skin consider booking a consultation with myself, Dr. Michele Black, ND at Oak Integrative Health. Together we can investigate the root cause of your acne and correct the underlying imbalances for lasting clear and glowing skin.
Wishing you vibrant skin health!
Dr. Michele Black, ND