Holistic Approaches to Managing Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people, leading to breakouts like blackheads, whiteheads,
and cysts. It can appear on the face, back, shoulders, and chest and is often linked to clogged pores, excess oil,
bacteria, and inflammation. But acne isn’t just about skincare—it’s a sign of deeper underlying factors, such as
hormones, gut health, and stress. To truly address acne, we need to understand its root causes.

Hormonal Factors
Puberty & Menstrual Cycle: Hormonal changes, especially increased androgens,
can lead to acne outbreaks, typically around ovulation or just before
menstruation (7 days prior).
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances
that trigger acne through excess sebum production. This results in clogged pores
and deep lesions, especially around the cheeks, jawline, chin, and neck.

Other Contributing Factors
Bacterial Infections: Poor hygiene (phones, pillowcases, hands) can exacerbate acne.
Inflammation: Caused by bacterial infections, gut issues, and microbiome disturbances.
Stress: Stress can worsen acne due to its effects on gut health, skin microbiome, and inflammation.

The Gut-Skin Connection
Imbalances in the gut microbiome, such as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) or IBS (Irritable Bowel
Syndrome), can increase inflammation and worsen acne. Supporting gut health is crucial, including through
fiber, water, and addressing trigger foods like sugar, dairy, and gluten.

Nutritional Strategies for Acne
Reduce Sugar: Cutting out refined sugar lowers insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which can worsen acne.
Avoid A1 Dairy: A1 milk can exacerbate acne due to its impact on IGF-1. Opt for A2 dairy (goat, sheep, or Jersey
milk) instead.
Increase Zinc, Fiber, Omega-3, and Antioxidants: Foods rich in zinc (seeds, nuts, seafood), fiber (whole grains,
vegetables), omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseeds), and antioxidants (berries, green tea) support healthy skin.
Probiotics and Gut Health: Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut help balance the
microbiome and reduce inflammation.

Managing PCOS and Acne
PCOS often results in elevated androgens (e.g., testosterone, DHEA) that contribute to acne. Key symptoms
include irregular periods, cystic ovaries, hirsutism(excess hair), and acne. Diagnosing and addressing the
hormonal imbalance in PCOS can be vital for managing acne.

Practical Tips for Managing Acne
Testing: Blood tests for hormones (testosterone, SHBG, DHEA), liver function, insulin, and cortisol can provide
insights into acne causes.
Supplements: Zinc (citrate, glycinate, or picolinate), probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and inositol (for insulin
resistance) can help reduce inflammation and improve acne.
Herbal Support: Herbs like licorice root, paeonia, black cohosh, and berberine are useful for PCOS-related
acne.

Lifestyle Considerations
Hygiene: Proper cleaning of phones, pillowcases, and makeup removal can reduce bacterial buildup.
Stress Management: Reducing stress can help manage gut function, which in turn can improve skin health.
Sleep & Rest: Quality sleep supports skin repair and regeneration.

Topical Solutions
While addressing internal factors like diet and hormones is important, topical treatments can also play a
significant role in controlling acne. Here are some ingredients that can help:
· Retinol: A fat-soluble vitamin, retinol normalizes cell function and regulates sebaceous activity, helping
reduce excess oil production. It also promotes healthy skin cell turnover.
· Azelaic Acid: Found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, azelaic acid is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It
helps rebalance keratinization in the skin and can be just as effective as hydroquinone for skin pigmentation
issues.
· BIOPEP.15: This botanical complex contains peptides that provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity,
targeting acne-causing bacteria like C. acnes.
· Willow Bark Extract: A natural source of beta-hydroxy acid (BHAs), willow bark helps dissolve the build-up of
dead skin cells and oil, preventing clogged pores and inflammation. It’s both antibacterial and antiinflammatory.
· Boswellia Serrata Extract: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this extract can help soothe irritated
skin and reduce redness associated with acne.

At Body Recon we have created acne skincare packs including all the ingredients required to help improve acne
skin. Click the links to shop.

SKIN CARE PACK 1 
Dermaceutic Foamer 5 Cleanser
Biopelle Retriderm .05% Retinol
Dermceutic Dual + Anti blemish Serum
K Ceutic SPF

SKIN CARE PACK 2

Dermaceutic Foamer 5 – Cleanser

Biretix Tri-Active Gel – Spot treatment

Biretix Duo – Blemish Serum
Biretix Isorepair -Barrier repairing moisturiser
Airyday SPF – SPF

Treatment options at Body Recon
At Body Recon there are many options to help improve Acne.
We recommend having a skin analysis with a dermal clinician to begin your journey. This way we can analyse
your skin under our Observ Skin Analysis machine. From this we will customise a plan suited to your needs and
budget.

Some Acne Treatments we offer in the clinic will be:
LED light therapy
Chemical peels
Acne laser treatment
Scar revision laser (medicare rebates may apply)

Targeted Acne Packages are available to purchase in the clinic:

LED light therapy
8x Led facials $800 ($50 per treatment)
Crystal Peel Package
3 x crystal peels $420 ($140 per treatment)
Acne Laser Package
3 x Acne laser treatments $600 ($200 per treatment)
Laser and Peel Package
3x Acne laser treatments
3 x Crystal Peels
$840 ($280 per treatment)

Long-Term Acne Care
Acne often requires time to heal. Documenting breakouts and tracking patterns can help understand triggers.
It’s important to give treatments time to work—some treatments, such as post-pill acne, may take 6-12 months
for recovery.

Conclusion
Acne can often be a chronic condition, but with the right approach—focused on diet, hormones, gut health,
topical products, skin treatments and stress management—it is treatable. Consult with healthcare
professionals for personalized advice and solutions.

References
Maree Noonan – naturopath
Karah Edwards – naturopath
Shelley Leone – Dermacosmetica clinical educator
Natalie Misfud – dermal therapist Body Recon