Acne is a multifactorial and one of the most common common skin conditions affecting millions of teenagers and adults around the world. It can cause not only physical discomfort but also emotional stress and decreased self-esteem. At Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center, we believe in an individualized, natural and holistic approach to treating acne.
What Is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles and skin pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria overgrowth. The condition often appears on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. While it is commonly associated with teenage years, many adults continue to struggle with acne well into their 30s and beyond.
Understanding the Causes of Acne
Several factors contribute to the development of acne, including:
- Hormones: Fluctuating hormones during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or stress can increase oil production and lead to acne.
- Diet: Some research suggests that diet, especially high-glycemic foods, dairy, and sugar, may trigger or worsen acne.
- Stress: High-stress levels can exacerbate acne by stimulating oil glands, increasing inflammation and impairing healing.
- Skincare Products: Using heavy, oil-based products can clog pores and worsen breakouts.
- Genetics: A family history of acne can make someone more likely to develop the condition.
Conventional Acne Treatments
Dermatologists often recommend conventional treatments to manage and reduce acne. Here are some commonly prescribed options:
- Topical Treatments
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills bacteria and dries out existing pimples.
- Retinoids: Derived from Vitamin A, these medications help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
- Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores, helping to prevent future breakouts.
- Oral Medications
- Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics can reduce bacteria and inflammation but should be used short-term to prevent resistance.
- Hormonal Therapies: Birth control pills and anti-androgen drugs help regulate hormone fluctuations in women.
- Isotretinoin (Accutane): A powerful treatment for severe acne that reduces oil production but comes with significant potential side effects, such as dry skin, dry eyes, liver issues, and severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
- Chemical Peels and Light Therapy
- Chemical Peels: Use of acid-based solutions to exfoliate and remove the top layer of skin, reducing pore blockages.
- Light Therapy: Specifically, blue light therapy kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
Potential Side Effects of Conventional Treatments
While effective for many people, conventional acne treatments may come with side effects, such as:
- Dryness, redness, and peeling of the skin.
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
- Hormonal imbalances from oral medications.
- Gastrointestinal issues from antibiotics.
- Many long-term side effects
Natural and Holistic Management of acne
At Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center, we take an integrative approach to acne treatment. We consider your unique health history, lifestyle, diet, and specific laboratory tests to develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
For those looking for a more holistic approach, several natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help manage acne:
- Diet and Nutrition
- Diet: Elimination of reactive food and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce acne flare-ups.
- Probiotics: Beneficial for gut and skin health, probiotics may improve skin by balancing internal and local beneficial bacteria.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin health.
- Herbal Remedies
- Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can be used as a spot treatment for breakouts.
- Green Tea Extract: Reduces inflammation and oil production when applied topically or consumed as a beverage.
- Essential Oils
- Essential oils like lavender, rosemary, and clary sage can balance skin oils and calm inflammation. Be sure to dilute these oils with a carrier oil before application.
- Skincare Routine
- Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to avoid irritating the skin.
- Toner: To balance skin PH and seal pores. Choose a natural-based toner like Witch Hazel to use after your gentle cleanser.
- Moisturize: Even oily skin needs hydration. Choose a lightweight, non-oily moisturizer.
- Exfoliation: For milder acne, exfoliate no more than twice a week to remove dead skin cells without over-irritating. This is not recommended for severe or cystic acne.
- Mind-Body Practices
- Stress Management: Practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help lower stress hormone levels and improve skin health.
- Adequate Sleep: Prioritize sleep to allow your skin time to repair and rejuvenate.
Laboratory Test for management of acne
While mild to moderate acne breakouts respond well to basic skincare regimens, persistent or severe acne often requires a more comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying causes or contributing factors. Tests that may be considered for the management of acne include:
- Hormone panel: Comprehensive hormone panel to evaluate hormonal fluctuations or excess that may include androgen levels, thyroid function, stress hormones, and metabolic markers.
- Food Sensitivity Testing: This test will help streamline the process of identifying any foods that may lead to inflammation and increase in intestinal permeability that may exacerbate acne breakouts. Food sensitivities are inflammatory responses of the immune system triggered by food allergens. Unlike the true “immediate” food allergies, the symptoms of a food sensitivity are delayed and often occur hours or even days after exposure, making it difficult to identify the trigger food(s).
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Testing: Comprehensive GI testing can identify dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria), measure markers of digestion, absorption, and inflammation that may be impacting skin health and healing
How Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center Can Help
At Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center we take a Holistic and natural approach to acne treatment. Whether you opt for conventional treatments, natural remedies, or a combination of both, we are here to guide you on your journey to clearer skin.
Q&A Section
Q: How do hormones contribute to acne breakouts?
A: Hormones, especially androgens, increase oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne. This is why many teens experience acne during puberty and why adults may have flare-ups during hormonal changes like pregnancy or menstrual cycles.
Q: Is diet really linked to acne?
A: While research is ongoing, some studies suggest a link between diet and acne. High-glycemic foods and dairy products may trigger breakouts in some individuals. Avoidance of trigger foods and eating a balanced, low-inflammatory diet can improve overall skin health.
Q: Are natural treatments effective for acne?
A: Natural treatments can be effective, particularly for mild to moderate acne. However, the results may vary, and it may take time to see improvements. We often recommend a combination approach for the best outcome.
Q: Can stress make acne worse?
A: Yes, stress increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that can trigger oil production and worsen acne. Stress management techniques like mindfulness and adequate sleep can be beneficial.
Q: Is it safe to use essential oils for acne?
A: Essential oils like tea tree oil can be effective for acne when used properly. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. Perform a patch test before applying them to your face.
Q: Are there side effects to conventional acne medications?
A: Yes, conventional treatments can have side effects. Topical medications may cause dryness, redness, and irritation, while oral antibiotics can disrupt gut health. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
Q: How long does it take to see results from acne treatment?
A: The timeline varies. Topical treatments may take several weeks, while oral medications can show results in a few months. Natural treatments may take longer but can be effective with consistent use.
Contact Information
For personalized acne treatment plans and holistic care, visit or call us:
Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center
41769 Enterprise Circle North, Suite 203
Temecula, CA 92590
Phone: (760) 944-9300
Discover a healthier approach to clear skin with Ocean Pacific Integrative Health Center!