If you’re experiencing adult acne, it can be frustrating trying to cover up blemishes and, more importantly, understanding how to get rid of them. In this article, we will discuss four common causes of adult acne: Stress, hormonal imbalance, inflammatory foods, and gut imbalances.
Stress & Inflammatory Food
Mental, emotional, and even physical stressors can affect us more often than we expect. The activities or lifestyles that we enjoy, like working out or spending time with friends, can be sources of stress if we’re not careful.
Physical stress can range from pushing yourself too hard at the gym, avoiding foods out of fear instead of informed intuition, or eating foods that you are intolerant to. Dairy, grains, and sugar are some of the top acne-causing offenders. Sugar intake can lead to increased systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, which are some of the main drivers behind adult acne.
Hormonal Imbalances
Women are the most likely to suffer from hormonal imbalances that cause adult acne. According to Healthline, menstruation, polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopause, and increased androgen levels are the most common culprits. Androgen, it is important to note, affects both women and men.
When it comes to balancing hormones and avoiding adult acne, a diet containing mostly real, unprocessed foods is key.
Gut Imbalances
An unhealthy gut could also be to blame for your persistent adult acne. New research shows there is actually something called a “gut-skin axis.” This new research is giving us greater insight into possible causes of skin conditions like adult acne, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, and more.
One study showed that up to 40% of people with acne also had low stomach acid. Low stomach acid can set the stage for bacterial imbalances which can potentially also lead to acne. Working to improve your gut health could also be a contributing factor in helping to get rid of your stubborn acne.
For a healthy gut, make sure that you’re incorporating plenty of prebiotic and probiotic foods in your diet. Examples of probiotic-containing foods include raw sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, or yogurt. Examples of prebiotic-containing foods include asparagus, leeks, bananas, and artichokes.
For beautiful skin, try reducing your intake of refined sugars, grains, and industrial seed oils. If you need assistance in figuring out why you have acne, contact our office to take a holistic approach.
References
Cherney, K. (2019, March 08). Hormonal Acne: Why It Happens and How to Treat It. Retrieved January 26, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hormonal-acne#symptoms-and-causes
