Naturopathic Treatment of Acne

by Dr. Pamela Frank, BSc (Hons), ND

Acne in women beyond puberty is caused by persistent hormone imbalances usually estrogen dominance or androgen (male hormone) excess.  Symptoms of estrogen dominance acne can include very heavy and/or very painful periods, tender breasts, weepiness or feeling highly emotional.    Androgen excess usually manifests as deeper, cystic type acne on the chest, back and/or jaw line and is often accompanied by other symptoms of excess androgens including thinning hair, irregular periods, infertility, and excessive hair growth in unwanted areas.

My Naturopathic Approach to Acne

1. Balance estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHT and DHEAs through:

·         healthy diet

·         regular exercise

·         stress reduction

·         liver detoxification (not through the kits from the health food store!)

·         mineral support

2. Increase healthy skin nutrients through diet and/or supplementation.

3. Decrease excess oil production in the skin

4. Improve immune system function to prevent excessive bacterial growth on the skin

5. Testing for and elimination of food allergies

The Benefits to My Approach

1. Better hormone balance to prevent hormone related conditions like breast cancer

2. Healthier looking skin without chemicals on your skin

3. Healthier looking skin without chronic antibiotic use

4. Healthier looking skin without hormone treatments like birth control pills

5. Healthier looking skin without harsh drugs like accutane

6. Lasting improvement versus recurrence every time you stop treatment

7. Lower overall (systemic) levels of inflammation