Understanding Different Types of Acne and How to Address Them
Acne is a common skin concern that can affect people at various stages of life. The type and severity of acne can be influenced by multiple factors, including hormones, gut health, stress, dietary and lifestyle choices. Understanding the specific characteristics of different types of acne can help in managing and treating it effectively. Here, i'll explore several common types of acne and provide insights into their triggers and treatments.
Androgenic ACNE
Androgenic acne breakouts typically appear consistently around the jaw, neck, chest, and back. These breakouts are often accompanied by additional symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive male-pattern hair growth), irregular periods, irritability, and hair loss. This type of acne is driven by androgens, which are hormones that can increase oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
How to Address Androgenic Acne:
Get the correct testing done
Regulate blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity
Down regulate 5-alpha reductase activity
Build resilience to stress
Ensure liver detoxification pathways are working optimally
Promote healthy thyroid function
Improve gut health
Improve diet and lifestyle where needed
OESTROGEN DOMINANT Acne
Breakout patterns that are consistent with your menstrual cycle often appear around ovulation and during PMS flare-ups (which can feel like breakouts are consistent). These breakouts typically occur around the chin, jawline, and cheeks. Oestrogen dominance acne is frequently associated with underlying gut issues.
How to Address Menstrual Cycle-Related Acne:
Get the correct testing done
Clear oestrogen detox pathways by supporting all phases of liver detox
Support progesterone production
Promote healthy thyroid function
Ensure regular bowel movements
Down regulate 5-alpha reductase activity
Improve diet and lifestyle where needed
Post-OCP (Oral Contraceptive Pill) Acne
Acne that occurs after stopping the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) typically peaks 6-9 months post-pill, but symptoms can show up around 4 months post-pill. It often presents with cystic lesions or pustules in areas sensitive to androgen levels, such as the jawline, chin, neck, chest, and shoulders. Our hormones are suppressed when on the OCP, therefore our hormones surge after coming off the OCP, which can lead to increased oil production and subsequent breakouts.
How to Address Post-OCP Acne:
Get the correct testing done
Support thyroid and adrenal function
Regulate blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity
Support liver detoxification pathways
Improve gut health
Replenish any nutrient deficiencies
Improve diet and lifestyle where needed
Stress-Related Acne
Skin flares during times of high stress, such as work or university deadlines, significant life events, and relationship stress. A sign of stress-related acne is the appearance of pimples by the end of the day, or when acne clears up during holidays or non-stressful periods. Stress can trigger an increase in cortisol, leading to increased oil production and inflammation.
How to Address Stress-Related Acne:
Get the correct testing done
Build resistance to stress
Assess cortisol levels
Replenish any nutrient deficiencies
Improve diet and lifestyle where needed
Achieving Clear Skin and Radiating Confidence
If you want my precise clear skin strategy to help you clear your acne and radiate confidence without wasting time, money, and energy on ineffective solutions, you can book a free 15-minute consultation today. My approach focuses on understanding your unique skin type, diet, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions to create a tailored plan that addresses the root causes of your acne.
By identifying and addressing the specific triggers and types of acne you experience, you can take effective steps toward achieving clear, healthy skin. Whether it's hormonal imbalance, stress, or lifestyle factors, understanding the underlying causes is key to finding lasting solutions.
Ready to Start Your Clear Skin Journey?