Hormonal Acne or Acne Related To Your Diet? Most Likely, Neither.

When I have a client who comes in with acne, I often hear two theories as to why they think they’re experiencing a breakout.

They often relate it to hormones or diet…Sorry to say folks, it's actually infrequent that acne is related to either one.

There is true hormonal acne and there is, what I refer to as, fluctuating, isolated hormonal acne. True hormonal acne usually presents as deep, dermal, cystic acne. The majority of this type of acne shows up on the cheeks. However, in more acute cases, it can be found on the majority of the face. This is one of the most difficult types of acne to treat and sometimes requires prescription, oral medication to fully clear.

Acne brought on by hormonal fluctuations typically shows up intermittently, near or around ovulation and menstruation. It generally presents around the mouth, in papule form rather than cystic form. Typically, this type of acne is treated successfully with a topical spot treatment like benzoyl peroxide.

In regard to acne brought on by diet, there’s no conclusive, scientific evidence relating breakout to diet. None. Do I believe there is a correlation between the two? Yes, however, on rare occasion only.

Most acne is related to your environment, consistency, method and execution of your skincare practices as well as hygienic practices. The answer is usually much less complicated than assumed.

Be that as it may, nothing about skin is permanent. New findings come up all the time. My hypothesis acclimates and pivot as new discoveries come to light. This is what I know now.