Still Blaming Bacteria and Puberty for Your Acne? Here's What’s Really Going On
If acne has left you frustrated, discouraged, or even ashamed — you’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with breakouts long after their teenage years, and many are left wondering why topical creams and prescriptions offer only temporary relief, if any at all.
But here’s something you may not have heard before: Acne is not a skin problem — it’s a signal.
It’s your body’s way of saying something deeper is out of balance. Rather than suppressing that signal with another medicated cream or oral antibiotic, what if we listened to it instead?
As a holistic health practitioner and chiropractor, I see acne as a symptom — not a diagnosis. When we approach skin health from a mind-body perspective, we start uncovering the deeper causes. And often, that journey leads to lasting results.
Let’s take a closer look at what could really be causing your breakouts.
Your Skin Microbiome: Friend, Not Foe
Your skin is covered with a living ecosystem of beneficial bacteria — your skin microbiome — that actually helps protect against inflammation, pathogens, and environmental damage. When you strip your skin with harsh cleansers or overuse topical antibiotics, you destroy that natural barrier. That’s like bulldozing your immune system’s first line of defense.
Instead of blaming bacteria, we need to ask: What’s throwing off the balance in the first place?
1. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones play a major role in skin health — and not just during puberty. Adult acne is often tied to imbalances in androgens, estrogen dominance, or a sluggish thyroid. PMS breakouts, jawline cysts, and hormonal fluctuations throughout the month are all clues your endocrine system may be out of sync.
Supporting hormone response through diet, stress reduction, and nervous system support (yes, chiropractic care helps here!) can reduce hormonal acne.
2. Gut Dysbiosis and Leaky Gut
There’s a reason the gut is often called your “second brain” — it communicates constantly with every other system, including your skin. Gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria) and increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) can lead to systemic inflammation and immune responses that show up on your face.
If you’re dealing with acne and bloating, irregular digestion, or a lot of food allergies — it’s time to dig deeper into your gut health.
3. Liver Detox Overload
Your liver is your body’s detox powerhouse. When it’s overloaded with toxins from processed food, alcohol, medications, or environmental exposures, your skin often steps in to help eliminate waste — and that shows up as acne.
This is especially common with acne around the cheeks and temples, where signs of detox stress tend to appear.
4. Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is at the core of nearly every chronic skin condition, including acne. It makes the skin more reactive, more sensitive, and slower to heal. But rather than just applying anti-inflammatory serums, we need to ask: Where is the inflammation coming from?
Triggers can include inflammatory foods (like sugar, gluten, and dairy), unmanaged stress, gut dysfunction, or toxin exposure.
5. Blood Sugar Spikes
If your acne worsens after a carb-heavy meal or you’re riding the rollercoaster of energy crashes and sugar cravings, your blood sugar might be contributing. Blood sugar imbalances increase insulin, which stimulates oil production and androgen hormones — a recipe for breakouts.
Balancing meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation.
6. Nutrient Deficiencies
Your skin relies on certain nutrients to heal, regenerate, and protect. Common deficiencies seen in acne sufferers include:
- Zinc – regulates oil production and immune function
- Vitamin A – supports skin cell turnover
- Vitamin D – modulates inflammation and immunity
- Omega-3 fatty acids – soothe inflammation and support hormonal balance
The problem? Many modern diets (even “healthy” ones) are low in these essentials.
7. Chronic Stress & Cortisol
Stress may not cause acne, but it absolutely worsens it. Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can throw off your hormones, slow digestion, and trigger inflammation — a perfect storm for breakouts.
Your nervous system plays a key role in how your body handles stress. That’s one reason why I incorporate nervous system support and chiropractic care into acne healing — to help regulate stress responses from the inside out.
8. Environmental Toxins
We’re exposed to hundreds of chemicals daily — from skincare products and plastics to air pollution and household cleaners. Many of these toxins are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with your body’s natural hormone signaling.
Clean, non-toxic skincare is important, but internal detox support is just as critical for long-term results.
9. Damaged Skin Microbiome
Finally, let’s not forget the damage done by years of over-washing, over-exfoliating, and using harsh products. If your skin barrier is compromised, it becomes more reactive, inflamed, and acne-prone.
Gentle, microbiome-friendly skincare can help repair this damage — but only when paired with internal healing.
You Deserve More Than a Band-Aid
If you’ve been told your acne is just a cosmetic issue — or worse, something you just have to live with — I want you to know this: Your body is wise.
Acne is a message, not a mistake. When we listen to what your skin is trying to tell us, we unlock a whole new path to healing — one that’s natural, sustainable, and empowering.
Book a call to learn what your body is signaling!
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