Insights and Solutions from My Decade-Long Acne Journey
Over a decade ago, my journey with persistent acne began, despite living a clean and mindful lifestyle.
I dedicated myself to caring for my mind, body, and soul, managing stress and following expert protocols. Despite guidance from facialists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, and family medicine experts, finding a solution proved elusive.
The past decade has been a continuous cycle of trial and error:
Experimenting with various skincare products (tretinoin, retinol, acids, benzoyl peroxide, Differin, sulfur masks, etc.)
Primarily using medical-grade skincare
Undergoing peels, laser treatments, facials, and high-frequency therapies
Trying birth control pills
Undergoing extensive bloodwork
Trying antibiotics and medications like spironolactone
Exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbal teas
Undergoing food sensitivity testing and rotating diets
Managing stress and focusing on lower-impact activities
Using purified water for facial cleansing due to contaminants in tap water (you can check your local water on EWG HERE)
Despite these efforts, my skin didn’t reflect the care I put in. While food sensitivity testing, purified water, prescription topicals and medical-grade skincare helped maintain some balance, acne persisted.
Feeling defeated, I turned to functional medicine (specifically Aligned Modern Health) for answers. My initial hour-long visit covered EVERYTHING— their data-first approach was refreshing. A thorough examination of my diet, lifestyle, and stress levels led to targeted tests. The results revealed several insights: an overgrowth of unfriendly gut bacteria necessitated an anti-candida diet, while deficiencies in key vitamins like Vitamin C, Glutathione, and Vitamin D pointed to impaired gut health and leaky gut caused by chronic inflammation. Inflammation, a crucial indicator, underscored deeper imbalances. Lastly, cortisol levels confirmed adrenal fatigue, clearly signaling underlying issues.
Solving the root causes has transformed my skin and health journey, marking a profound turning point after a decade of exploration. Now, I'm sharing my discoveries in hopes they can make a difference for others.
5 Big Takeaways I Wish I Had Known in My 20s to Help Heal My Gut and Clear My Skin:
1️⃣ Acne is not just a problem—it’s often a symptom. Addressing the root cause is crucial.
2️⃣ Internal factors can contribute to acne as much as external ones. It’s essential to take a holistic view and gather data to identify the underlying issues. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
3️⃣ Even with excellent hygiene and doing everything right, acne can persist, signaling a need to look inward.
4️⃣ Diet / nutrition tailored to your body is paramount.
5️⃣ Gut health directly impacts skin health. Issues like digestive distress and food sensitivities may manifest as skin problems. Look to optimize gut health.
My journey through dermatology and functional medicine taught me a crucial lesson: health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Rather than dismissing acne as a superficial issue, it's imperative to recognize it as a potential indicator of underlying imbalances, changes, or even dysfunctions within the body. All figureoutable and solvable.
If you’re struggling with persistent acne or know someone who is, explore my Ultimate Acne Guide—a decade’s worth of insights distilled into a comprehensive resource covering skincare basics, internal and external factors, practical tips, and a self-guided flow chart. Visit the Ultimate Acne Guide HERE to access this valuable resource.
Please note, while I share personal experiences, I'm not a medical professional and don't provide medical advice. My goal is to empower you to find personalized solutions for your unique body.
To Your Health and Confidence,
Katie
