Naturopathic Solutions For Acne in Toronto
rejuvenate your skin naturally and bid farewell to acne
What causes acne?
Contrary to popular belief, acne is primarily not a result of improper facial hygiene. While it typically presents itself on the outside, its more often an unfortunate indicator that there's an internal problem. The most important question to ask is, "why is this happening in the first place?"
The root of acne formation is centred in the oil gland, known as the sebaceous gland. Hormonal changes, inflammatory foods, disrupted skin pH, etc. can lead to changes in the quality and quantity of sebum produced, creating low-level inflammation. This inflammation can plug the follicle, resulting in the closed comedones we all lovingly know as acne. The closed comedo is an ideal bacterial breeding ground, and the more overgrown with bacteria these blocked follicles become, the larger and more cystic the resulting "pimple". If the cyst ruptures below the dermis, the lesions last a lot longer and are more likely to result in permanent scarring.
Hormones
First and foremost, we must investigate hormones. Higher levels of dihydrotestosterone lead to increased sebaceous gland activity and acne formation. This is common in conditions like PCOS and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, with the most common symptoms being irregular or infrequent menses, adult-onset acne, male-patterned hair growth around the chin/nipples/stomach/hands, and insulin resistance. However, not all of these symptoms have to be present for hormones to be disrupted, making it difficult to uncover the underlying problem.
Consider: Hormone Testing can be a useful tool in these cases.
The Liver
While balancing hormone production is important, proper elimination of these hormones is just as critical. Your liver acts as a filter, eliminating degraded hormones and preventing hormonal congestion that results in acne. Alcohol, birth control, environmental toxins, etc all burden our liver on a daily basis, leading to sluggish detoxification and toxins being shifted to our major detox organ, the skin. ​
Diet
A high intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars, and preservatives results in blood sugar spiking, and subsequent boosts in insulin levels. High levels of insulin in the bloodstream trigger sebum production and an increase in pore-clogging cells. Dairy also tends to be a problematic food, as it's rich in IGF-1, which also promotes insulin release. An imbalanced, high-carb diet may be attributed to you producing all the wrong hormones as an older adolescent or adult.
Digestion
Just as the liver detoxifies hormones, the colon excretes them. If bowel movements are not regular, degraded hormones sit in the gut waiting to be reactivated and resorbed by "bad" bacteria. Furthermore, consuming foods you may be sensitive to (ie food intolerances) results in higher levels of overall inflammation in the diet every time you eat them.
Topicals
Last but not least, consider what you put on your skin.
If you’ve been using strong washes or cream moisturizers, STOP. Harsh chemicals strip the natural pH of the skin, leading to higher amounts of oil production from the skin to compensate for the balance. Most creams are glycerin based, which the skin does not properly absorb. Instead, it sits on the surface of the skin, trapping debris and oil within the pores, and preventing the skin from breathing. That sounds like a perfect recipe for acne.
Natural Solutions for Acne
Acne isn’t just a surface-level concern—it’s often a sign of deeper imbalances in the body. By identifying and addressing the root causes through advanced testing, such as hormone panels, DUTCH testing, and comprehensive digestive assessments like the GI-MAP, naturopathic care creates a personalized plan that targets acne from the inside out.
Hormone Balancing
Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and androgens can all trigger acne breakouts.
Hormonal changes are one of the most frequent drivers of acne. Irregularities in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or cortisol can all influence sebum production, inflammation, and skin healing. A naturopathic approach includes assessing hormone function and how the body processes and eliminates them.
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Testing options:
- DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)
- targeted blood work help identify patterns of imbalance
- liver enzyme panels
From there, therapies are directed toward restoring equilibrium and supporting healthy hormone metabolism.
Gut Healing
Digestive health strongly influences the skin. Dysbiosis, leaky gut, or poor nutrient absorption can show up as stubborn breakouts.
The gut–skin connection is well established, with the microbiome playing a central role in regulating inflammation, immune health, and nutrient absorption. Dysbiosis, leaky gut, or digestive insufficiencies can all contribute to acne flares.
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Testing options:
- GI-MAP/GI360 (functional stool testing) provides detailed insights into bacterial balance, yeast overgrowth, and gut barrier function.
With this information, naturopathic care focuses on restoring microbial diversity, repairing the intestinal lining, and improving digestive function to reduce triggers for skin inflammation.
Nutrition and Diet
Diet is one of the most powerful tools in acne treatment. Personalized nutrition strategies aim to calm inflammation and support skin healing.
Food choices directly impact skin health. Diet can influence blood sugar stability, hormone signaling, and systemic inflammation—all of which are relevant in acne. Naturopathic doctors use a nutrition-focused approach that evaluates dietary triggers, identifies patterns that may worsen acne, and creates a plan centered around nourishing the skin from within.
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Testing options:
- blood sugar monitoring may be recommended to guide a personalized nutrition strategy.
