Acne & Natural Treatments
Listen to Dr. Greenberg Talk About Acne on a Podcast
Interested in learning more about acne? Take Dr. Greenberg’s course on acne at: Root Cause Dermatology- Acne
No one wants acne, yet it is pervasive in Western societies. Let’s first talk about what causes acne and then we will discuss the natural treatments for acne we provide to alleviate it.
- Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. and affects as many as 50 million people each year.
- As many as 90% of teenagers experience at least minor acne.
- Adult acne is on the rise and 40% to 54% of adults over the age of 25 have some degree of facial acne.
- Acne is virtually unheard of in non-westernized societies such as indigenous tribes! That means it’s not a normal part of adolescence or adulthood!
What Causes Acne?
While we still have a lot more to learn about what causes acne, here are the four main steps we believe are at the heart of acne:
01. EXCESS OIL PRODUCTION
Sebum (oil) is a natural substance that lubricates and protects skin, but overproduction drives acne. There are several natural treatments for acne that can keep it under control.
02. EXCESS SKIN CELL PRODUCTION
Keratinocytes (a type of skin cells) comprise 95% of cells in the epidermis, but overproduction drives acne.
03. Clogged Hair Follicles
Oil (sebum) and dead skin cells (keratinocytes) get trapped under the skin and create inflammation and a breeding ground for bacteria.
04. Bacterial Overgrowth
Bacteria is normal part of healthy human skin, but when they grow out of control, it can lead to infection and inflammation.
Several different types of bacteria are associated with acne.
One example, Cutebacterium acnes, is normally found on skin and does not cause a problem.
But it feeds on sebum, so when sebum is overproduced, C. acnes colonies explode.
But we already said that non-Western societies don’t have acne
(not in teens and not in adults)
So what’s happening in our Western societies that makes acne so common?
What Drives Acne?
Western Diet
Sugar
Our diet is high in sugar (glycemic load) and this drives production of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
Just like it sounds, it causes growth, including increased oil and skin cell production.
Dairy
Especially skim or nonfat milk which has a high glycemic load.
Dairy is a food meant to make baby mammals grow quickly, and when we drink it as teens and adults, it still stimulates growth.
It contains IGF-1 and other hormones that increase sebum and keratinocyte production.
Excess Hormones
Puberty is a time for rapid growth, and the production of lots of hormones like IGF-1, testosterone and DHT help accomplish this goal. But these hormones also drive excess sebum and keratinocyte production which clogs pores and gives C.acnes bacteria lots of food to feed on.
Other conditions, such as perimenopause or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can also drive excess hormone production and lead to acne.
Leptin, a hormone made by fat cells and cells in the small intestine, regulates fat storage. It is expressed in sebocytes and has been linked to acne.
Pressure
Pressure from chin straps or helmets can clog pores and create inflammation.
Cosmetics
Ingredients in cosmetic products can plug pores in certain people and cause acne.
Genes
Unfortunately if one of your parents had severe acne, it is more likely that you will too.
Stress
Yes, stress can really contribute to acne flares by releasing hormones that cause inflammation. Natural treatments for acne proves to be highly beneficial and effective in such cases.
How Can We Get Rid of Acne Using Natural Treatments?
We target acne from the inside out and outside in by using both topicals and internal treatments.
We work with you, the patient, to determine which treatment options fit best with your life and your values. There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan: it will be tailored to your (or your child’s) specific needs.
Examples Include:
Diet
We educate you on how your specific diet may be driving your acne, and work on healthy eating and making smart choices where possible to reduce the drivers of acne.
Topicals
We use natural botanical products to address the inflammation and bacteria on the skin, and they work beautifully!
No antibiotics or pharmaceuticals are needed.
Supplements
There are many supplements which can help address the underlying causes of acne such as: increased oil & skin cell production, high hormone levels, bacterial overgrowth and inflammation.
Supplement treatment plans are customized to the individual.
Lifestyle
We will look at lifestyle factors like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and hygiene (such as wearing helmets) to determine which factors could be contributing to your acne.
We will look at your stress levels, sleep, and exercise to determine what changes could you help reduce your acne and make you feel better.
Interested in learning more about how we treat acne?
Contact us or set up a free 15 minute consultation with Dr. Greenberg to talk about your specific needs.
Contact Us
Los Angeles, CA 90025
