Holistic Ways to Fight Acne and Avoid Harsh Medications

Understanding Acne: Causes, Prevention, and how Underground Beauty Bar can Help

Picture of young adult with acne lesions

Let's face it. Acne sucks. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. If you're suffering from acne, you may be tempted to turn to systemic medications like Accutane, as recommended by your dermatologists. But we are here to tell you that there is so much more to acne than meets the eye. By understanding the root cause of acne and how to prevent breakouts, you can begin your journey to great skin, without the harsh meds.

Read on. By the end of this post, you may just change your mind about how to treat your breakouts.

What Causes Acne?

Acne forms when hair follicles become clogged with oil (you may have heard the term sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. But why does this happen in the first place? There are several factors that can contribute to acne development:

1. Excess Oil Production (Sebum)The sebaceous glands in your skin produce an oily substance called sebum, which helps protect and lubricate the skin. But, when the body produces too much sebum, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores. This creates an environment where acne-causing bacteria thrive and cause inflammation (Fun fact: The most common acne-cause bacteria is called Propionibacterium acnes).

   
   

2. Hormonal Changes One of the biggest triggers for acne is hormonal fluctuations. During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or even times of stress, the body’s hormone levels can spike, especially androgens (male hormones like testosterone). These hormones increase the size and activity of sebaceous glands, which leads to more oil production and clogged pores.

   
   

3. Genetics Your genetics can also play a significant role in acne. If your parents had acne, there's a higher chance you’ll develop it too. This is because of inherited traits that make your skin more prone to producing excess oil or being more sensitive to hormonal changes. But don't worry. Even if you are genetically prone to acne, there are still many things you can do to combat and prevent it! Trust us... read on!

   
   

4. Diet and Lifestyle Some studies suggest that high-glycemic foods (like sugary snacks, white bread, and pasta) may contribute to acne outbreaks. Dairy products are also a likely culprit, particularly milk. Additionally, oily foods can trigger breakouts in many people. Stress, lack of sleep, and certain medications (like steroids) can also worsen acne.

   
   

5. Environmental Factors Pollution, humidity, and touching your face frequently can introduce dirt and bacteria to your skin. This external buildup can clog pores and trigger acne.

   And don't underestimate the amount of bacteria you could spread to your face just by touching it (think about how many times you touch your dirty cell phone, then touch your face-- you might do this over 100 times a day)!

   
   

   

   Woman talking on her cell phone, likely laden with bacteria that will spread to her face

How to Prevent Acne

Prevention is key when it comes to managing acne. Part of prevention starts with changing your habits, and the other part comes with holistic skin care treatments such as lymphatic drainage, microneedling, and glycolic acid peels at Underground Beauty Bar.

What you can do at home:

1. Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine A basic skincare routine involves cleansing your face twice a day with a gentle, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) cleanser. It’s essential not to over-wash your face, as this can strip away essential oils and cause your skin to produce even more oil to compensate. If you aren't sure where to begin choosing the right skin care products for your skin type, come in for a customized facial with our licensed aesthetician and she will guide you!

   
   

2. Use Non-Comedogenic Products Choose makeup, moisturizers, and sunscreen labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” These products are less likely to clog pores. Make sure to remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day.

   
   

3. Exfoliate Regularly Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, preventing them from building up and clogging pores. Opt for gentle exfoliants, as harsh scrubbing can irritate the skin and make acne worse.

   
   

4. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face Touching your face with unclean hands can transfer oils, bacteria, and dirt to your skin, increasing the risk of breakouts. Additionally, avoid resting your face on surfaces like pillows or your hands for extended periods.

   
   

5. Watch Your Diet While there’s no conclusive evidence that specific foods directly cause acne, a balanced diet can help reduce the likelihood of breakouts. Try to avoid excessive sugar and dairy products and focus on eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

   
   

6. Manage Stress Stress triggers the production of cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production in the skin. Engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, yoga, meditation, or simply getting enough sleep can help maintain hormonal balance.

   
   

What Underground Beauty Bar can do for your acne:

At Underground, we provide holistic treatments for all sorts of skin conditions, including acne. By stimulating freshly oxygenated blood flow to the deep layers of the skin with lymphatic drainage(included in our customized facial), clearing harmful bacterial from the skin with steam and gentle topical ingredients, and triggering cellular turnover with microneedling, we are tackling your skin problems without systemic medications.

Woman getting microneedling with hyaluronic acid

What they may not be telling you about Tetracycline and Accutane:

For more severe cases of acne, many people turn to oral medications, like tetracycline antibiotics or isotretinoin (Accutane). While these treatments can be effective, they come with significant risks and should not be relied upon as the first line of defense. Here’s why:

1. Tetracycline (and Other Antibiotics)

Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic used to treat moderate to severe acne by reducing the bacteria P. acnes and reducing inflammation. While it can help clear acne, its effectiveness is often temporary. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance, meaning the bacteria could evolve to survive the treatment, making it less effective over time.

Problems with Tetracycline:

• Side Effects: Tetracycline can cause nausea, stomach upset, and sensitivity to sunlight. Long-term use may also lead to yeast infections or gastrointestinal issues.

• Antibiotic Resistance: As mentioned, overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance, which is a growing public health concern.

• Temporary Results: Antibiotics don’t address the underlying causes of acne (such as excess sebum or hormonal imbalances), meaning acne can return once the medication is stopped.

  
  

2. Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Accutane, a form of vitamin A, is used for severe, cystic acne that doesn't respond to other treatments. It works by reducing sebum production, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation. Many patients experience long-term improvement or even permanent remission of their acne after completing an Accutane course. However, the risks associated with Accutane are significant.

Problems with Accutane:

• Severe Side Effects: Accutane is notorious for its range of serious side effects, including dry skin, dry eyes, joint pain, and more severe conditions like depression and suicidal thoughts. These side effects are why Accutane is typically only prescribed after other treatments fail.

• Birth Defects: Accutane is a potent teratogen, meaning it can cause severe birth defects. Women must use two forms of contraception and undergo regular pregnancy tests before, during, and after treatment.

• Long-Term Damage: Some patients report long-term skin dryness, thinning hair, or even permanent scarring. There’s also evidence to suggest that Accutane can affect the skin’s natural oil production long after treatment, potentially making it more prone to dryness or irritation.

  
  

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Acne Treatment

While oral treatments like tetracycline and Accutane can be effective for certain types of acne, they should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution. These medications come with significant side effects, and their long-term effectiveness is often questionable. The best way to manage acne is through a combination of good skincare habits, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes.

If you’re struggling with acne, begin your skin healing journey with us. Our licensed aesthetician is an expert at acne prevention and treatment of active breakouts. On your first visit, she will identify your skin type, come up with a home skin care regimen designed just for you, and provide a customized facial to treat your issues.

Book your customized facial today!