We have quite a few patients who come in because they have skin breakouts, some of them severe and diagnosed as cystic acne. They are often frustrated because they can’t find products to work on their skin and some products, usually prescribed, cause uncomfortable side effects. Many of these patients are adults who find their skin issues both embarrassing and bothersome.

While it’s true that keeping the skin clean and free of bacteria helps, from a naturopathic perspective, treating acne successfully happens from the inside out. Breakouts indicate toxicity, and are a sign that your liver, kidneys, and bowels are not properly expelling waste and are thus having difficulty dealing with the toxic level. Thus, your skin, your largest organ, is being used to expel the toxicity.

In this vein, a detox is often recommended to help cleanse the body of impurities, and would include increased water consumption, to help facilitate the elimination of toxins and because dehydration can be a factor in the creation of acne. Diet modifications are often suggested to help create a more alkaline environment in your body as opposed to an acidic condition (acidity can contribute to acne as well as other ailments and illness), and especially removing dairy and adding fibre, to aid waste elimination. Nutritional supplementation, as well as probiotics, is also often included, especially if one is not properly absorbing vitamins and minerals.

Stress and lack of sufficient sleep and rest can contribute to blemished skin as well. Acupuncture is another option and can help with digestion, elimination, and even the prevention of scarring.

Here at the Quinte Naturopathic Centre, we also have a few products to try, which Dr. Michelle Durkin will recommend based on an individual’s particular case. They will be all natural and cause no negative side effects.

If you struggle with acne and have tried everything to no avail, contact us to book your appointment. We may just be the answer you’re looking for.