From Breakouts to Breakthroughs: How Functional Medicine Can Heal Cystic Acne

Are you tired of battling persistent cystic acne, desperately seeking a solution that goes beyond surface-level treatments? You’re tired of relying on creams that work only for the time being…just for the embarrassing acne to come back.

If you're weary of the endless cycle of topical treatments that only offer temporary relief, it's time to delve deeper into the realm of functional medicine.

This personalized approach recognizes that cystic acne is more than just a superficial issue—it's a reflection of internal imbalances and systemic factors that need to be addressed for long-lasting results.
Let’s dive in and say goodbye to band-aid solutions and embark on a holistic journey towards clear, healthy skin.

What is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterized by deep, painful, and inflamed lesions that develop beneath the skin's surface. It typically appears as large, red, and swollen bumps, often filled with pus. Unlike milder forms of acne, such as whiteheads or blackheads, cystic acne lesions penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause significant discomfort and scarring.

This type of acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. However, unlike other forms of acne, cystic acne involves a more profound inflammatory response in the skin.

What Causes Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is primarily caused by a combination of factors that contribute to the development of deep, painful, and inflamed acne lesions. Some of the key causes of cystic acne include:

Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly an increase in androgen hormones such as testosterone, can trigger the overproduction of sebum (oil) in the skin. This excess oil can clog the hair follicles and contribute to the development of cystic acne. Estrogen dominance and PCOS can contribute to higher testosterone levels, contributing to your acne.
Genetics: There is a genetic component to acne, including cystic acne. If your parents or close relatives have a history of severe acne, you may be more susceptible to developing cystic acne.
Increased Sebum Production: Individuals with oily skin tend to produce more sebum, creating an environment that is conducive to acne development. Excessive sebum production can contribute to clogged pores and inflammation.
Bacterial Overgrowth: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a bacteria that naturally resides on the skin. However, in cases of cystic acne, this bacteria can multiply excessively, leading to increased inflammation and the formation of painful cysts.
Poor Gut Health: The gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms residing in our digestive system, has a profound influence on various aspects of our well-being, including our immune system, inflammation levels, and hormonal balance. Disruptions in the gut microbiome, such as an imbalance in the diversity and composition of gut bacteria, can have far-reaching effects, potentially contributing to the development of various health issues, including acne.
Research has indicated that individuals with acne, especially those with severe cystic acne, may have an altered gut microbiome compared to those with clear skin. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to increased gut permeability (leaky gut), allowing toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances to escape into the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and systemic inflammation, which may manifest as acne breakouts.
Furthermore, the gut microbiome has a role in metabolizing and processing hormones, such as androgens and estrogens, which impact acne development. An imbalance in gut bacteria can disrupt the proper metabolism of hormones, potentially exacerbating hormonal imbalances associated with cystic acne.
Inflammation and Immune Response: Inflammation plays a significant role in cystic acne. When the hair follicles become clogged, the body's immune system reacts by releasing inflammatory substances, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain.
Diet: While the link between diet and acne is still being researched, certain dietary factors may contribute to the development of cystic acne. High glycemic index foods (refined carbohydrates and sugars), dairy products, and foods rich in saturated and trans fats have been suggested as potential triggers for acne breakouts.
Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance and increase inflammation in the body, potentially exacerbating cystic acne. Every time we encounter a stressful event, our brain releases a hormone called corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), a hormone that signals our adrenals to release cortisol to combat the stress we are experiencing. There is actually a CRH receptor on every skin cell. So when we experience stress, CRH binds to its receptor on the skin cell, promotes oil production, and ultimately, contributes to the development of acne
Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollutants, irritants, and certain cosmetic products that are comedogenic (tend to clog pores) can contribute to the development or worsening of cystic acne.

The Limitations of Traditional Acne Treatments

The treatment of acne often involves traditional approaches such as topical treatments and oral medications. While these methods can be effective for mild to moderate forms of acne, they have limitations when it comes to treating cystic acne.

Oral medications, including antibiotics and isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane), are prescribed for more severe cases of acne, including cystic acne. Antibiotics help control bacterial overgrowth, while Accutane is a powerful medication that targets sebum production and acne formation. While these medications can provide significant improvement, they also come with potential side effects and drawbacks.

One of the limitations of antibiotic use is the development of antibiotic resistance over time, which can render them less effective. Additionally, antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body and cause gastrointestinal issues. Accutane, while highly effective, can have potential side effects such as dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, elevated liver enzymes, and mood changes. It is also contraindicated for pregnant women due to the risk of birth defects.

Another drawback of traditional acne treatments is that they often target the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of cystic acne. They may provide temporary relief and control over acne lesions, but they may not address the hormonal imbalances, inflammation, or other internal factors that contribute to cystic acne development.

A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Cystic Acne

Skin issues, including cystic acne, can often be a sign of deeper imbalances within the body. The skin is the body's largest organ and serves as a reflection of our overall health. When imbalances occur internally, they can manifest on the skin's surface in various ways.

Functional medicine recognizes the interconnectedness of different body systems and understands that skin health is influenced by factors beyond the skin itself. The approach focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes and imbalances that contribute to skin issues.

For example, hormonal imbalances, digestive problems, inflammation, immune dysregulation, nutrient deficiencies, and oxidative stress can all impact the health and appearance of the skin. By assessing these factors and addressing them through personalized treatment plans, functional medicine aims to restore balance in the body and promote optimal skin health.

By adopting a holistic approach that looks beyond the surface-level symptoms, functional medicine practitioners seek to understand the root causes of skin issues. By treating these underlying imbalances, not only can the skin improve, but overall well-being and vitality can be enhanced.

Functional Medicine Approach to Healing Cystic Acne

With naturopathic and functional medicine approaches, we get to the ROOT of your acne and skin issues. Instead of handing over a topical cream or prescription medication, we complete a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of each individual.

This may involve specific functional medicine lab tests to identify underlying imbalances and triggers of your acne flare ups.

For example, we can see what kind of gut bacteria overgrowths are occurring within your body, your levels of inflammation, which hormones are out of balance, and even your body’s ability to detoxify. This way, we can create a customized plan of action to address your imbalances and dysfunctions.

Functional Medicine Treatment Plans for Cystic Acne

Functional medicine treatment protocols for cystic acne may include:

Personalized supplementation
Gut healing protocol
Stress management techniques
Diet recommendations
Lifestyle habit recommendations

10 Tips to Address Cystic Acne

Optimize Your Diet: Focus on a whole foods, anti-inflammatory diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce or eliminate processed foods, refined sugars, and potential trigger foods like dairy and gluten.
Balance Blood Sugar Levels: Avoid high-glycemic index foods that can spike blood sugar levels and contribute to hormonal imbalances. Choose low-glycemic foods and pair carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats to slow down digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Support Gut Health: Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, or consider a high-quality probiotic supplement to support a healthy gut microbiome and reduce inflammation.
Reduce Stress: Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or regular physical activity. Chronic stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances and trigger acne breakouts.
Promote Detoxification: Support your body's natural detoxification processes by staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and considering liver-supportive supplements like milk thistle or dandelion root.
Address Hormonal Imbalances: Work with a healthcare professional to assess and balance your hormones if imbalances are suspected contributors to your cystic acne. This may involve lifestyle modifications, targeted supplements, or hormone-balancing medications if necessary.
Consider Nutritional Supplements: Certain supplements like probiotics, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D may be beneficial for skin health and reducing inflammation. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and suitability for your individual needs.
Avoid Harsh Topical Products: Opt for gentle, non-comedogenic skincare products that won't clog your pores or exacerbate acne. Harsh cleansers or excessive scrubbing can irritate the skin and worsen cystic acne.
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to improve circulation, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. Sweating during exercise can also help cleanse the skin and unclog pores.
Sleep Well: Prioritize quality sleep to allow your body to repair and regenerate. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to support hormonal balance and promote healthy skin.

If you're tired of battling cystic acne and seeking a holistic approach that goes beyond surface-level treatments, functional medicine may hold the key to your breakthrough. By addressing the root causes of cystic acne and taking a comprehensive approach to healing, functional medicine offers a personalized and integrative way to restore skin health.

Book An Acne Consultation Call Today

If you are dealing with cystic acne and are tired of it messing with your self esteem, please book a one 30-Minute consultation with Dr. Jamie Ahn via In-person, Zoom or phone. She is a Functional Medicine and Naturopathic Doctor in Norwalk CT that welcomes in-person and virtual patients. She would love to talk to you and give you a new sense of hope and answers you’re looking for so you can feel confident in your body again!

The Blog