Why Can’t I Get Rid of My Acne?

Acne can feel like an endless battle, especially when you’ve tried every cream, medication, and skincare routine without lasting results. But have you ever stopped to ask why? Why does acne persist, even when you’re doing everything “right”?

The truth is, that adult acne is often multifactorial—it can stem from various internal imbalances, and no two people experience it for the same reasons. At Flora Naturopathics, we take a holistic approach by uncovering the why behind your breakouts.

Whether it’s food sensitivities, gut health, hormones, or liver function, understanding your root causes is the start to achieving clearer skin. Here, we’ll explain four key internal factors that may be contributing to your adult acne.

1. Food Sensitivities and Nutrient Deficiencies

What we eat affects the health of our skin. In some cases, food sensitivities (different from allergies) can trigger inflammation, which then manifests as acne. Common offenders include dairy, gluten, and processed sugars, all of which can irritate sensitive individuals. In our practice, we test for sensitivities using the best, most reliable labs because it’s usually guesswork trying to figure out the foods to which your body is having a negative reaction. 

In addition, deficiencies in key nutrients such as zinc, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, or antioxidants may hinder the skin’s ability to heal and protect itself. Ensuring that your diet includes nutrient-dense foods can support clearer skin. We test for this too.

Tip: An elimination diet, where you remove common triggers and then slowly reintroduce them, can help you figure out if any particular foods are causing your breakouts.

2. Gut Health and Imbalance

Your skin health is directly linked to your gut health, and imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can show up on your skin in the form of acne.

When the digestive system isn’t functioning properly, conditions like leaky gut syndrome can occur, allowing toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream. This can prompt an immune response, which often leads to skin issues like adult acne. Functional medicine tests are super helpful here, as well, to help us create a roadmap to clearer skin via the gut.

Tip: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt or sauerkraut) or take probiotic supplements to support gut balance. It may also help to consult a naturopath for personalized advice on gut health.

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play a major role in adult acne, particularly during times of fluctuation such as menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Androgens, like testosterone, can overstimulate oil glands, leading to clogged pores and acne.

Hormonal imbalances can also be caused by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which results in higher-than-normal androgen levels. Balancing hormones can help manage adult acne, but it requires addressing the underlying hormonal disruptions, which may involve diet, stress management, and even herbal supplements. Everyone’s hormone imbalance looks different, so we always incorporate evaluating hormones as part of our root-cause acne investigation.

Tip: Tracking hormone fluctuations, making simple lifestyle adjustments, and seeking guidance from a naturopath for hormone testing can help manage hormone-related acne.

4. Liver Congestion and Lymphatic Stagnation

Your liver is responsible for filtering toxins and waste from the body. If the liver is overworked or sluggish, it struggles to detoxify the body, which may cause these toxins to be eliminated through the skin. The lymphatic system also plays a role here, and if it’s stagnant, waste removal is impaired.

Supporting liver health can help clear up acne by promoting better detoxification. Eating foods like cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), turmeric, and garlic can support the liver’s natural processes. Additionally, techniques like dry brushing can stimulate lymphatic flow.

Tip: You can reduce liver stress by drinking plenty of water and minimizing alcohol and processed foods.

Andrea’s Story: A Case of Persistent Adult Acne

Andrea is one of Dr. Maura’s patients who struggled with acne well into adulthood. Despite trying everything—visiting multiple dermatologists and taking a variety of medications—nothing seemed to work. Frustrated, Andrea came to Flora Naturopathics, hoping to uncover the root cause of her acne.

After a thorough assessment, Dr. Maura discovered that Andrea’s acne was primarily linked to food sensitivities and hormonal imbalances. By making adjustments to her diet and supporting her hormone health with natural supplements, Andrea began to see noticeable improvements in her skin over time.

Her story is a powerful reminder that treating acne often involves addressing internal imbalances, rather than just focusing on external treatments. Every case is unique, and finding the right combination of lifestyle changes and natural remedies can make all the difference.

Discover Holistic Solutions for Acne

Adult acne is often a sign of deeper imbalances within the body. By addressing factors like food sensitivities, gut health, hormonal fluctuations, and liver function, you can work towards long-term solutions for clearer skin. While topical treatments help control breakouts, treating the root cause is essential for lasting results. Every case of acne is unique, so finding the right combination of lifestyle changes and natural remedies is key to achieving healthier skin.

For more detailed information on each of these factors, visit Flora Naturopathics. And if you know someone struggling with acne, please share this article with them—they may find these holistic insights helpful!