Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne which mainly affects the face but can also affect the chest and back. It is not caused by eating too much chocolate or fatty/greasy foods, in fact, one of the main factors behind cystic acne is hormonal imbalance.
Cystic acne can often be a result of too much oestrogen and/or too much testosterone and DHEA going down the 5a-reductase pathway creating a very powerful androgen hormone known as DHT. DHT binds to androgen receptors much stronger than testosterone itself and in women, this can cause cystic acne, especially along the jawline. First, you need to test oestrogen and testosterone and knowing those pathways and metabolites is helpful.
What we can do:
– Ground flax seeds can be helpful to bind up excess oestrogen and testosterone.
– Drinking spearmint tea has been shown in research to be anti-androgenic.
– Saw palmetto, zinc, stinging nettle root, and reishi mushroom have a 5a-reductase blocking effect.
– Eating liver-friendly foods such as foods high in fibre, artichoke, dandelion, onion, garlic, raw unpeeled carrots, parsnips, and beets.
– Lastly, digestive health has an enormous impact on the skin therefore consider fresh squeezed lemon in water, apple cider vinegar in water, and digestive enzymes to help improve digestion and absorption along with fermented foods or a probiotic.
Hormone Testing
It is important to understand the underlying hormonal imbalance causing acne and other concerns. The DUTCH test provides a complete picture of hormone production, metabolism, and excretion. It can lead to a more effective treatment plan for clients who have struggled for too long.
Knowing how well you are metabolising your female sex hormones and adrenal hormones, and to identify symptoms of hormonal imbalances book a Dutch package with us here.
Watch our FREE video, “5 Steps to Balancing Your Hormones,” and learn how simple dietary and lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms like mood swings, migraines, PMS, brain fog, weight gain, skin issues such as acne, and more.
