Acne is a very common skin condition that causes pimples. We associate acne with teens, but it can develop in adults too. Acne can take an emotional toll on those who have it and often causes a hit to one’s self-image.
Acne occurs as a result of various factors. Causes for acne could be internal, such as hormone imbalances or poor digestive health, or external factors such as personal hygiene, climate, or air pollution. Regardless of the cause, acne can be treated safely and naturally with naturopathic therapies.
Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC provides a naturopathic approach to acne treatment in-person (in NYC) and online, nationwide.
While acne is a skin condition, it is also a symptom of a larger issue. As naturopaths, we don’t just treat the pimples. We find out what is causing them so we can tailor an effective treatment plan.
Holistic and personalized acne treatment includes a combination of evidence-based treatments, lifestyle changes, and traditional medicine. Rather than just covering up symptoms, our approach offers a much more viable and long-term solution for acne. As a result, there are overarching benefits to overall self-image and well-being.
Acne forms when the pores of your skin get clogged with oils and bacteria. Pore blockages produce a variety of pimples, or bumps, including whiteheads and blackheads.
There are a variety of causes of acne, including:
There are several types of acne, some of which can lead to permanent skin damage in the form of scarring:
Persistent or long-term acne can cause skin damage, like scarring and discoloration. But more so, acne can wreak havoc on one’s emotional health and well-being.
The causes of acne are different for everyone. A practitioner who has expertise in treating the cause of acne can determine the best treatment options for you. With proper, personalized treatment, you can heal from acne.
That’s why it’s important not just to treat the symptoms but to identify and treat the underlying cause of your acne. At Naturally Sue Wellness, getting to the root cause of your condition is essential for effective, long-term treatment and prevention.
A naturopathic approach to treating acne focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause of the acne. As a result, acne clears up and skin health improves.
As naturopaths, we believe in the body’s natural ability to heal when given the right conditions. Depending on your specific needs, we use a blend of modern, scientific methods with various natural therapeutic tools to foster the body’s innate healing process.
Acne is treated well with lifestyle and nutritional therapeutics, such as:
Natural treatments for acne are safe, non-invasive, and effective for the long-term improvement of the overall health of your skin.
The doctors at Naturally Sue are experts at treating acne. Contact us for an individualized plan for acne in NYC and start healing now.
During your first visit with Naturally Sue Wellness, we will do a full health evaluation to assess your acne condition and make an accurate diagnosis.
The evaluation includes a review of the following:
We may conduct the following diagnostic exams to look for underlying hormonal imbalances or infections that may be contributing to acne, such as:
Most of us will experience acne at some point in our lives. But with so many causes for acne, successful treatment from the inside depends on an accurate assessment.
Everyone’s skin needs are different and unique to them. By addressing acne from the inside out, we get to the root of why acne is occurring in the first place. At Naturally Sue Wellness, we integrate several holistic, therapeutic techniques when curating care plans for acne. We combine herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and mental health care to treat the root of what is causing acne for each patient.
The best herbs for acne will have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. Common herbal treatments we use to treat acne include:
Herbal therapy is highly individualized and can be dangerous if used without a professional’s advice. Be sure to work with an expert to determine the right herbs for your acne treatment.
Nutrition is one of the first areas we address in natural medicine for conditions like acne. First, we will determine if your nutrient needs are being met, and ensure what you are eating isn’t causing issues with hormone imbalances. We will also look at your use of foods that could contribute to acne, such as dairy, sugar, and alcohol.
Key nutrients for acne treatment include the following:
Gut health is another important factor in acne prevention and treatment, as poor digestive health can lead to nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalance, and food intolerance. Ensuring good gut health is one of the best ways to ward off acne.
A well-rounded diet that is rich in macronutrients and micronutrients will support skin health. For example:
Certain food items have been found to increase the risk for skin conditions, including acne. Common dietary adjustments we make for managing acne include reducing or eliminating the following:
Nutritional supplements can help fill gaps in nutrition. We will identify any nutrient deficiencies you may have and make specific recommendations for you. A few that we commonly suggest include the following:
Hydration is also key in helping improve acne-prone skin. Our skin is 64% water. Proper hydration helps regulate your skin’s normal oil production. It also helps flush out toxins.
There is a lot you can do to help promote healthy skin from the inside out. Like nutrition, lifestyle is one area that is more tangible when it comes to acne treatment. Lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of acne include the following:
Stress: High cortisol is a major contributor to various hormone imbalances, which will show up in the skin as acne. Practicing stress management should be a high priority if acne is an issue for you. Activities that calm and regulate your nervous system, such as mindfulness activities like breathwork or meditation work well. Reading, getting outside, moving your body, and anything fun and creative are all good ways to keep stress under control. Find the things that work well for you.
Sleep: Like stress management, getting good, quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Poor sleep is tied to so many health conditions. Aim for 7-8 hours a night, manage screen time at least an hour before bed, and create a cool, dark, and relaxing sleep environment.
Exercise: Physical activity helps with circulation, which can be reflected in skin health. It also supports stress management. Our bodies are designed for movement, and its essential for immunity and overall health to stay active. Practice good hygiene if acne is a problem for you, as sweat can lead to clogged pores for some people.
Environment: Factors like pollution, sun exposure, and skincare and makeup products can contribute to acne. Harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients can irritate the skin and make acne worse. They can also contain endocrine disruptors, which potentially cause hormonal imbalances. We recommend gentle, natural skin care products. You can check the health of your skincare on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website
Acne can take a toll on your emotional health. Having acne or residual effects of acne, like scarring, can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness. As a result, issues with self-image, low self-esteem, and a decrease in self-confidence.
For some, addressing mental health is a fundamental part of an acne treatment plan.
A 31-year-old female presented to my virtual practice with cystic acne. This patient also reported fatigue and days leading up to her menstrual cycle, she would get migraines and breast tenderness. Based on her symptoms, I recommended she do a Dutch Complete to get a picture of her sex hormones, as well as cortisol levels (stress hormones). Because she worked in health care and was under immense stress, I wanted to rule out high cortisol, as well as estrogen dominance based on fatigue, acne, migraines, and breast tenderness.
Not to my surprise, the patient did in fact have high cortisol during periods of her day. Stress hormones can impact the health of one’s skin.
In addition, this patient did have elevated levels of estrogen. High testosterone, DHT, and DHEA are not the only hormones that can cause acne, but high estrogen can also cause acne.
We worked on her gut health, and diet, as well as helped to support the proper estrogen to progesterone ratio. We worked on stress management techniques, and sleep, as well as supporting her cortisol levels with herbs.
In just a few months, her acne started to clear, she did not get migraines anymore and the PMS she normally did leading up to her period.
As seen in the case study above, we tested our patient with a specialty test that yielded data in order for us to know exactly what we needed to help this patient. We give patients very specific recommendations for their case, and not just “protocols” that are generalized. Everyone has a different cause for their acne and their treatment will then differ.
Book your free consultation with Naturally Sue Wellness and start healing now.
Yes. A naturopath can help you recover from acne. We believe in the body’s natural ability to heal itself when given the right conditions. By identifying the underlying cause of your acne, we use the many tools at our disposal to create a holistic and patient-centered treatment plan to clear your skin, naturally.
Natural acne treatments are as safe and effective and may be more effective than some conventional treatments in the long run. Acne is usually a symptom of a bigger health issue. Because we identify and treat the root cause, natural acne treatments may be better at preventing relapse and improving outcomes than conventional treatments.
Treatment outcomes will be different for everyone depending on the severity and the cause of their acne.
Some people may see improvements within a couple of weeks. A complete clearing may take a few months. But again, the reason for your acne will determine your prognosis. If your underlying cause is hormonal or from poor gut health, it can take time to regulate hormones. It can take time to heal and restore your gut. Once the healing starts, the skin can start to clear.
Start your healing journey with us…
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