When it comes to acne, most people reach for a cover-up or a harsh spot treatment. But as a Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Aesthetician, I see acne differently: it’s not just a skin problem — it’s your body sending a message that something inside (or outside) needs support.
At Radiant Wellness, I help clients uncover and address the root causes of acne, so their skin can truly heal from the inside out.
Here are five common contributors to acne that I assess with every client:
1. Topicals & Product Choices
The wrong skincare products can sabotage even the healthiest routine. Pore-clogging ingredients, harsh cleansers, and over-exfoliation can strip your skin barrier, triggering more oil production and inflammation. We’ll review your regimen and help you choose clean, non-comedogenic, and barrier-supportive products.
2. Gut Health
Your skin reflects what’s happening in your gut. An imbalanced microbiome or “leaky gut” can drive systemic inflammation, which often shows up as stubborn breakouts. Supporting gut health is key to calming your skin.
3. Food Sensitivities
Certain foods — especially dairy, gluten, and processed sugars — can trigger inflammatory pathways that worsen acne for some people. Through mindful elimination and testing, we can identify if food is a culprit for your breakouts.
4. Metabolic Factors
Your blood sugar balance and stress levels play a big role in your skin’s behavior. Insulin resistance, frequent sugar spikes, and chronic cortisol surges can all lead to excess oil production and inflammation.
5. Hormone Imbalance
Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and androgens are a classic driver of acne — particularly those deep, cystic breakouts around the jawline and chin. Whether you’re navigating puberty, perimenopause, or stress-induced imbalance, supporting your hormones can make a big difference.
If you’re tired of treating acne like a surface issue and ready to uncover what your skin is really trying to tell you, I’d love to help. Together, we can create a personalized plan that addresses your unique skin and body from the inside out.
Written By Dr Stephanie Spenny
July 17th 2025
