What is my acne type and what is it caused by?
Today, I’ll briefly explain the most common types of acne. I hope this will provide some peace of mind for those of you wondering why this is happening. By having a clearer understanding of the potential cause, you’ll have a better idea of the specific actions to take to help yourself.
In my practice, I encounter several main types of acne, and while there can be more than one cause, often one is dominant. The longer your history with acne, the more complex your condition may be.
5 main types of acne:
1. Acne due to insulin hormone dysregulation.
With this type of acne, skin often worsens around ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs 12 to 16 days before your next period. For women with a 28-day cycle, ovulation happens about 14 days after the start of the cycle. If the cycle is longer, like 40 days, ovulation likely occurs on days 24-28 of the menstrual cycle.
How does insulin dysregulation cause acne? Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels and is involved in glucose metabolism. Disrupted insulin secretion and inadequate blood glucose levels affect ovulation, causing the ovaries to secrete extra testosterone. Although pimples may appear at other times, it is a clear sign that insulin should be regulated.
2. Acne due to ineffective detoxification.
Does acne appear in the jawline area around your monthly cycle? In most cases, this is a sign of hormonal imbalance due to excess estrogen and a lack of progesterone. However, hormonal acne can often be a result of suboptimal detoxification in the body. While other factors may play a role, supporting the body’s detoxifying functions (important for eliminating toxins and excess hormones) is often a key factor in breaking the vicious cycle that you’ve yet to find a solution for.
3. Acne due to intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation
Acne on the cheeks, chest, and back (often fine, rash-like on the back) is usually linked to gut health. Many people experience no specific digestive symptoms, which can be confusing. However, even without symptoms like bloating or pain, poor gut health could still be the underlying cause. Once focused attention is given to improving gut health, the skin typically starts to calm and heal. Even without digestive complaints, it’s worth considering the connection.
4. Acne due to lymphatic stagnation.
If you’ve suffered from a streptococcal infection, frequent ear infections, or had your tonsils removed, the primary cause of your acne could be lymphatic stagnation. The development of cystic formations around the ears or neck, or acne appearing only on one side of the face, may also indicate lymphatic stagnation. In this case, improving lymphatic movement and supporting the organs responsible for detoxifying the body is essential.
5. Acne due to chronic stress.
Stress amplifies the negative effects of everything previously mentioned. Unfortunately, many people no longer follow the rule of dividing their 24 hours into 8 hours for sleep, 8 hours for work, and 8 hours for rest and relaxation. Over the years, some people undergo numerous traumatic events, often dating back to childhood, building up stress that continues to affect us. Balance between work and rest is crucial, and when deeper psychological or emotional traumas are involved, I strongly recommend working with a therapist. The healing process cannot begin if the sympathetic nervous system is activated in “fight or flight” mode. It’s vital to switch to “rest and recovery” mode by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, essentially learning to find inner peace again.
Did you manage to identify your type of acne?
If you have acne and your current treatment is not effective, check out the Anti-acne program as a holistic approach to healing your acne for good.
