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One of the most common issues dermatologists face with is acne. Nearly everyone is affected by it at some point in their lives. However, we realize that not everyone has access to a dermatologist with skyrocketing deductibles and long wait times. At Beverly Hills Dermnet.net we take an integrative approach to acne that combines both traditional medical treatments and natural remedies along with lifestyle changes to help you get clearer skin faster.

We believe this approach works best because acne has many root causes including:

1. overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin
2. hormones
3. a poor diet consisting of high-glycemic, processed foods
4. excess inflammation

Caring for acne will require changes to many aspects of your life including your daily skincare routine as well as dietary changes. We will evaluate over-the-counter solutions, prescription, and herbal solutions that you can use to help your skin be as clear and acne-free as possible. You can support our work by purchasing through the Amazon links.

How do Bacteria Contribute to Acne?

The organism that is always found in acne lesions is called Cutibacterium acnes. It had previously been called Propionibacterium acnes but has been recently renamed to be more accurate. It can be shortened to C acnes or P acnes. But just because C acnes bacteria is always found in acne lesions does not mean that it is the root cause. If we go back to the typical acne story we realize that most acne develops in the teenage years because of hormones.

Click here to read more about the role of bacteria in acne and how they can be eliminated.

Hormones and Acne

Some of these hormones like androgens cause an increase in oil (sebum) production while some of these hormones like growth hormone and IGF-1 cause increases in overall growth. The increases in sebum production brought about by androgens and increase growth of cells clogs pores. These clogged pores fill with sebum and C acnes bacteria that is always on the skin grow and thrive off of this excess sebum. The overgrowth of bacteria then sets off an inflammation response.

Click here to read more about how hormones affect acne and what you can do to stop hormonal acne.

The Role of Inflammation in Acne

The inflammation response plays a central role in the development in acne. Dermatologists often treat active acne lesions with steroid injections that blunt and reduce the immune response. Inflammation causes acne lesions to become larger and look redder.

Diet and Acne

Inflammation can be increased and reduced through diet so it is important to choose the right food and drink. Certain foods do indeed cause acne breakouts. Dairy products have a high glycemic index and has IGF-1 which can contribute to the development of acne. Chocolate is rich in dairy and fats. There are many changes that you can make to your diet to ensure that you have low levels of inflammation and clear skin.

Click here to read more about which foods are pro-inflammatory and how you can reduce inflammation through diet.