Definition:

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin condition, also known by most as acne, and affects mainly adolescents but can also affect adults at any age. It is estimated that 80-90% of adolescents and young adults in the US develop acne at some point in their life.

• Genetic predispositions, as‌ ‌well‌ ‌as‌ ‌hormonal‌ ‌issues,‌ ‌skin’s‌ ‌oily‌ ‌secretions,‌ ‌bacterial‌ ‌imbalance‌ ‌, and‌ ‌immune‌ ‌system‌ ‌reactions, factors in the development of acne.
• Certain medications, stress, the onset of puberty, hormonal exposure through food, oily cosmetics, and other factors can worsen acne.
• Some hormonal imbalances that can contribute to acne may include increased levels of dihydrotestosterone, a testosterone metabolite, insulin, and cortisol.  
• Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, and Cushing syndrome are also shown to promote acne development.

Treatment:

Lifestyle/Diet:

• Avoid refined sugar and other refined carbohydrates.
• Eliminate dairy products
• Increase foods with omega-3 fatty acids
• Avoid animal products containing exogenous hormones
• Avoid exposure to oily environments such as fast-food restaurants.
• Do not use abrasive soaps or scrubs and do not pick at acne.
• Avoid cosmetics and if used only use water-based.  Avoid the following ingredients: lanolin, cocoa or coconut butter, hydrogenated vegetable oil, oils of avocado, mink or sesame, propylene glycol, stearates, glyceryl-3-diisostearate, isopropyl, lauric acid, red dyes, etc.
• Identify and treat gut issues
• Identify and treat hormonal imbalances
• Identify and treat food allergies

Mind-Body

• Consider psychological counseling, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, if needed
• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation