Acne Success Story: Targeting Root Causes
Acne isn’t just about skin—it’s a reflection of what’s happening inside the body. In July 2023, I began working with a patient struggling with moderate to severe acne, gut issues, and histamine overload. Through comprehensive testing and a targeted functional medicine approach, we addressed the root causes—and her skin transformed.
Uncovering the Root Causes of Acne
To get a full picture of her health, we ran:
Private blood tests – To assess inflammation, nutrient status, and hormonal balance
GI-MAP & Organic Acids Test (OAT) – To evaluate gut health and microbiome imbalances
Key Findings:
Insufficiency dysbiosis – Very low levels of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to poor microbiome health
Blastocystis hominis – A protozoa (often classified as a parasite) known to trigger gut inflammation and systemic issues
Every practitioner approaches Blasto differently. Given her symptoms and test results, I made the decision to treat it.
The Functional Medicine Approach to Acne
1. Nutrition
Dairy reduction was a key dietary change, as dairy can contribute to acne in many individuals. We focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods to support gut health and reduce inflammation.
2. Lifestyle Shifts
Healing is never just about the body—it’s about the mind, too. A few key changes included:
Breathwork – Five deep breaths twice a day, ideally before meals, to regulate stress and digestion
Therapy & Mindset Work – Addressing emotional well-being
Movement – Regular exercise to support detoxification and circulation
3. Targeted Supplementation
Supplements were tailored to her needs. After seeing initial improvements, she wanted to take a more aggressive approach, so we implemented a robust supplement protocol for a few months.
The Results: Clearer Skin, Restored Confidence
Each month, we documented her progress with photos. With every visit, the signs of inflammation visibly decreased. Over time, her gut health improved, histamine issues settled, and her acne significantly cleared.
Acne is complex, but by addressing internal imbalances, true healing is possible. If you’re struggling with persistent breakouts, a functional medicine approach may be the missing piece.
