Acne originates in the gut

No acne vulgaris in non-westernized cultures (Staffan Lindeberg, Kitava Study)

The conventional wisdom is that acne formation begins when sebaceous (oil) glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated at the time of puberty by elevated levels of male hormones. This increased oil production starts a cascade of events that result in inflammation and acne development.
Experience and intensive studies have shown me that gut issues is the main cause of acne.

Content:

• Is there any epidemiological evidence to suggest that western lifestyle leads to higher acne incidence rates?
• Which mechanisms are involved?
• Are there any studies done one the connection between gut and skin?
• Why does acne coincide with hormonal changes?
• Why is acne hereditary?
• How does antibiotics work against acne?
• Studies done on acne and diet have shown varying results; why?
• How can I “fix” my gut and get rid of acne?
• Summary

Is there any epidemiological evidence to suggest that western lifestyle leads to higher acne incidence rates?
In westernized societies acne vulgaris is a nearly universal skin. However, epidemiological studies show that acne is almost unheard of in non-westernized populations (1-3).
“The astonishing difference in acne incidence rates between nonwesternized and fully modernized societies cannot be solely attributed to genetic differences among populations but likely results from differing environmental factors” (1).
It’s unlikely that the absence of acne in non-westernized cultures results from genetic resistance to acne. People with similar ethnic backgrounds living in more westernized settings maintain considerably higher acne incidence rates (1, 2).

Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are often suggested to be important factors; and a low glycemic-load diet is often suggested as a potential treatment (1). I agree that insulin is an important player in the etiology of Acne, but I believe that an unhealthy gut is the main factor involved. Dietary changes are often not enough to “heal” an already damaged gut.

Which mechanisms are involved?
Several factors contribute to a dysfunctional gut, and the following seems to be the most important in connection with acne:

• Antibiotics: Damage the gut flora which studies have shown may never recover.
• Other drugs: Several drugs cause damage to gut flora and intestinal lining.
• Grains: Antinutrients and high-density carbohydrates have been linked to gut issues.
• Sugar: A diet high in refined sugars alter gut flora composition.
• Simplified diet: Besides grains and sugar, common staple foods include pasteurized dairy and vegetable oils. Most food items are refined, pasteurized and processed. A typical western diet leads to an unhealthy gut flora composition.
  Fermented foods and drinks have been staple foods in many primitive cultures (2), and they contain a wide variety of probiotics.
• Excessive hygiene and fear of “germs”: People living in primitive settings come in contact with soil organisms through food, water, hands etc.  These organisms strengthen their immune system (20) and provide new strains of gut microbes. In modern societies we use harsh chemicals to clean everything around us.
• Hereditary: Gut flora is passed on from mother to child during birth, breastfeeding and other contact. The child also comes in contact with microorganisms through other family members.

These “triggers” almost exclusively appear in westernized societies; and they appear in abundance. Grains have also been a part of the diet in some healthy non-westernized societies. However, they put far more emphasis on making the foods easier to digest. Seeds, grains and nuts were soaked, sprouted, fermented or naturally leavened to neutralize naturally occurring antinutrients (2).

A healthy gut flora consists of hundreds of different species of microorganisms. A wide selection of microorganisms are needed for proper digestion. The intestinal barrier is the main interface between us and the external envornment, and most of our immune system is loacted in the gut. The dialogue between host and bacteria at the mucosal interface seems to play a part in the development of a competent immune system (4).

When there’s a continued interaction with one or more of the factors listed above, poor gut health is established. In mild-moderate cases there’s missing strains of gut flora, unhealthy gut flora composition and/or increased intestinal permeability. Moderate-severe cases are characterized by more severe cases of gut dysbiosis and/or leaky gut.

Altered gut flora and increased intestinal permeability causes systemic inflammation throughout the body (8). Studies have shown that acne patients are under significant systemic inflammation and oxidative stress (6).
Free radicals cause oxidative damage to sebum, and the oxygen content is reduced. This oxidation changes sebum in a way that it becomes a more suitable environment for P. Acnes. The bacteria get a chance to multiply and eventually lesions appear (6).

Are there any studies done one the connection between gut and skin?
In 2011 there was published a paper written by Whitney P. Bowe and Alan C. Logan reviewing the connection between acne and gut (8). Some of the important information include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, halitosis, and gastric reflux are more common in acne sufferers.
• Hypochlorhydria is common in acne sufferers. Hypochlorhydria is a significant risk factor for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth which again has been linked to increased intestinal permeability
• Studies have shown increased intestinal permeability in patients with acne vulgaris
• A Russian investigation reported that 54% of acne patients have marked alterations to the intestinal microflora
• Probiotics have shown potential in acne treatment
• Probiotics can help in regulation of insulin levels.
• The loss of bifidobacteria by poor dietary choices – high fat, sugar – leads to increased intestinal permeability, encroachment of LPS endotoxins through the intestinal barrier, which in turn leads to low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance and sickness behavior. In humans, probiotic administration may diminish systemic access of gut-derived LPS endotoxins and reduce reactivity to such endotoxins
• We know that the typical Western diet, high in sugar and fat, devoid of fiber, the very one correlated with risk of acne, is associated with lower levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium

One study also showed there was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms (halitosis; gastric reflux; abdominal bloating; constipation) between patients with and without sebaceous gland diseases (7).

Why does acne coincide with hormonal changes?
Acne development usually coincides with the increased androgen production during puberty. Hormonal changes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, drug use etc. have also been linked to increased acne formation.

To say that acne is due to changes in puberty suggests that acne can be a normal part of healthy development. This seems very unlikely, which is also supported by the fact that there’s no acne and virtually no disease in non-westernized societies (1-3).

The increased activity of sebaceous glands elicited by androgens during puberty is important in the development of acne. People who get acne are under systemic inflammation and oxidative stress and cannot cope with these changes. Increased sebum production results in more oxidative damage and more P. Acnes in the pores.

Hormonal changes and increased sebaceous gland activity is a natural part of human development and only contributes to acne formation when there’s some other underlying issue. Some researchers have speculated that the increased oxidative stress and inflammation in acne patients are caused by the elevated sebum production. However, other studies suggest that the inflammation is caused by a dysfunctional gut flora and increased intestinal permeability.

When acne appears, the underlying gut issues might have been present for some time. Even sometimes from birth. When there’s an increased sebum production associated with hormones, the low-grade inflammation (8) caused by gut issues manifests itself with acne.

Other factors can also make acne worse during periods of hormonal change:

• Candida Albicans
  The pathogenicity of Candida Albicans is closely related to hormonal changes and imbalances. Both natural and induced hormonal changes decrease the resistance to candida (19). In combination with a western diet, possibly antibiotics and other factors this hormonal change can contribute to an altered gut flora.
• Insulin resistance during puberty
  Recent international studies show that acne is associated with increased consumption of highly palatable, sweet, fried, calorie-rich foods with low nutrient density. It is well documented that a period of insulin resistance occurs during puberty and this might contribute to decreased tolerance towards the traditional western diet.(8)

Why is acne hereditary?
Studies have demonstrated that hereditary factors are important in determining susceptibility to acne (15, 16). However, one small study done on twins concluded that “sebum excretion is under genetic control and the development of clinical lesions is modified by environmental factors” (17).

Since acne doesn’t appear in the early years of life it’s difficult to know if acne is due to genetics or if it’s caused by some other factor. Families with a history of acne might have different dietary habits than families with little to no history of acne.
Gut flora passes on from mother to newborn during birth and breastfeeding. The newborn also comes in contact with microbes through other family members. Dysfunctional gut flora is hereditary!

How does antibiotics work against acne?
It seems ironic that antibiotics work against acne when it’s one of the drugs you definitely want to avoid. Some antibiotics have shown to be effective against acne, but the results are usually short-term. Also placebo has to be considered as an important factor (18).

“The mechanism(s) of action of oral antibiotics in acne remains a mystery – is it a systemic effect against P. acnes, an anti-inflammatory influence, ability to lower sebum free fatty acids, or via antioxidant activities. Could it be due to the influence of antibiotics on the gut microbiota, which in turn improves glycemic control and decreases LPS endotoxin encroachment into the periphery?” (8)

Studies done on acne and diet have shown varying results; why?
Studies done on acne and diet have focused on low-glycemic load diets, omega-3, probiotics and milk consumption.

Low-glycemic load and omega-3
Results: Most newer studies show that omega-3 and low glycemic load-diets improve symptoms in acne vulgaris patients. However, total remission is rarely seen (9-14).

A diet based on low glycemic load foods will definitely help most cases of acne by regulating insulin (1, 8) and improving gut health. Also, omega-3 will reduce inflammation and help acne.

Why it doesn’t work 100%:

• Most of the studies have very little focus on the types of foods included and their effect on the gut flora and intestinal lining.
• There’s no regulated intake of beneficial bacteria or prebiotics that will improve gut flora.
• Food intolerances are closely connected to gut flora. These studies take little to no account of individual food intolerances.
• In moderate-severe cases of acne there’s often gut dysbiosis and leaky gut. Dietary changes will usually not be enough to treat this.

Milk
Results: Several large studies have linked dairy consumption and acne (8).

None of the studies have made a positive correlation between fermented dairy and acne. Regular milk contains hormones and growth factors like IGF-1.
“Acne is certainly driven by insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and IGF-I can be absorbed across colonic tissue. Therefore, it is interesting to note that probiotic bacteria (Lactobacilli in particular) utilize IGF-I during the fermentation process when added to milk, with a resultant 4-fold lower level of IGF-I in fermented vs. skim milk” (8)

The fact that milk consumption aggravates acne is consistent with the theory that acne is caused partly by increased intestinal permeability. With increased intestinal permeability the intestinal absorption of certain components in dairy products would be enhanced.

Probiotics
Results: The consumption of fermented dairy and probiotic supplements has shown some promising results in acne treatment(8)

Why it doesn’t work 100%:

• No other dietary changes besides probiotics are usually made!
• Only a couple of new strains of bacteria are administered.
• In most cases of moderate-severe gut dysbiosis it’s necessary to reduce the numbers of overgrowing microorganisms before new strains manage to populate the gut.

How can I “fix” my gut and get rid of acne?

Acne + few other health concerns
Who: If you have mild-severe acne and possibly other health problems

What is causing my acne?: Dysfunctional gut flora and/or increased intestinal permeability

Treatment: Eat according to The Gut Diet. Huge emphasis on fermented foods, probiotics and other sources of bacteria. Prebiotics should also be part of your diet. As long as you stay strict with the diet most of the time, there’s no problem cheating once in a while.

Acne + moderate-severe gastrointestinal problems
Who: If you have acne and moderate-severe gastrointestinal problems like gut Ddsbiosis (Candida overgrowth?)

What is causing my acne: Gut dysbiosis and/or leaky gut

Treatment:  Sometimes The Gut Diet will be enough to treat this, but most people in this category should start the gut dysbiosis treatment.

Summary:

1. Antibiotics or other drugs, simplified diet, grains, sugar, excessive hygiene, poor hereditary gut flora or other factors = dysfunctional gut flora and increased intestinal permeability.
2. A dysfunctional gut flora and increased intestinal permeability = systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
3. Oxidative stress and inflammation = acne development

References