Addressing Root Causes Acne is not simply a skin issue; it’s closely connected to diet, hormones, inflammation, and gut health. Addressing these underlying factors often leads to meaningful improvement—without relying solely on long-term medications. How Diet Influences Acne Research shows that high-glycemic diets—those rich in refined sugars and rapidly absorbed carbohydrates—can worsen acne by disrupting normal hormone signaling. High-glycemic foods (such as refined bread, pasta, sweets, and sugary drinks) can: Rapidly raise blood sugar and insulin Increase IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) Stimulate excess skin cell production, which can clog pores Increase androgen signaling, leading to higher oil (sebum) production Together, these effects can promote reminder breakouts and inflammation. Shifting toward a lower-glycemic, whole-food diet—emphasizing vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats, and minimally processed foods—often suppo…