Acne is a disease of Western civilization and rarely found in non-westernized societies. This means genetics cannot be blamed, and in a way, this is good news because it also means the health of your skin is largely in your control. If you suffer from acne it is quite likely that your hormones are imbalanced and/or that your liver is overwhelmed or functioning sub-optimally. The following 4 steps will help address both of these underlying causes, and if you stick with them, you will be rewarded with radiant, clear skin for life.
Step #1: Identify Hormone Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances are a leading cause of acne, and a surplus of estrogen, DHT, testosterone, and/or insulin can lead to stubborn breakouts. Low levels of sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) can also lead to acne because this hormone helps to bind to and eliminate excess acne-causing hormones from the body. Work alongside one of our certified health coaches, a naturopath or an expert in natural hormone balance, and have them use a combination of urine, blood, and saliva tests to identify hormone imbalances (make sure they include all the above hormones). You can also order a hormone test kit here https://delgadoprotocol.com/product-category/hormone-test-kits/.
Step #2: Balance Hormones With Neutraceuticals
Combining the dietary modifications outlined in step #3 with the right hormone-balancing supplements can produce a powerful synergistic healing effect. Estro Block, Estro Block Pro (recommended if you have a higher body weight), and DHT Block are proprietary blended formulations with clinically effective formulas for reducing excess estrogens and DHT, and balancing hormones. Which one you choose will depend on your body weight, as well as the severity and type of hormone imbalance you have. All of these products have the benefit of supporting proper SHBG which will attach to the excess androgens and allow DHT to return to its normal level in the skin.
Step #3: Consume a Plant-Based Diet
The most important dietary modification you can make if you want radiant, acne-free skin, is to cut out animal products. Meat, eggs, and dairy contain extremely high levels of the amino acid leucine, and leucine increases the TOR enzyme. Having high TOR levels not only increases acne-causing androgens, it also amplifies androgen-driven (mTORC1) signaling of sebaceous follicles, which leads to sebum-clogged pores. Animal products also increase inflammation which makes acne appear red and swollen, and they are loaded with the harmful types of estrogens that trigger estrogen dominance and acne. Conversely, vegetarianism increases acne-reducing SHBG levels and decreases insulin and harmful estrogens. Vastly reducing or eliminating processed, packaged foods is also recommended, because they negatively affect blood sugar (causing insulin levels to soar), and can worsen estrogen dominance.
*If you’re dead set against giving up animal products, taking EstroBlock daily can help negate the negative consequences by reducing TOR and harmful estrogen levels.
Step #4: Detoxify Your Liver
The liver plays an integral role in hormone balance and the appearance of your skin. Because we live in such a highly toxic world, tend to consume less-than-perfect diets, and everything we breathe, ingest and absorb needs to be processed by the liver, it is easy for the liver to become overwhelmed. Detoxifying your liver will help to reverse acne by increasing its ability to process and eliminate excess hormones. It will also help to eliminate inflammation-causing toxins from your body and enhance the absorption of nutrients that are essential for skin health. Eliminating alcohol and animal products, staying hydrated with 8+ glasses of water daily, and consuming a glass of warm lemon water every morning, will help promote gentle detoxification. For further support, consider adding a liver cleansing supplement such as Liv D-Tox.