Root Causes of Acne: What Your Gut and Hormones Have to Do With It
Functional Nutrition Tips from DO Nutrition, Voted Best Nutritionist in Hoboken by Hoboken Girl
If you’ve tried every serum, spot treatment, or prescription with minimal results, it might be time to look deeper. At Diana Orchant Nutrition, we help clients uncover the root causes of acne because breakouts are often a signal from within, not just a surface-level skin issue.
With the help of our friends at Pacific Touch, a skin health studio in NYC, we take a whole-body approach to acne using functional testing, nutrition, and personalized support.
Here’s what we often see driving stubborn acne, even when labs look “normal” and digestion feels “fine.”
Gut Inflammation (Even If You Don’t Have GI Symptoms)
Your gut and your skin are deeply connected. Inflammation in the gut, caused by dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria), parasites, yeast overgrowth, or food sensitivities, can trigger breakouts on the face, chest, and back.
Even if you’re not experiencing obvious digestive symptoms, gut inflammation can still show up on your skin. Common patterns we see include:
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), which can contribute to rosacea and acne
Elevated methanogens, often tied to constipation and acne
Low stomach acid or poor gut immune markers, which impair nutrient absorption and hormone balance
We often recommend the GI-MAP stool test to assess gut health, inflammation, estrogen detox, leaky gut, and immune function. These insights can be powerful for addressing acne at the root.
Food Reactions and Sensitivities
Certain foods can trigger acne, especially if they promote inflammation or hormonal shifts. Common acne triggers include:
Dairy
Gluten
Refined sugar and alcohol
Chocolate and inflammatory oils like soybean or canola
If you're reacting to a growing list of foods, it may be a sign of increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut.” Healing the gut and identifying personal triggers can help reduce breakouts and calm inflammation over time.
Hormonal Imbalances
Breakouts around the chin, jawline, and neck often point to androgen dominance. Hormonal acne can be driven by:
Elevated testosterone and DHT
Chronic stress and high cortisol
Poor estrogen clearance due to gut or liver dysfunction
We use the DUTCH test to evaluate hormone levels, adrenal function, and detox pathways. This is especially helpful for people who have hormonal symptoms but “normal” bloodwork.
We support hormone balance through personalized nutrition, blood sugar regulation, stress management, and targeted supplementation when needed.
Liver Detoxification
Your liver plays a key role in clearing out waste and excess hormones. When it is overburdened by alcohol, sugar, processed food, or environmental toxins, detoxification can slow down. As a result, hormonal congestion and inflammation can build up and contribute to acne.
To support detoxification, we often recommend:
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and arugula
Staying hydrated and sweating regularly
Fiber-rich foods and daily bowel movements
Liver-supportive nutrients such as NAC, sulforaphane, or milk thistle
Nutrient Imbalances
Your skin needs a variety of nutrients to stay clear, calm, and hydrated. Common deficiencies or excesses that may affect skin include:
Zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3s
B vitamins (especially B6 and B12)
Too much biotin or iodine, which can sometimes trigger breakouts
Certain medications, like birth control or Accutane, can also deplete nutrient stores over time. We use lab testing and symptom tracking to guide individualized supplement and food strategies that support skin health.
Ready to Get to the Root of Your Acne?
You deserve more than temporary fixes. As a Hoboken Girl Best of Hoboken winner, our team specializes in creating personalized protocols to support your skin from the inside out.
We also collaborate with Pacific Touch, an NYC-based skin studio that specializes in integrative acne care. Rather than suppressing symptoms with quick fixes, their approach helps clients get clear by listening to the messages the body sends. You can learn more at www.pacifictouchnyc.com.
Let’s Heal from the Inside Out
Interested in learning more? Book a free discovery call with our team. We would love to help you uncover the root cause of your acne and support your journey to clear, healthy skin.
