Acne Management

Watch What You Eat: Foods high in carbohydrates, such as rice, potatoes, and pasta, can raise blood sugar levels, which can result in acne. Focus on whole grains, beans and vegetables instead.

Get Out And Get Active: Exercise reduces stress and improves blood circulation, both of which benefit your skin. Always shower after workouts.

Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Walnuts, avocados, flaxseed oil, salmon and other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids help control inflammatory acne.

Cleanse your face 2x daily: Use cleansing oil and a gentle cleanser to remove makeup that can clog pores.

Hydrate: Drinking at least 6 glasses of water daily can help improve skin health.

Recent studies have examined the diets and blood zonulin levels (often referred to as leaky gut) of people with and without acne to determine how diet affects acne or triggers it ^[3].

Zonulin is a protein in the blood that can open spaces between cells in the intestine. This increased permeability might affect acne.

The researchers have found that certain foods, such as red meat, chocolate, milk, and high-glycemic index foods, may worsen acne ^[4].

Picolaser is a non-invasive skin laser, that is performed by trained medical doctors to address common skin issues, including pigmented lesions, acne scars, and sunspots.

This skin laser can treat acne scars by creating a "thermal injury" in the targeted area.

The injured skin will then trigger the body's natural healing process. It also enhances elastin production in the skin for a brighter and softer complexion.

Picolaser sends ultra-short pulses of energy, without heat, to targeted areas and shatters the problematic pigment, which is then eliminated naturally by the body.

All hair care products leave residue on your hair. When you rinse your hair, the hair care residue can travel down your face and body, and it may transfer to your skin from your hair, towel, or pillow after washing.

Research in dermatology revealed that shampoo and conditioner residue can remain on our forehead, cheeks, scalp, and even our back for up to 2 hours, while residue from styling products, such as leave-in conditioners and curl creams, can remain for up to 4 hours.

This extended exposure creates a considerable opportunity for ingredients to penetrate the skin, potentially causing skin irritation and acne ^[5].

A*Star Research shows that genetic mutations affecting how collagen is reshaped could be a hidden cause of acne. People with darker skin tones, like Asians, actually have more collagen, which can make acne and scarring more severe because it makes it harder for the skin to heal properly ^[6].

Additionally, Asian skin tends to produce more pigment after inflammation, leading to post-acne marks.

Research shows that people with acne feel unattractive, embarrassed, or self-conscious ^[7].

Millions of men and women suffer from acne and hyperpigmentation at least once in their lifetime. Some stubborn acne, especially deep, painful cystic acne, can cause deep scars or hyperpigmentation if not treated early.

Scarring or frequent acne breakouts have been shown by some studies to hurt self-esteem among patients of all ages.

Oily skin is caused by overactive oil glands. When oily secretions under the skin block the tiny opening of hair follicles, spots such as blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts can develop on the skin, including the neck, back, and chest.

Face mapping, which has its roots in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, suggests that acne locations on the face may be linked to specific health issues in the body.

However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this theory.

That said, certain areas of the face may be more susceptible to acne breakouts for various reasons:

• Hairline and Temples: Breakouts in these areas can be caused by hair products and cosmetics.
• T-Zone (Forehead, Nose, and Chin): This area is often affected due to naturally oily skin.
• Cheeks: Acne on the cheeks may result from friction, such as rubbing against pillowcases or cellphones.
• Jawline: Breakouts here are often linked to hormonal changes.

[1] Zouboulis Cc. Acne As A Chronic Systemic Disease. Clin Dermatol. 2014 May-Jun;32(3):389-96. DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.11.005. Epub 2013 Nov 23. PMID: 24767186.

[2] Ayer, J., & Burrows, N. (2006). Acne: More Than Skin Deep. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 82(970), 500-506. https://doi.org/10.1136/pgmj.2006.045377

[3] Gürel RC, Yıldırım M, Erturan İ, Korkmaz S, KumbulDoğuç D. Measurement of Acne Severity, Dietary Habits, and Blood Zonulin Levels in Acne Patients. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(3):e70083. doi:10.1111/jocd.70083

[4] Jaquez-Durán G, Arellano-Ortiz AL. Western diet components that increase intestinal permeability with implications on health. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2024;94(5-6):405-421. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000801

[5] Rubin, I. K., & Gourion-Arsiquaud, S. (2020). Deposition and retention of hair care product residue over time on specific skin areas. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 19(4), 419-423.

[6] https://research.a-star.edu.sg/articles/features/acnes-possible-new-roots-in-growing-glands-and-undigested-collagen/

[7] Dalgard F, Gieler U, et al. “Self-esteem and body satisfaction among late adolescents with acne: Results from a population study.” J Am Acad Dermatol 2008;59(5):746-51.