3 Common Mistakes During A Cleanse That May Make Acne Worse

Healing acne holistically is an internal thing. This is why many acne sufferers try going on a "cleanse" at the start of their journey—as a kick-start on their way to healthy, clear skin. This can be a good thing: Many foods in our current diet are known triggers for acne for those genetically predisposed for it. However, it all depends on what sort of cleanse you are trying. 

See, in my experience, when acne patients embark upon a cleanse to clear their skin, a terrible thing often happens—their breakouts actually get worse. Feeling betrayed by their good intentions, and at their wits' end, they run to their dermatologist claiming that their attempt to clear their skin, naturally, has failed.

I've seen this scenario all too often, and I always find myself passionately defending natural medicine—eating clean is critical to optimal health and clear skin, but it has to be done correctly. So what gives? How can cleansing end up making acne even worse?

Balancing blood sugar and insulin levels is a critical first step in healing acne (which is why doctors once called acne "diabetes of the skin" before the advent of modern dermatology). High insulin levels in people susceptible to acne produce a hormone called Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1), which leads directly to an increase in androgens1, a hormone that actually causes acne.

Acne patients' bodies and skins are often not great at detoxifying their system. In fact, many have a genetic polymorphism that inhibits their ability to detoxify optimally (read: It's an inherited genetic trait). In other words, when the liver needs to convert fat-soluble toxins in the body to a water-soluble substance that can be removed via the kidneys or large intestine, it does so inefficiently.

In order to work optimally, the liver requires an array of amino acids and nutrients. Most of these, particularly the amino acids, are derived from our diet. During a fast, the liver is deprived of the nutrients it needs to function properly and perform this vital task. 

Having daily bowel movements is critical to a cleanse, as it helps remove waste from the body. If you're constipated, well, all your hard work will be for naught, literally.

In fact, being constipated can make acne even worse. Not only are toxins just sitting in the large bowel, but they can be inadvertently reabsorbed into the body while they wait. This especially applies to heavy metals and estrogen.

The benefits of cleansing as they relate to acne, clear skin, and your overall health are undeniable. We all just need to remember that cleansing to clear your skin isn't a one-size-fits-all just-add-water-and-stir kind of thing. Any cleanse requires careful consideration, and I'd suggest a consultation with a health practitioner, at the very least. After that, start your clear skin journey and cleanse away.