Dealing with recurring hormonal acne can be frustrating especially when breakouts appear regularly around the same time each month. According to UK based surgeon Dr Karan Rajan, the root cause may not be limited to hormones alone but could also be linked to gut health.
The connection between the gut and skin is gaining attention with experts suggesting that an imbalance in the gut microbiome may influence hormonal fluctuations and skin conditions. Hormonal acne often appears along the jawline and chin and is commonly associated with changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels.
Dr Karan Rajan explains that these hormones are processed in the liver and then transported to the gut for elimination. However certain gut bacteria known as the estrobolome can reactivate oestrogen and send it back into the bloodstream through a process called Enterohepatic Recirculation. This can lead to higher levels of oestrogen in the body also referred to as oestrogen dominance which may trigger acne flare ups.
To help manage this imbalance the surgeon recommends increasing intake of soluble fibre in the diet. Soluble fibre plays a key role in supporting gut health and may contribute to clearer skin in several ways.
Firstly it forms a gel like substance in the digestive system that binds to excess hormones and bile acids helping remove them from the body instead of allowing them to be reabsorbed. This process supports better hormonal balance.
Secondly soluble fibre feeds beneficial gut bacteria which helps maintain a healthier microbiome and reduces the activity of bacteria responsible for reactivating oestrogen. This contributes to improved gut balance and overall wellbeing.
Additionally when fibre is fermented in the gut it produces compounds known as short chain fatty acids which have anti inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body and support healthier skin potentially easing acne symptoms.
While dietary changes can be beneficial it is important to remember that acne is influenced by multiple factors including hormones lifestyle genetics and skincare habits. Increasing fibre intake may support improvement but should be considered as part of a broader approach to skin health.