An Integrative Approach to Treating Acne Naturally & Holistically

It’s safe to say everyone wants healthy skin and a clear complexion. Yet, most of us have experienced a battle or two with various levels of acne issues in our lives, sometimes well into adulthood.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), around 15 percent of adult women in the U.S. are affected by blemishes, pimples, blackheads, zits … however you happen to classify the various types of acne breakouts. Treating acne has become a $1.2 billion-per-year industry, perhaps a sign that too many are opting to treat the symptom (the blemishes) rather than the true causes of acne.

Acne can be caused by many things, such as hormonal imbalances, unhealthy diet, poor gut health, and stress. So, to truly rid yourself of continued acne issues requires a holistic approach that considers, tests for, and addresses all factors that could be causing one’s skin to break out.

This is the approach around which I’ve built our team at Vitality Integrative Skin Clinic in Bend, OR. While we offer safe, natural treatments that help minimize the aesthetic effects of acne, we also work with clients to find the root cause of breakouts. From there, we can provide personalized, non-medical treatment options reducing acne over the long term.

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the skin’s pores and hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The result is outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, etc. It’s the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million people – primarily those in their teens and early 20s.

Eighty-five percent of teens deal with acne (according to the ADD) due to hormonal changes during puberty that causes hair follicles to expand and produce more sebum, or the oily substance on our skin. Diet, stress, and certain medications can also increase one’s risk of developing acne, regardless of age.

An Integrative Approach to Dermatology

At Vitality Integrative Skin Clinic, we treat people of all ages who are dealing with acne, from teens to older adults. As so much can affect changes in one’s skin and how it responds to certain lifestyles and environments, we evaluate each client holistically, starting with a thorough review of their medical history.

We perform a thorough review of symptoms to identify clues on the possible acne causes. Sometimes the reason is an imbalance in the body. Depending on what we find, we may test for diet and food sensitivities, gut or bacterial issues, hormonal imbalances, and so on.

From there, we provide natural (herbal) treatments, make dietary recommendations, and offer lifestyle change suggestions that may improve the conditions in your body that are making you more prone to developing acne.

Additional Acne Treatment Options

Knowing that all skin needs are different and personal, we also offer several treatments that provide long- and short-term relief from current acne issues. Some of our treatments even help reduce current and potential scarring related to acne.

Treatments the Vitality Integrative Skin Clinic team offers include:

IPL (Intense Pulse Light)

IPL is a condensed, pulsing light (not a laser) that’s great for reducing the redness and discoloration and killing C. Acnes bacteria that is often involved with active acne. IPL provides temporary, aesthetic relief for acne breakouts, so it’s often used in tandem with long-term internal health treatments and lifestyle changes. Results occur relatively quickly with IPL treatments, which typically take about 15 minutes.

VI Peel

Like IPL, a VI Peel is a great way to treat active acne, but unlike IPL, it also helps minimize acne scars. The VI Peel is a medium-to-deep peel, which means its effects go beyond the top layer of skin. The procedure is very quick – taking 15 minutes to apply the peel – and patients can remove the peel themselves after about four hours.

Microneedling/PiXel8-RF

Microneedling is a process that creates small, microscopic punctures in the skin to generate new collagen and skin tissue. The procedure is effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars or enlarged pores. Another microneedling treatment that also uses fractional bi-polar radio frequency technology, called PiXel8-RF, offers more immediate and superior results when it comes to minimizing the appearance of acne scars and pores, but the procedure is also more expensive.

Vitality Integrative Skin Clinic Products

To offer clients effective skincare options that are both clean and affordable, we created a privately labeled line of medical-grade skin products. Our acne kit includes cleansers, toners, a treatment gel, acne-friendly moisturizer, and masks. We also sell a vitamin blend supplement (Complexion Assist) that helps gain better control of acne more quickly. We offer various options and strengths to match the individual needs of each of our clients.

Acne is something you don’t have to live with. Schedule an appointment to learn how the Vitality Integrative Skin Clinic team will holistically approach the diagnosis and treatment of your particular acne issue. Our goal is to help you achieve long-term skin health and vibrance. Call today to make your appointment at (458) 206-3331.