Intestinal disorders can cause acne
Acne is not simply a cosmetic issue but can reflect internal disorders. Experts believe that gut health, stress, and sleep quality directly affect skin condition.
Dr. Priyanka Sharma - dermatologist at Fortis Hospital, New Delhi (India) - said: "Skin rarely reacts randomly. Prolonged acne is often associated with internal imbalances, especially digestion and hormones.
The gut microbiome plays an important role in regulating immunity and controlling inflammation. When a diet is high in sugar, processed foods or lacks fiber, the microbiome is imbalanced, leading to systemic inflammation.
According to Dr. Sharma, "increased intestinal permeability can allow inflammatory substances to enter the bloodstream, thereby triggering skin reactions". As a result, the skin secretes more oil and prolonged inflammatory acne appears.
In addition, gut health also affects hormones such as insulin and androgen, factors directly related to acne. Cases of acne spreading on the face, back or chest are often related to internal inflammation.
Stress and lack of sleep make acne worse
Prolonged stress increases the hormone cortisol, stimulating sebum glands to function strongly and worsening acne conditions. At the same time, stress also makes the skin slow to recover and easily leave dark spots and scars.
Stress does not cause acne directly but makes the inflammation worse and prolongs the treatment time," Dr. Sharma emphasized.
Sleep also plays an important role in skin regeneration. Sleeping less than 7 hours each night can disrupt hormones, weaken the skin's protective barriers and promote oil production.
Professor John Smith - an expert at the Department of Dermatology, University of California (USA) - commented: "Chronic insomnia impairs the skin's immunity and contributes to promoting the mechanism of acne formation.
Experts recommend that to improve acne, it is necessary to have a comprehensive approach from diet, stress management to ensuring sleep, instead of just relying on topical products.
