Acne isn’t a skin problem — it’s a systems problem. At EvoHealth Functional & Longevity Medicine, we take a root‑cause, data‑driven approach to acne by evaluating hormones, gut health, metabolic function, inflammation, and nutrient status. If you’re struggling with persistent acne despite doing “all the right things,” this guide explains why conventional approaches often fall short — and how functional medicine addresses acne differently.
Why Conventional Acne Treatment Often Fails
Traditional acne care typically focuses on:
- Topical retinoids
- Antibiotics
- Hormonal birth control
- Isotretinoin (Accutane)
While these may suppress symptoms, they rarely address why acne developed in the first place. Many patients experience temporary improvement followed by relapse — or new issues such as gut dysfunction, hormonal disruption, or rebound acne after stopping medication.
Functional medicine views acne as a signal of internal imbalance, not a cosmetic flaw.
The Functional Medicine View of Acne
Acne develops when multiple systems overlap:
- Hormonal signaling (androgens, estrogen, progesterone)
- Insulin and glucose regulation
- Gut microbiome balance
- Inflammatory burden
- Nutrient sufficiency
When one or more of these systems becomes dysregulated, skin inflammation and follicular obstruction follow.
Root Causes of Acne We Evaluate at EvoHealth
Hormonal Imbalances (Not Just Testosterone)
Acne is commonly associated with androgens, but the full hormonal picture matters:
- Free vs total testosterone
- DHEA‑S
- Estrogen metabolism
- Progesterone balance
- Cortisol patterns
Even “normal” lab values can be problematic if ratios are off or hormone clearance is impaired.
Common presentations:
- Adult female acne
- Jawline or chin acne
- Cyclical breakouts
- Acne with irregular periods or PMS
Insulin Resistance & Blood Sugar Dysregulation
Insulin directly stimulates androgen production and sebaceous gland activity.
We frequently see acne associated with:
- Elevated fasting insulin
- High‑normal glucose
- PCOS physiology
- Reactive hypoglycemia
Even lean individuals can have insulin signaling dysfunction driving acne.
Gut Health & the Skin‑Gut Axis
Your gut microbiome plays a major role in immune regulation and inflammation.
Acne may be associated with:
- Dysbiosis
- SIBO
- Increased intestinal permeability
- Prior antibiotic exposure
- Chronic bloating or irregular stools
When gut integrity is compromised, inflammatory signaling increases — often showing up on the skin.
Chronic Inflammation & Immune Activation
Low‑grade inflammation primes the skin for breakouts.
We evaluate:
- hs‑CRP
- Ferritin trends
- Omega‑6 to Omega‑3 balance
- Food‑related immune triggers
- Environmental inflammatory load
Micronutrient Deficiencies
Certain nutrients are critical for skin turnover, immune balance, and hormone metabolism.
Common acne‑related deficiencies include:
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- B‑vitamins
- Magnesium
Supplementing blindly often fails — testing guides precision.
Functional Medicine Acne Testing at EvoHealth
Our acne evaluations may include:
- Comprehensive hormone panels
- Insulin & metabolic markers
- Advanced gut testing
- Micronutrient assessment
- Inflammatory markers
- Thyroid function (often overlooked)
We interpret labs using clinically optimal ranges, not standard population averages.
Personalized Acne Treatment — Not One‑Size‑Fits‑All
Your plan may include:
Nutrition Strategy
- Blood‑sugar‑supportive nutrition
- Targeted elimination protocols (when indicated)
- Adequate protein and micronutrient intake
Lifestyle Optimization
- Sleep and circadian alignment
- Stress and cortisol regulation
- Training volume and recovery balance
Targeted Supplementation
- Evidence‑based nutraceuticals
- Gut‑specific interventions
- Hormone metabolism support
Medical Integration (When Appropriate)
- Bioidentical hormone optimization
- DPC‑based medication management
- Coordination with dermatology
Functional Medicine Acne Care in Overland Park & Kansas City
EvoHealth Functional & Longevity Medicine is located in Overland Park, Kansas, serving patients across:
- Kansas City
- Leawood
- Olathe
- Prairie Village
- Lenexa
We also offer telemedicine acne consultations for Kansas and Missouri residents.
Start With a Free Consultation
If you’re ready to stop chasing symptoms and start addressing the root cause of acne, we begin with a complimentary consultation to ensure we can provide meaningful value.
EvoHealth Functional & Longevity Medicine (913-404-2193)
13801 Metcalf Ave, Suite 205
Overland Park, KS 66223