How Your Gut, Hormones, Liver, and Skincare Fight Acne Together

Hey there, skin health warriors!

Last week we talked about the topical benefits Green Coffee has to offer for combatting acne. This week we will dive deeper and talk about the many aspects going on internally that can have an affect on your skin's health.

If you’re battling acne, you might be surprised to learn it’s not just about your face—it’s a whole-body effort. Your gut, hormones, liver, and skincare routine all play a role in getting that clear, glowing skin you’re after. Let’s break it down and share practical tips to tackle acne from the inside out and on the surface!

The Gut-Skin Connection

Your gut and skin are like best friends—what happens in one shows up in the other. A healthy gut microbiome keeps inflammation low, which is crucial for preventing acne, eczema, or psoriasis. When your gut’s off balance, maybe from too much sugar or processed foods, inflammation can flare up, leading to breakouts. Sip a daily cup of bone broth, loaded with collagen and amino acids like glutamine, to repair your gut lining and hydrate your skin. In about four to six weeks, you might see calmer acne. Boost this with fiber-rich foods like apples, kefir, or sauerkraut to feed good gut bacteria. A probiotic with at least 10 billion CFUs of lactobacillus or a zinc supplement can also do wonders.

We love Fond Bone Broth for quality, nutrient dense broth.

 Pickle Envy for wild vegetable ferments!

Get 10% off your purchase with Pickle Envy at their participating Austin Farmer's Markets by referencing Hemp360's blog.

Sat: Sunset Valley and The bell

Sun: Mueller

Want to try your hand at making broth or fermented foods? 

Below are links for recipes our family formulated:

Fermented Pickles

Bone Broth

Hormones and Estrogen Dominance

Hormonal imbalances, like estrogen dominance when estrogen overshadows progesterone, can trigger acne, especially along your jawline or chin. This happens because excess estrogen spikes inflammation and clogs pores. Plus, xenoestrogens—synthetic chemicals in plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides that mimic estrogen—can make things worse.

Eat a raw carrot salad daily to help detox excess estrogen. Here's more info and a recipe.

Try supplements like DIM or magnesium.  DIM, short for diindolylmethane, is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts. DIM supplements are often promoted for their potential to support hormonal balance, particularly in relation to estrogen metabolism, and may offer benefits for conditions like acne and menopause symptoms. Although, we know that consuming living foods is the most ideal way.

To avoid xenoestrogens, check for “paraben-free” or “BPA-free” labels. Although, new information has surfaced that many "BPA-free" plastics have just been replaced with an even more harmful xenoestrogen (BPS and BPF). The best option is to use glass, stainless steel or copper containers. 

Liver Health and Acne

Your liver’s job is to detox toxins, but if it’s overloaded from alcohol, processed foods, refined carbs and sugary drinks, you might see breakouts on your nose or cheeks. A sluggish liver can’t keep up, leading to inflammation that shows on your skin. Support your liver with detox-friendly foods like beets, garlic, or dandelion root. Antioxidant rich foods like berries, citrus fruits and green tea can help, too. Milk thistle supplements are another great way to ease liver strain and reduce acne-causing inflammation.

We love Monarch Herbs' liver detox tincture called, Purify.

(use code: DETOX15 for 15% off)

Where Acne Appears Matters

Your face can give clues about what’s going on inside. Forehead breakouts often point to gut or digestive issues. Chin and jawline acne usually ties to hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance. Cheek acne might hint at lung or sinus problems, while nose acne could indicate liver stress or a poor diet. Knowing this can help you target the root cause.

Everyday Anti-Acne Habits

A few simple habits can keep acne at bay across the board. Wash your face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser like our Clarifying Facial Cleanser Bar. Stay hydrated with 8–10 cups of mineral rich water daily (add a sprinkle of Celtic sea salt or Himalayan salt. Eat a protein rich diet, full of whole foods and no refined sugar or alcohol. Change your pillowcase weekly to avoid oil buildup. Manage stress by moving your body daily, grounding (bare feet touching the grass, dirt, or sand) and getting at least 20 min in the sun daily to lower cortisol-driven breakouts.

Skincare: The Final Touch

What you put on your skin is just as important as what’s happening inside. A solid skincare routine can amplify your gut, hormone, and liver efforts.

Start with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove dirt without stripping natural oils—harsh soaps can worsen acne. Click here to view our Facial Cleanser options.

Follow with a lightweight moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. Click here to view our light Facial Serum Moisturizers.

Here’s where hemp seed oil shines as a healing modality. Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it reduces inflammation and soothes redness, perfect for acne-prone skin. Its non-comedogenic nature means it won’t clog pores, and its vitamin E antioxidants help repair skin damage.

Apply a few drops of one of our Serums with hemp seed oil for convenience.

Use a weekly Clay Mask, like bentonite, to detox pores without over-drying.

Exfoliate sparingly, 1–2 times a week, with a mild exfoliant to avoid irritation.

And don’t skip Sunscreen—a non-comedogenic SPF 30 protects without causing breakouts.

Putting It All Together

Clear skin is a team effort—your gut, hormones, liver, and skincare routine all need to work together. Start with one or two tips, like sipping bone broth or adding hemp seed oil to your routine, and you might see your skin start to thank you. Consistency is key, so stick with it and watch for changes in a few weeks!

Got questions or want more personalized ideas?

Drop a comment, and let’s keep the clear-skin convo going!