Today, we are going to be talking about acne and its correlation to other things, and its correlation to other health problems. We are talking about acne in particular because in my own situation, personally, before having alopecia, before having alopecia areata, before having multiple types of hair loss at the same time, which is very possible, I had, about 10 years prior, issues and health concerns regarding acne. So much so where I was actually on Accutane five different times in my life.
That should have told me right then and there that something was amiss. Just like my situation, and maybe your situation too, I’ve seen multiple doctors and have been trying to understand what is happening with hair loss, what is happening with alopecia, and how to heal it and get more answers and results. I found myself in the same loop, trying to find different dermatologists for my acne.
The acne started in my teens. I was a teenager, so of course everyone says: “Oh, it’s puberty, deal with it. You’re just going to have to live through it.” So I used all the typical over-the-counter products, creams, cleansers, and lotions.
The Same Cycle in Hair Loss and Acne Treatment
This parallels what many people experience with hair loss. You notice hair loss and people say: “Start biotin, start hair, skin, and nails supplements, use minoxidil or Rogaine.” I was doing the same thing with acne—pharmacy visits, Target runs, trying every possible product.
In my 20s, things temporarily cleared up. However, in my late 20s, it got really bad again. In my early 30s, it was also very severe.
Eventually, I discovered that my acne stemmed from an allergy—I was allergic to peanuts. This did not show up in allergy tests or anything my dermatologist suggested. They simply continued prescribing Accutane.
The Reality of Accutane and Its Impact
At that time, over 20 years ago, Accutane was extremely expensive and not covered by insurance. I had to pay out of pocket, which was very difficult as a teenager and later as someone in their 20s fresh out of college. And I went on Accutane five times.
For those who don’t know, Accutane is a very strong medication. Women are required to be on birth control while taking it and must commit to avoiding pregnancy due to the risk of severe birth defects.
Accutane can cause many side effects, including dry skin, peeling, redness, sensitivity to sunlight, severe lip dryness, eye dryness, blurred vision, difficulty with contact lenses, mouth inflammation, sores, hair thinning, nail changes, mood changes including depression and anxiety, liver damage, blood abnormalities, neurological symptoms like headaches and nausea, gastrointestinal issues, hearing changes, joint pain, fatigue, and more serious risks such as pancreatitis, blood clots, stroke, seizures, and birth defects. It carries a black box warning.
Accutane was given to me repeatedly.
When Symptoms Keep Returning
I share this because our health journey often has patterns. Even if you are currently dealing with hair loss, there may be other health issues in your past that connect to what you are experiencing now.
In my case, I eventually overcame acne and no longer needed Accutane. I also reached a point where I no longer believed pharmaceuticals alone were the answer for root-cause healing.
I realized medications helped temporarily, but the problems kept returning. Eventually, I discovered the trigger: peanuts.
I noticed it clearly one day when I ate peanuts and within four hours, my face broke out severely. It looked like I was a teenager again, even though I was nearly 30. That’s when I knew.
Over time, I also experienced other types of acne, which showed me that surface-level treatments were not enough.
The Body Is Always Communicating
I’ve come to understand that acne, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss—these are all signals. They are ways the body communicates that something deeper is happening.
Our body is always talking to us, but we often ignore or dismiss the signs.
Acne can appear in different areas of the face, and these patterns often give clues. The jawline and chin are often hormonal. The forehead may reflect digestion and stress. The upper cheeks may be linked to diet or even contact with objects like a phone. The nose area can be associated with bacteria or circulation imbalances.
Our skin, body, and hair are constantly communicating. You can often see someone’s health reflected in their skin and hair.
Emotional Impact and Visibility
In my own journey, I had severe acne, and I understand how emotionally and mentally difficult it can be. Whether it’s acne or hair loss, it affects how you feel seen by others, even though it is your body asking for help.
The most important thing is that you notice it. You recognize something is off. That awareness matters.
These conditions are all interconnected. Dermatology often focuses on topical or pharmaceutical solutions, but if we don’t address root causes, symptoms tend to return.
That was true for my acne with multiple rounds of Accutane, and it was also true for my alopecia until I addressed the underlying causes.
Healing, Balance, and Long-Term Stability
Today, I no longer deal with acne or hair loss. It has been more than nine years since I’ve experienced alopecia.
Even through postpartum changes, stress, pregnancy at 40, and multiple international moves in a short period, my health has remained stable.
Life is like the ocean. Waves will always come. The goal is to learn how to ride them and maintain balance so that your hair, skin, and health can thrive together.
Skin, Hair, and Scalp Connection
Skin health is closely connected to hair health. Conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema can contribute to hair thinning and follicle damage. I’ve seen clients experience significant improvements in just weeks through personalized changes in diet and lifestyle.
Not everyone reacts the same way. Just like I react to peanuts, others do not.
Scalp care is often overcomplicated today with trends and products. Real care comes from understanding your washing habits, treatments, and hair type.
Ultimately, hair and skin health require an inside-out approach. Like a house or a car, both internal and external maintenance are needed for optimal function.
Hormones, Acne, and Hair Loss Connection
Acne can also be linked to hair loss, especially when hormonal imbalances are involved. Hormonal fluctuations can cause both acne and hair thinning, particularly in your 20s and 30s.
Cystic acne along the jawline can indicate excess androgens, which are also associated with androgenic hair loss. Acne around the mouth can indicate hormonal imbalance. Acne on the sides of the face or eyebrows may suggest liver, metabolic, or hormonal issues.
Acne is often more than skin deep, just as hair loss is more than cosmetic. This is why a holistic view of the body is so important.
Final Reflection
I hope this helps you reflect on your own health journey. Often, when we look back, we can see patterns that connect the dots.
I encourage you to do a self-assessment and consider what your body may be trying to tell you. Healing is not just about one symptom—it’s about overall wellbeing.
You can heal more than one area of your life at the same time.
