dr. jen newell, nd
Treating Acne & Adult Acne In Toronto, Ontario
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions seen across all ages – and for adults, it can feel especially frustrating when breakouts persist well beyond the teenage years. As a Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto, I take a root-cause approach to acne that goes beyond surface-level treatment.
What Is Acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or deeper cysts. While it’s most commonly associated with adolescence, adult acne – particularly in women – is increasingly prevalent and often driven by different underlying factors than teenage acne.
Adult acne tends to be more hormonally driven, showing up along the jawline, chin, and neck. It can be deeply tied to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, elevated androgens, insulin resistance, gut dysbiosis, or chronic stress. Unlike teenage acne, it often doesn’t respond well to conventional topical treatments alone, which is why addressing the internal environment is so important.
Common Symptoms Of Acne
Blackheads and whiteheads (comedones)
Papules (small, raised red bumps)
Pustules (pimples with visible pus)
Nodules or cysts (deep, painful lesions)
Breakouts concentrated on the chin, jawline, or cheeks
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks left after breakouts)
Scarring or textural changes to the skin
Common Root Causes Of Acne
Hormonal fluctuations (elevated androgens, estrogen or progesterone changes throughout the cycle)
Insulin resistance or blood sugar dysregulation
Gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol
Dairy and high-glycemic diet patterns
Disrupted skin microbiome or impaired barrier function
Nutritional deficiencies (zinc, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids)
Our Toronto-Based Treatment Options For Acne
Treating adult acne effectively means addressing both what’s happening on the skin and what’s driving it from within.
Through Naturopathic Medicine and Functional Lab Testing, I identify your unique hormonal, gut, and inflammatory patterns so we can build a targeted plan rather than guessing.
Nutritional Counselling plays a key role in reducing dietary triggers and supporting clear skin from the inside out.
On the skin itself, I offer Aerolase Neo Elite laser therapy to reduce active breakouts and redness, Lumecca IPL to address post-acne pigmentation, Microneedling (eDermaStamp and DP4) for scarring and texture, as well as personalized skincare product recommendations and compounded topicals tailored to your skin.
Care Plans & Timelines For Treating Acne
Acne treatment is rarely a quick fix – real, lasting results come from addressing the root cause, which takes time and consistency. Most patients begin to notice meaningful improvements within 8–12 weeks, with more significant skin clearing by the 3–6 month mark. A typical care plan includes an initial comprehensive intake and relevant lab work, followed by regular check-ins to adjust your protocol as your skin responds. The goal is not just clearer skin in the short term, but building the internal and external foundations for lasting skin health.