Understanding Acne: Causes and How to Get Rid of It Naturally

Acne affects millions worldwide, but did you know there’s a way to clear it for good without harsh treatments? At Ridgetter, we’ve gathered inspiring stories from people just like you, who’ve overcome acne through diet and lifestyle changes. Read on to discover their secrets and how you can naturally heal your skin too.

Common Types of Acne

Acne varies by severity and type. Common forms include:

  • Whiteheads: Clogged pores that remain closed at the skin’s surface.
  • Blackheads: Open pores that darken due to oxidation.
  • Papules & Pustules: Inflammatory acne with redness (pimples with or without pus).
  • Cysts & Nodules: Deep, painful lumps beneath the skin that often lead to scarring.

Why Conventional Treatments May Fall Short


Most treatments target symptoms and include:

  • Topical Creams
  • Oral Medications

While these methods may work short term, they don’t address the root cause of acne.

Alternative Viewpoints on Acne Causes

Western medicine does not have a definitive answer to what causes acne. The explanations vary, and some of the theories are hormonal imbalance, poor diet, inflammation, and gut health. 

In alternative medicine, practitioners often view acne as a symptom of deeper imbalances within the body. Common beliefs include:

  1. Toxins: The body may be overloaded with toxins from poor diet, environment, or lifestyle, which are expressed through the skin.
  2. Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal fluctuations or imbalances, especially involving the liver or endocrine system, are thought to contribute to acne.
  3. Gut Health: Poor digestion or imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) are often linked to skin conditions, including acne.
  4. Dietary Triggers: Sugary, processed, and dairy-based foods are often seen as culprits.

These practitioners often focus on holistic approaches, emphasizing diet, detoxification, and stress reduction.

A large, alternative health movement focused on food as medicine claims acne to be caused by: 

  •  Streptococcus bacteria – check for more informations here.

Regardless of the cause, almost everyone agrees that diet has a huge impact on acne, and many also agree on a lot of the steps to take to clear the skin.

Treating acne with diet change addresses many of these possible root causes. While we emphasize the importance of getting to know the root cause to get better, that is not always easy until one finally finds an explanation that resonates with their own experience, belief, and often gut feeling.

So let´s dive into the proven steps of what you can do to start clearing up your skin right now. 

Our Approach

At Ridgetter, we don’t just provide advice—we share proven solutions from people who’ve been where you are. Their success stories prove that lasting change is possible.

We have reviewed hundreds of stories from individuals who have successfully cleared their chronic acne naturally, and their stories are at the heart of our approach. These are real people, just like you, who struggled with acne for years or decades before finding lasting solutions through diet and lifestyle changes. By learning from their experiences, we’ve gathered practical, effective strategies that address acne’s root causes—without relying on harsh medications or temporary fixes. Our community is built on proven results, and we’re here to guide you toward clear skin.

Steps to Clear Acne Naturally

1. Anti-Inflammatory Diet:
A whole-food, plant-based diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce inflammation and support clear skin.

  • Foods to Focus On:
    • Leafy greens (such as spinach, and kale)
    • Berries (wild blueberries)
    • Fruits such as papaya and bananas

2. Hydration and Detoxification:

  • Don´t just drink lots and lots of water. While staying hydrated can certainly help, lots of water will not solve the problem. 
  • Celery juice is amazing for fighting acne. (link til artikkel) 
  • Thyme tea or thyme water will help clear up the skin.
  • Aloe water can also be beneficial.
  • Lemon water with raw honey is great for supporting the body.
  • Adequate hydration helps flush toxins from the body, and a healthy liver supports the detox process, reducing acne flare-ups.

3. Eliminate Trigger Foods:
Cut out or significantly reduce gluten, eggs, dairy, canola oil, and processed sugars. (link til hva man bør unngå) 

  • Alternatives: Swap white bread and sugary snacks for oats, legumes, and natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup.

4. Stress Management:
Stress increases cortisol levels, which can lead to more breakouts. Practices like meditation, yoga, and regular moderate exercise can help regulate stress hormones and reduce acne over time.

5. Skincare Routine:
While diet and lifestyle are essential, combining them with a gentle skincare routine can help. We recommend clean products such as 100%Pure cosmetics – check here or Herbal Face Food – check here

Success Story: How Amanda Cleared Acne Naturally

For years, Natalia struggled with persistent acne that left her feeling frustrated and self-conscious. She had tried everything: from prescription creams to antibiotics, but nothing provided a lasting solution. “It seemed like no matter what I did, my skin just wouldn’t clear up,” she recalls.

Things began to change when Amanda decided to take a more natural approach. She was inspired by the stories of others who had healed their skin by addressing the root causes rather than just masking the symptoms. She overhauled her diet, cutting out processed foods, dairy, eggs and gluten. Instead, she focused on nutrient-dense whole foods like leafy greens, berries, fruits, and vegetables.

Amanda also discovered that stress was a major trigger for her breakouts. By practicing daily meditation and incorporating gentle exercises like yoga, she found that her skin improved as her stress levels dropped.

Within three months, Natalia saw significant changes. Her breakouts became less frequent, and her skin started to clear. By the six-month mark, her acne was barely noticeable. She still experienced flare-ups and needed another 6 months for the acne to clear completely. “It wasn’t an overnight fix,” Amanda says, “but by making these changes and sticking with them, I finally got the clear skin I had always wanted”.” One year it not a lot compared to the years I had  struggled without knowing where to turn. I was desperate and felt I would never get better. Seeing results month after month, even with some setbacks, made me keep faith in what I was doing”.  

Key Supplements for Acne Healing

The following supplements are especially helpful with acne: 

  • Zinc – Reduces inflammation and supports the immune system
  • Vitamin C – Boosts collagen production and speeds up skin healing, reducing acne scars and redness
  • Goldenseal – Has antibacterial properties that fight acne-causing bacteria and support immune function
  • Lemon Balm – Reduces stress and calms inflammation, which can lower acne flare-ups triggered by stress
  • B12 (adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin) – Supports healthy skin regeneration and reduces inflammation, promoting clearer skin
  • Olive Leaf – Acts as a powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial, helping to detoxify and protect the skin from acne-causing bacteria.
  • Cat´s Claw – Supports immune function and reduces inflammation, aiding in the fight against chronic skin conditions like acne

We recommend Vimergy for the cleanest and most powerful products – you can find them here

Always ask your doctor before changing your diet or starting a supplement. 

Do you want to learn more about clearing acne? Read another article here.

How Long Does It Take to Clear Acne? 

This is essential. What you are doing today, will give results in the future. And what your skin looks like today, is a result of what your life was like in the past. Getting rid of acne takes time. And there will be flare-ups and ups and downs while you are on the path to getting your skin healthy. But now you know what to do, and you can move forward. Your health condition is not your fault. It is not easy to get rid of chronic disease, but you can do it. And we are here to help you. 

Healing acne naturally can take anywhere from several weeks to many months or even more than a year, depending on individual factors like diet, lifestyle, and the severity of acne. The skin typically requires time to adjust to changes such as improved diet, reduced stress, and better skincare routines. Patience is key, as natural methods focus on addressing the root causes, such as inflammation, rather than providing immediate symptom relief like conventional treatments.Consistency with a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine will lead to gradual improvements. If you need help with what to do, we provide step-by-step guides on how to get rid of acne for good. Sign up and receive our free guide on how to get started today.

Consistency Is Key: Stick with Your Routine

Acne is a multifaceted condition influenced by many factors in your diet and lifestyle. While traditional treatments focus on topical or internal medications, a holistic approach that addresses root causes—like diet, hydration, and stress—can lead to long-lasting improvements.

Making simple dietary and lifestyle changes, combined with proper skincare, can significantly help you get rid of acne and achieve clear, healthy skin.

Want to learn more about natural acne healing? Read more success stories, discover in-depth guides, and start your journey to clear skin today.

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