Acne

Understanding Acne

Whole-Body Acne Treatment with Dr. Wafaa Matti, NMD in Encinitas

Acne isn’t just a teenage concern—it’s a complex skin condition that affects adults of all ages and can leave emotional and physical scars. At the Stengler Center in Encinitas, Dr. Wafaa Matti, NMD takes a root-cause approach to acne, blending clinical expertise with natural therapies to treat your skin and what’s going on beneath the surface.

What Really Causes Acne?

Acne is more than a surface-level skin issue—it’s often your body’s way of signaling an internal imbalance. While clogged pores and oil buildup contribute to breakouts, Dr. Wafaa Matti looks deeper to uncover what's truly triggering inflammation in your skin.

Hormonal Shifts

Hormones play a major role in acne—especially in women. Imbalances in testosterone, DHEA, estrogen, or progesterone can lead to overactive oil glands and stubborn breakouts. Dr. Wafaa commonly sees hormonal acne connected to:

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Perimenopause and menopause
• Post-birth control rebound acne
• Estrogen dominance or progesterone deficiency

Acne related to hormones often shows up around the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks, and flares cyclically with the menstrual cycle.

Gut Dysbiosis & Food Sensitivities

There’s a reason acne is often linked to what’s happening in the gut. An imbalance in gut bacteria, called dysbiosis, or a “leaky gut” can lead to systemic inflammation that shows up on your skin.
Dr. Wafaa may assess for:

• Poor digestion or irregularity
• Sensitivities to dairy, sugar, gluten, or eggs
• Signs of candida overgrowth or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

Clearing the gut often leads to clearer skin—and improved mood, immunity, and hormones, too.

Chronic Stress & Cortisol Imbalance

Stress increases cortisol, which can increase oil production and lower immune defenses—leading to breakouts. Over time, chronic stress also disrupts hormone balance, sleep, and digestion, all of which contribute to acne.
Dr. Wafaa supports the nervous system and adrenal function as part of acne recovery.

Liver or Detox Pathway Sluggishness

Your liver is responsible for breaking down excess hormones and toxins. When it’s overburdened—or lacking key nutrients—your skin may pick up the slack. Acne around the jawline, neck, and chest may reflect poor detoxification.

Dr. Wafaa may incorporate nutraceutical liver support, antioxidant therapies, and gentle detox protocols customized to your constitution.

Topical Product Sensitivities & Skin Microbiome Disruption

Sometimes your skincare routine is part of the problem. Harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, or comedogenic makeup can disrupt the skin microbiome, stripping your skin’s natural barrier and inviting inflammation.

Dr. Wafaa can help identify safer, skin-friendly alternatives that support healing—not harm.

Dr. Wafaa’s Integrative Acne Protocol

Every patient is unique. Dr. Wafaa combines advanced testing, naturopathic tools, and personalized care to heal acne from the inside out.

Your plan may include:

• Hormonal testing (thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, DHEA)
• Gut repair protocols for bloating, irregularity, or “skin-gut” connection
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition plans
• Botanical supplements, probiotics, and detox support
• Low-dose prescriptions or topicals (if needed)
• Microneedling + PRP for active breakouts or prevention of future scarring

Already struggling with acne scars? Explore our Acne Scar Treatment Options with PRP and microneedling.

Common Acne Concerns We Treat

• Adult hormonal acne (jawline, chin, lower cheeks)
• Acne from PCOS or post-birth control
• Acne linked to stress, fatigue, or gut issues
• Cyclical breakouts before menstruation
• Blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, or cystic nodules

Empowering Skin Confidence, Naturally

Acne can deeply affect your confidence and emotional well-being. Dr. Wafaa provides a compassionate, shame-free environment where you can feel heard—and supported in healing both your skin and your health.

Acne Specialist in Encinitas, CA

Dr. Wafaa Matti offers in-person and virtual care for patients seeking natural solutions for persistent acne. You don’t have to choose between harsh medications or doing nothing—we offer a smarter, more supportive third path.

📞 Have a question or ready to book?
Call us at 760-274-2377 — our team is happy to help.

📧 Prefer email?
Reach out anytime at clinic@drwafaamatti.com

🌐 Websites: drwafaamatti.com

📍 Visit us by appointment at:
Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine
324 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024

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