Acne management can feel overwhelming, but the right approach makes all the difference. In this article, a Doctor of Chinese Medicine shares five expert-approved ways to handle symptoms and tackle the root cause.

Dr Vivian Tam (CM) is a Melbourne-based Doctor of Chinese Medicine and cosmetic acupuncturist, and the founder of Cosmetic Acupuncture Melbourne. A renowned industry leader and educator, she trains other practitioners in advanced cosmetic acupuncture techniques and is also the founder of Zilch Formulas, a range of herbal supplements for acne and wellness. With a special focus on skin health, anti-ageing, dermatology and acne, Dr Tam combines traditional Chinese Medicine with a modern, results-driven approach that addresses the root causes of skin concerns.

I’ve treated acne for many years in-clinic, and I also know what it’s like having struggled with it all through my teens and into my early twenties. I was able to turn my own skin around with Chinese Medicine, and that experience is what makes me so passionate about educating others.

In Chinese Medicine, acne is never just a surface problem. It’s a sign of something deeper going on in the body, and the key is always to look from the inside out. Here are the five things I focus on for clear, healthy-looking skin.

Address skin from the inside out

Pimples are often the body’s way of indicating that there’s too much inflammation or toxic build-up inside – a bit like a volcano that eventually has to erupt. When the body can’t get rid of this heat and toxin load efficiently, it often comes out through the skin.

Skincare is important for supporting the healing process on the surface, but it won’t stop breakouts from happening in the first place. So, when I break out, I know I need to address things like stress, my diet, or a possible hormone imbalance – the focus needs to be on fixing the root causes inside the body, or any resolution of symptoms will just be temporary.

Use acupuncture for both the face and body

Acupuncture is one of my favourite methods of acne management because it works on two levels.

Body acupuncture targets the underlying causes: reducing inflammation, clearing heat and toxins; improving gut function if digestion is a trigger; and balancing hormones if they’re playing a role.

Facial acupuncture focuses directly on the skin, helping to reduce redness, swelling and pain in active breakouts, and speeding up healing. The combination is powerful because it treats the cause and the symptoms at the same time.

When my acne was at its worst, I had regular acupuncture sessions for both regulating hormonal imbalances and reducing inflammation, and on the face for calming and healing any swelling and breakouts. These days, I do regular acupuncture to maintain balance, and I recommend it to anyone who wants results that last.

Address any gut imbalances

When I’m dealing with digestive issues, I don’t just notice it in the bathroom – I can see it in my face.

In Chinese Medicine, the gut is responsible for processing nutrients and clearing waste. And if your digestion is sluggish or your gut is out of balance, heat and toxins can build up and show on the skin, often in the form of acne.

I make sure I support my gut health every day with a balanced and nutritious diet, Chinese herbal medicine, stress management and nourishing sleep to help keep breakouts at bay.

Look at what my hormones are telling me

When I was younger, my breakouts followed a predictable cycle and were always accompanied by fluid retention, bloating, and sugar cravings. Working on regulating my hormones through acupuncture and herbs has helped break that pattern.

I also am always conscious of the link between lifestyle and hormone balance, so I stick to a low-sugar, lower-carbohydrate diet, prioritise sleep and stress relief, and make sure I fit in at least two exercise sessions a week, along with plenty of walks with my dog.

If your acne flares before your period, improves when it arrives, or comes with other PMS symptoms like bloating, mood swings or breast tenderness, hormones are likely part of the picture. Breakouts that start after coming off the pill or that happen alongside irregular or painful cycles also point to hormonal imbalance. Balancing hormones naturally through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes can help break that monthly breakout pattern.

Reduce stress and prioritise sleep

I’ve always found that my acne will resurface when I’m going through a stressful period, or when my sleep has been disrupted for a few nights in a row. Stress ramps up cortisol, which drives inflammation and slows skin healing. Poor sleep has a similar effect.

In Chinese Medicine, the body replenishes yin overnight – this yin helps cool inflammation and clear the “fire” that can show up as redness, swelling and irritation in the skin. Without enough rest, heat and toxins can build up and make acne worse.

My skin always looks calmer and clearer when I’m sleeping before 11 pm and making time for stress relief – whether that’s walking, gentle exercise, meditation or simply a few minutes to reset during the day. I’m not perfect every day, but I do actively try to stick to a sleep schedule to help my acne management and not sweat the small stuff.

Acne is never just a skin problem. It’s a reflection of what’s going on inside the body. By addressing the root causes, whether they’re hormonal, digestive, stress-related or a combination, and supporting the skin from the inside out, you can make lasting changes to both your skin and your overall health. I’m living proof!

What part of acne management do you find the trickiest to get right? Leave us a comment below.