Does clean eating cause acne? Let's get into the science.

You’ve finally committed to a clean diet.

No dairy. No sugar. No late night takeaways.

Just whole foods, greens, smoothies, and supplements.

And then... your skin gets worse.

It’s confusing and frustrating, but here’s what’s really happening beneath the surface: when you change how you eat, you change how your body detoxifies, regulates hormones, and manages inflammation. These shifts can sometimes happen faster than your body’s elimination pathways can keep up with, especially your liver and gut.

Let’s look at the biochemistry 🧪...

When you start nourishing your body properly, it finally has the energy and nutrients it needs to release stored toxins, metabolic byproducts, and excess hormones. If your liver’s phase II detoxification pathways (sulphation, methylation, glucuronidation) aren’t fully supported, those compounds can recirculate through your system.

And when your internal detox systems are overloaded, your skin steps in. Add in a sluggish gut or histamine build-up, and you’ve got the perfect storm for breakouts, rashes, and inflammation.

So no, your clean diet isn’t making your skin worse. Your body is simply starting to heal, and that process isn’t always smooth at first.

If your skin flares up when you start eating clean:

• Support your liver detox pathways with quality protein, and sulphur-rich foods (like eggs, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables).

• Keep your gut moving: daily bowel movements, fibre, and hydration are essential for efficient toxin clearance.

• Be patient. True healing takes time. It’s not a setback, it’s recalibration.

Your skin isn’t rebelling, it’s responding. When you understand the root cause and support your body’s natural detox systems, clearer skin becomes not just possible, but sustainable.

Ready to uncover what your skin is really trying to tell you? Book a Discovery Consultation today, and let’s create a personalised plan that supports your biochemistry from the inside out.