Key Lab Tests for Understanding Your Acne

I remember sitting in front of my laptop, scrolling through yet another forum post about how someone cured their acne with a new diet or supplement or skincare product. I tried them all, but nothing worked long-term. My skin would clear slightly, only to flare up again. It wasn't until I dug deeper and ran lab tests that I finally understood what my skin was trying to tell me. Here are some of the tests that can help uncover the root causes of acne. 

1. Microbiology Profile Stool Test: Your Gut-Skin Connection

Your gut health and skin health are closely connected. If there are too many bad bacteria in your gut and not enough good ones, it can cause inflammation and mess with your hormones, leading to acne.

The Microbiology Profile Stool Test checks for:

  • Beneficial bacteria – These help with digestion, immune health, and keeping your skin clear.
  • Opportunistic bacteria – Too much of these can cause inflammation and other health issues.
  • Pathogenic bacteria – Harmful bacteria that may cause infections and contribute to inflammation, all of which can lead to gut problems and make skin issues worse.
  • Antimicrobial Susceptibility - If bad bacteria are found, the test also checks which treatments would work to get rid of them, giving you personalized information to guide the most effective treatment strategy. 


Scientist in protective gear examining a multi-well plate with bacterial or cell cultures in a laboratory setting.

2. Inflammatory Markers: Is Your Body on High Alert?

Chronic inflammation is at the core of acne. Even if you don't feel inflamed, your body might be in a state of low-grade inflammation, contributing to clogged pores and breakouts. 


Key tests to check for inflammation: 

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) - Measures overall inflammation in the body
  • Ferritin - Low levels can signal iron deficiency, while high levels may indicate inflammation
  • Vitamin D - Low levels can lead to more inflammation and worsen acne
  • Liver Enzymes - These help check liver function, which is important for detoxing hormones and reducing inflammation. 
Close-up of a healthcare professional drawing blood from a patient

3. Metabolic & Hormone Markers: Clues into Oil Production

Both sex hormones and hormones that regulate your metabolism can play a big role in acne. If they are out of balance, you might get breakouts, especially around your period. 

  • Blood glucose & insulin - Shows how much sugar is in your blood and how well it's been controlled
  • FSH & LH - Hormones your brain produces to regulate your menstrual cycle and controls how much estrogen and progesterone is made from the ovaries
  • Testosterone - Too much testosterone can make your skin oily
  • Estradiol - A form of estrogen that impacts skin hydration and oil production
Scientist wearing gloves and glasses using a pipette to transfer liquid into microcentrifuge tubes in a lab setting.

4. Cortisol Testing: How Stressed Are You, Really?

Ever notice that stress makes your acne worse? That's because stress raises cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production and inflammation. Measuring cortisol levels at different times of the day - morning, noon, evening, and night - can help you understand if your body if making too much or too little throughout the day. This test gives insights into how to better support your stress response to support clear skin. 

Close-up of a pipette dispensing pink liquid into a clear test tube in a lab tray, illustrating scientific research or testing.

How My Breakthrough Acne Program Can Help

If you're tired of trying different skincare products and diets without results, these lab tests can give you real answers. In my Breakthrough Acne Program, we include all of these tests to uncover the root causes of your acne and create a personalized plan to clear your skin. 


Over the course of six months, we'll go through: 

  • Comprehensive lab testing to find hidden imbalances
  • Customized nutrition and supplement recommendations based on your test results
  • Hormone and gut health support to reduce breakouts from the inside out
  • Ongoing guidance and accountability so you're never figuring it out alone 


It's time to take control of your skin and get the right tests done. Book a strategy call with me today to learn more about the Breakthrough Acne Program.