Acne is typically treated with antibiotics, which can have an impact on the gut microbiome. My guest today will explain how, as well as suggest other potential solutions for acne. My guest today is Dr. Raja Sivamani, a board-certified dermatologist who practices at Pacific Skin Institute. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the University of California, Davis and Director of Clinical Research and the Clinical Trials Unit. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the California State University, Sacramento. Dr. Sivamani engages in clinical practice as well as both clinical and translational research that integrates bioengineering, nutrition, plant science, cosmetics, and skin biology. With training in both Allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, he takes a holistic approach to his patients and in his research. Join us as we talk about acne, accutane, antibiotics, and Ayurveda. Have you used a more holistic approach to treat your acne? Tell me about it in the comments! In this episode: How does accutane change the microbiome of the skin? Can shifting the lipid makeup of the skin have impacts down the road? If you are on accutane, what should you keep in mind? Long-term use of isotretinoin Why are antibiotics used to treat skin issues? Quotes "We've been doing research on isotretinoin. It does shift the way your fats and lipids on the skin are being expressed. And in doing so, it shifts the inflammatory profile on the skin, and, in fact, it will shift the microbiome." [4:43] "What you read online is all about high-dose isotretinoin. There's actually a way to do it low dose so it doesn't tax your system as much." [12:32] "Isotretinoin is a class of medications called retinoids. It will increase the triglycerides in your blood." [12:57] "Is diet going to take someone with severe acne and make them totally better? No, it's not. But it's part of the equation." [23:13] Links Find Dr. Sivamani online Dermveda