Dr. Deepa Verma is double board-certified in family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. She graduated magna cum laude from The College of NJ and is a graduate of Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey (formerly known as Robert Wood Johnson Medical School). Dr. Verma completed her family medicine residency at Somerset Medical Center and was elected chief resident. She founded Synergistiq Integrative Health, her private practice, in 2013, during a very challenging time in her life. 

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Acne can be the bane of existence for many people, regardless of age or gender. Though acne is an external condition, the root causes of it lie within. So when a patient comes to Haute Beauty expert Dr. Deepa Verma with acne, she first delves into their health history. Everything regarding how when you were born, genetics, childhood illnesses, diet, chronic antibiotic or pharma use, hormonal imbalance, and harsh chemical exposure can all offer clues to how she can develop treatment plans. Here’s what she shared with Haute Beauty:

What is acne?

Acne is an inflammatory condition when hair follicles become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. The sebaceous glands produce sebum to keep the skin lubricated. Acne, pimples, and zits, whatever you want to call them, come in different varieties. There are whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, and cystic and nodular lesions.

What is the first step to dealing with acne?

Gut health and diet are two of the first things I examine when dealing with acne. When patients come in to see me, I counsel them on following a clean diet. This means avoiding inflammatory foods: daily, meat and sugar. Then I check gut health and based on the results. This allows me to repair the gut with an appropriate diet and nutraceuticals properly. I also wean patients off harmful medications and balance hormones. Finally, I discuss organic and chemical-free skincare and instruct on good hygiene routines while avoiding toxic chemicals.

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Is there a right time to come in for an acne-focused appointment?

Many of my patients come to me after having tried several unsuccessful remedies. I have patients who have been prescribed Accutane and antibiotics with no success, only to experience adverse side effects, much to their dismay. I have patients who want to avoid those treatments knowing how harmful they are. I often find that modifying lifestyle and diet can greatly impact treating and curing acne.

What new acne-focused device are you excited about?

I am very excited about the new FDA-cleared laser device called AviClear by Cutera. This proprietary laser targets the sebaceous glands and destroys them without overdrying the skin. Three treatments over three months produce some pretty amazing and life-changing results. As you might know, acne can affect one’s self-esteem, and vanity is sanity, so I love helping patients feel confident, happy, and healthy.

Once acne is under control, what’s next?

Once patients get their acne under control and diminished, the next step is maintaining healthy and radiant skin. I instruct my patients to follow a more plant-based diet rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants to boost gut health. Getting monthly facials (I like Hydrafacial) keeps the pores clean. Using medical-grade skincare and doing intermittent RF microneedling and laser skin resurfacing are also important pieces of the puzzle for a magnificent glow-up. Patients need to find a good regimen that works best for them, and I help guide them in that direction. Once they see the results, there’s no turning back. Be healthy. Be happy. Be awesome. Create a healthier and happier version of your existence.