Hormonal Acne Treatments: Options Products And More
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Acne breakouts can stem from changing hormone levels. These can increase the amount of oil that the skin produces. The oil can build up and clog pores, causing breakouts. Treatments for hormonal acne can include cleansers, gels, face masks, and oral or topical medications.
Over-the-counter treatments, such as cleansers and masks, can suit different skin types and contain ingredients that soothe the skin while tackling oiliness and bacteria.
This article gives an overview of hormonal acne, discusses different treatments, and provides a list of products available to purchase online.
What Are The Best Natural Topical Treatments For Hormonal Acne According To Dermatologists
Using the wrong skincare products and makeup is a common trigger for adult acne and makes breakouts worse. There are naturally derived skincare ingredients beneficial for women struggling with hormonal acne.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a natural medical ingredient that was initially sourced from the willow tree bark. People looking for natural acne treatment can sagely use salicylic acid cleansers and treatment creams. As one of the best over the counter acne treatments, it penetrates deep in the sebaceous glands, reduces oil production, and removes dead skin cells.
Niacinamide
Using the wrong moisturizers or sunscreen can clog the skin pores and cause more blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed acne pimples. Using oil-free moisturizers with niacinamide can help reduce skin redness and keep the skin hydrated and glowing.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, a natural substance made from the Tea Tree leaves, has antiseptic properties that help reduce acne bacteria on the skin. It may also have some anti-inflammatory effects reducing redness. Laboratory studies have shown that it’s able to destroy multiple types of skin bacteria and fungi. A few studies have shown the beneficial effect of acne in 5-15% concentrations. It seems that the leave-on topical solutions of tea tree oil work the best. You can find tea tree oil in MDacne’s retinol treatment creams.
Green tea extract
Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal To Oily Skin
When you are seeking a facial cleanser for acne and oily skin, theres something you should look out for. You need a face wash that is gentle on the skin and foams. This way, it will help you clear out excess oil and other impurities from your pores.
This is exactly what this Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser presents you. It contains three ceramides that ensure that your skin maintains its natural barrier during cleansing. Along with this, the cleanser contains hyaluronic acid that keeps the skin moisturized.
The niacinamide present in this cleanser helps to calm and soothe your skin. Because of the foaming, you are sure that this cleanser reaches deep into the pores. Check out the pros and cons below:
Pros
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Beyond the realms of clarifying, the best skin care products for hormonal acne also help prevent future breakouts from forming thanks to their antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which remove acne-causing bacteria from your skin. They also help regulate oil production by soaking up excess sebum, which creates less opportunities for cystic acne to form. But, its important to remember that all of this exfoliation and treatment can be extremely drying to your skin. To prevent the weakening of the skin barrier, which can sometimes result in your skins defense systems to produce more oils and lead to more breakouts, make sure to incorporate gentle products that nourish, balance, calm and hydrate your skin as well. In fact, some of the best cystic acne products arent even formulated with beta-hydroxy acids, alpha-hydroxy acids or other powerhouse ingredients.
Ready to elevate your acne-prone skin care routine? Keep reading to explore the best products for hormonal acne that will help you achieve a clearer and more even-looking complexion.
Use Cinnamon And Honey
Heres a sweet combination that can rein in those zits. Both honey and cinnamon act against acne-causing bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. And according to research, they work even better as a combo.13 Moreover, cinnamon is also thought to work as a 5-reductase inhibitor and may help balance oily skin.14 Apply a thick paste of honey and cinnamon on your zits and rinse after 1520 minutes. Do this once a day.
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What Type Of Cleanser Is Best For Acne
Choosing a cleanser for acne-prone skin is never an easy task. The market is full of different products boasting of the ability to clear acne and blemishes. Most of these products tend to disappoint at the end of the day.
Harsh face cleansers will cause more harm than good so you need something gentle on the skin. Wondering what kind of cleanser will suit your acne-prone skin? Check out a few qualities you should look out for below.
Best Spot Treatment For Hormonal Acne
If you feel a pimple coming on, apply a dab of Kate Somervilles EradiKate Acne Treatment with a clean cotton swab to stop it in its tracks. This spot treatment is made with oil-controlling zinc oxide, salicylic acid, and 10% sulfur. Dr. Hartman says that sulfur has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. He explains, It clears bacteria from pores that would otherwise lead to acne and helps prevent new bacteria from manifesting on the skins surface it reduces sebum production and helps to dry out surface of the skin leading to less oiliness and it helps to unclog pores by drying out dead skin cells. Dip a Q-tip right into the bottle dont shake it!
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Do Diet And Lifestyle Affect Hormonal Acne At All
“There is no evidence that poor hygiene, chocolate or greasy foods cause acne in all people,” says Dr Tomizawa.
“Although eating healthy will improve your well-being, changes to your diet will not miraculously cure your skin.
“Dermatologists have researched diet modification for a number of skin diseases and unfortunately avoiding certain ingredients in foods usually does not improve the appearance of the skin or cure acne for all people.
“However, in certain people, they may find that a particular food group especially those in high refined sugar can exacerbate their acne. For these people, avoiding these foods can help to reduce their breakouts.”
How To Get Rid Of Acne: 14 Home Remedies For Pimples
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Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85 percent of young adults .
Conventional acne treatments, like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide, are proven to be the most effective acne solutions, but they can be expensive and have undesirable side effects, such as dryness, redness, and irritation.
This has prompted many people to try to cure acne naturally at home. In fact, a 2017 study found that 77 percent of acne patients had tried alternative acne treatments.
Many home remedies lack scientific backing, and further research on their effectiveness is needed. If youre looking for alternative treatments, though, there are still options you can try.
This article explores 14 popular home remedies for acne.
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What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
- How severe is my acne?
- What lifestyle changes should I make to prevent hormonal acne from forming?
- What are the side effects to my acne treatment?
- Can I take this treatment if I become pregnant?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
It can be frustrating to see breakouts on your skin as an adult, considering they are most frequent among adolescents. Talk with your healthcare provider if your acne is persistent and they will be able to offer advanced treatment options to eliminate pesky pimples.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/10/2021.
References
Low Dose Birth Control Pills
These tablets and devices are low in Estrogen and, therefore, tend to increase the bodies Androgen levels as the Estrogen drop. Think of a teeter-totteras one goes down the other goes up.
As a general rule of thumb, those with the potential for higher androgenic symptoms should be avoided for people prone to acne because they promote breakouts. As an acne sufferer, it is critical to speak with your doctor about selecting a form of birth control that is higher in estrogen and lower in androgen potency.
SOLUTION: Take out the IUD or come off the low-dose birth control pill and switch to a safe tablet if you are on birth control for a said reason. Here at Natural Acne Clinic, we are not proponents of using birth control pills or devices to balance hormone levels or to clear acne. With that said, it is ok to be on certain types of birth control to prevent pregnancy and keep your skin clear.
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What Is The Best Topical Treatment For Women With Hormonal Acne
The same as for teen acne adult acne treatment should be personalized to the skin type and acne and acne severity type. The best topical ingredient for mild hormonal acne is salicylic acid, retinol, niacinamide, and benzoyl peroxide for moderate acne. Benzoyl peroxide is regarded by the American Academy of Dermatology as the best FDA-approved single anti-acne ingredient. It is frequently more effective than any other over-the-counter prescription acne medication. Unlike adapalene , they are often very irritating new preparation of micronized benzoyl peroxide 2.5% can be used on acne-prone and sensitive skin without significant side effects.
The best cleansers for women with hormonal acne include a low percentage of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid at a concentration of 0.5% can help unclog the skin pores without over-drying the skin. Plant-based ingredients can further help fight skin inflammation and reduce the dryness and redness frequently associated with regular anti-acne cleansers.
Choosing the right moisturizer is crucial for women with hormonal acne. Anti-wrinkle moisturizers can increase the risk of acne breakouts. For best results, look for moisturizers oil-free and specially formulated for acne or acne-prone skin people. Women with normal – oily skin can benefit from an active moisturizer with niacinamide, and women with drier skin can befit from a more hydrating moisturizer.
Apply Products All Over Your Skin And Not Just On Blemishes
Some products are recommended as spot treatments, and if that is how you are directed to use the product, then do so. Otherwise, they should be applied all over your skin.
This is because many of these products dont just calm breakouts, they also work to prevent them, but only on the skin to which they are applied. Thus, you want to use them anywhere you are prone to breakouts, not just where you are currently breaking out.
Read Also: How To Naturally Balance Hormones During Menopause
Best Mask: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Key Ingredients: bentonite clay | Certifications: NA
Some of the masks you see on social media arent as effective as they claim, but the Aztec Secret Clay Mask may be worth the hype. Beloved by celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Mindy Kaling, the mask contains one simple ingredient: bentonite clay. Dr. Mariwalla recommends masks with this clay as it can be effective in reducing excess oil from the skin, which can clog pores. Studies have also shown that it can help heal wounds and soothe inflammation, two issues acne sufferers know very well.
Simply mix the clay with water to create a smooth paste to apply to your skin. Like with any mask, Dr. Mariwalla recommends not using it too frequently to avoid overdrying the skin, so its best to use it once every week or so. Set aside the time to do a face mask and reap the skin benefits of not only detoxing but also destressing.
Best Toner: Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner With Rosewater
Key Ingredients: witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E | Certifications: NA
For those battling mainly non-inflammatory acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads, a toner with witch hazel can help. As an astringent, witch hazel works to remove excess oil and shrink pores while offering anti-inflammatory benefits too. Dr. Mariwalla recommends a formula like Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner that is free from drying alcohol and has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. To avoid any irritation and over-drying your skin, try using this toner once a day after washing your face before bed and before applying any other skincare products. Use a reusable pad to be extra sustainable.
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Cystic Hormonal & Severe Acne Spot Treatment For Face
- Experience Ayadara’s Third Eye Chakra Collection: The Chakra of wisdom and vision is located on the forehead between the eyebrows Keep your Third Eye balanced for clarity Emanate radiance and bring back the true vision of whats beautiful: You
- A Little Goes a Long Way: Our Warrior Two Cystic Acne Treatment provides over 120 uses in an easy to carry travel sized container Fight stubborn cystic, hormonal and severe acne overnight and clear out large areas of acne in 4 weeks with this fast acting formula
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Achieve clear and moisturized skin without dryness and irritation Gently massage a tiny amount onto affected areas, wait for 30 minutes before rinsing or leave it on all night For best results, use with Ayadara Breakout Warrior and Warrior One Spot Treatment
- Harnessing the Power Of Nature: Our Overnight Spot Treatment is packed with the goodness of Bentonite Clay, Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lemon Oil, Spearmint, Eucalyptus, and Pink Grapefruit Our freshly scented plant based formula uses natural ingredients instead of chemicals
- Better for You, Better for Mother Earth: No toxins, harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, palm oil, or controversial synthetics We are dedicated advocates of natural ingredients because we care not only for our customers, but everything else on the planet: animals, plants, and nature itself
Fight Acne With Some Flower Power
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Treating acne can sometimes feel like being at war with your own skin. You can try to use the harshest chemicals, exfoliants, and masks to obliterate the pimples. Yet its important to remember that you and your skin are on the same side, and piling on extreme ingredients can actually backfire by making your skin overly dry and sensitive.
In fact, acne is often more than skin deep and can be caused by a variety of factors that no skin care product can fix, like hormones, stress, sleep, and diet. After first addressing these issues, Kavita Mariwalla, board certified dermatologist and founder of Mariwalla Dermatology, recommends sticking to a simple skincare regimen, consisting of cleansing, moisturizing, and using acne fighting actives. Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tretinoin are safe and powerful acne fighters, but even they cause irritation. Thankfully, theres a number of mineral and plant derived-ingredients that also can effectively treat blemishes.
For a plant-powered acne fighting routine thats dermatologist recommended, check out the best natural acne treatments below.
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Use A Clay And Jojoba Oil Face Mask
A jojoba oil and clay mask is a simple remedy that can tackle your acne. According to a study, applying the mask 23 times a week for 6 weeks reduced acne lesions by 54% on an average. So how does it work? The primary benefit of clay is that it has a drying effect and can deal with oily skin. Meanwhile, jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Blend clay and jojoba oil into an acne-busting facial mask and watch your skin clear up.20
References
Internal Ingredients For Hormonal Acne: Natural Herbs Acne Treatment Tips
The liver acts as a filter for the bodys hormones, helping to create a state of balance. Most people have overly taxed livers due to alcohol consumption, prescription medications, and low quality foods, which can cause hormonal imbalance. Dandelion, a liver supportive herb, is effective in improving the appearance of hormonal acne and is a safe supplement for most people, even those with a high estrogen or a sensitivity to estrogen. Try brewing a dandelion root and leaf tea, or making dandelion “coffee” from the roasted root. Kicking your morning coffee with a dandelion root brew is great for you in many ways by taking stress off your adrenal glands, nourishing your gut health instead of eroding it, and hydrating you deeply first thing in the morning with a mineral-rich brew. As a bonus this is even an herb you can wildharvest from your yard if you choose.
To address signs of androgen dominance, try sipping spearmint tea twice daily. Its not only delicious but studies show this herb helps to balance testosterone levels and improve the appearance of hormonal acne symptoms.
Want to have even more support addressing hormonal acne? Online treatment for acne can help you make real progress with your skin. Holistic Skin Circle offers courses that can help you begin the process of changing your habits to create clear skin. The courses include dietary support, skin product suggestions, and lifestyle habits plus a plan to help you stick to them so you can see real change.
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