Causes And Prevention Of Chin Acne
From hormones to genetics and even diet, Granite breaks down the five main causes of chin acne.
- Birth control: While Granite says its difficult to say if Annas skin flare-up is entirely due to halting her use of Cerazette, a progestin-only pill, it is possible. These types of oral contraceptives are not ones that typically improve breakouts and may actually exacerbate them in many women.
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- Genetics: Still, the breakout could also be due to biology. Genetics play a large role in the development of acne at any age, and natural hormonal fluctuations may trigger its onset as well, says Granite. When we call acne hormonal, it most often does not mean theres an underlying hormonal imbalance but rather is linked to a complex interplay of the hormones we naturally produce and our skin.
- Lifestyle: A number of lifestyle habits can affect the health of your skin, so Granite recommends keeping a healthy routine to avoid breakouts. Stress plays a big role in acne, so anything you can do toward stress reduction will helpregular exercise, yoga, or meditation, she says.
How Long Does Pregnancy Acne Last
Unfortunately, its not just something that crops up for a short period of time. Like everything else in pregnancy, its unpredictable, according to Holey. It tends to start around six weeks, and it might fade gradually, last well until after babys arrived or come and go in waveskind of like your appetite.
You’re Breaking Out Along The Jawline
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According to Linkner, the region of your face where acne shows up can be a good indicator of whether or not it’s hormone-related. She says breakouts showing up exclusively in the lower region of the face, especially along the jawline, can likely be linked to hormonal issues. “Realistically, hormonal acne can happen whenever, but high hormonal states like pregnancy and premenopause are common instigators,” she explains.
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What Can You Do To Treat Hormonal Acne
Of course, balancing hormones is not something you can do as easily as brushing your teeth. Youll need some medical help from a dermatologist, who will prescribe a personalized skincare regimen suited for your acne prone skin to heal your existing scars and control future breakouts, and particularly breakouts of cystic acne.
Contrary to popular belief, hormonal acne isnt something that disappears by cutting out certain foods or washing your face more often. In fact, vigorous scrubbing only worsens the issue and agitates your skin. Therefore, dont hesitate to seek medical help because itll lead you to faster and more effective solutions. Being on birth control, dealing with PCOS, feeling stressed, and approaching menopause are all factors to consider before you can figure out the best acne treatment for your specific needs.
What Causes Hormonal Acne
As you might suspect: clogged pores, says Dr. Sanusi Umar, a board-certified dermatologist and CEO and founder of the Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic in Los Angeles. Fluctuating hormones can cause excess or overproduction of sebum , a buildup of dead skin cells, or an accumulation of bacteria, he explains.
“There are various conditions that may influence the presence of hormonal acne including puberty, polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopause, menstrual cycle, and increased androgen levels,” says Green. “Stress and diet can also impact hormonal acne breakouts,” she adds. Even pregnancy or beginning or discontinuing the use of birth control pills can cause pimples.
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What Preventative Measures Can I Take
Thinking about your lifestyle is an important way to deal with hormonal acne, says Dr Lancer, and of course diet is hugely important when it comes to your skin. Try to reduce the level of stimulants which can raise levels of cortisol , recommends Jon. Sugar, dairy, caffeine and red meat can all lead to higher levels of inflammation.
So, what should you eat? Jon suggests trying to stick to anti-inflammatory, plant-based foods where possible leafy greens, berries and avocados are all great options when you need to calm your skin and boost your antioxidant intake. Stress can also impact the skin and lead to hormonal-related breakouts, so its important to manage. Try and think about ways to reduce stress levels, whether it be through mindfulness, exercise or deeper meditation, says Claire Vero, founder and CEO of probiotic skincare brand Aurelia Probiotics.
Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment
Best for: undereye area hydration
Dont forget to care for your undereye area where your skin is more delicate and requires a different type of treatment. Oil-free products developed for acne-prone skin are not great for this particular area so I highly recommend finding a differentmoisturizingformula specifically for your eyes.
If you have sensitiveeyes you want to look for eye creams with non-irritating but hydratingingredients. There are many great options you can choose from but my absolute favorite is the Creamy Eye Treatment by Kiehls. Its very rich and hydrating and its free from fragrance, alcohol and essentialoils.
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What Does Hormonal Acne Look Like
“Hormonal acne is almost always cystic and inflammatory in nature, says Love. It presents with painful red papules, pustules, and deep cysts on the lower face, and it can create long-term scarring . At its mildest form, hormonal acne presents with a breakout or two near menstruation, but for many, it can persist all month long.
She explains that hormonal acne most commonly occurs on the lower face and body , but can also present between the brows.
What Are The Best Oral Contraceptives For Women With Hormonal Acne
We know that dealing with hormonal acne can be super frustrating, so the idea of taking a birth control pill sounds like an appealing way to help to regulate hormones and get breakouts under control. However, before you start taking birth control pills, you should know that not all contraceptives work the same way and that some birth control pills can actually make acne worse. Seriously. Talk about a bummer. But knowledge is power, and here’s what you need to know.
The best oral contraceptives to control hormonal or adult acne are the ones that contain Ethinyl estradiol and one of the following: drospirenone, norethindrone, or norgestimate. Beware that oral contraceptives are contraindicated in women with a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, breast cancer, and women that smoke.
A study recently published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology categorized the different types of contraceptives by their efficiency in clearing acne. These are the birth control pills the study said significantly improve hormonal acne: Yaz, Ocella, Yasmin, Trinessat, MonoNessa, Apri, and Reclipse. Pretty long list, right?
There are also some contraceptives that the study found to have little or no effect on acne. Those are Nuvaring, Microgestin pills, and Orthoevra . The study also found that some contraceptives can actually make acne WORSE. That list includes Depo-Provera , Skyla, Lylema, Implanon, and Nexplanon .
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The Blemishes Are Cystic
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If you’ve ever dealt with cystic acne, you know how uncomfortable the firm cysts can be. Aside from being painful, Linkner says cysts on the face can also point to hormone imbalance. “Usually, hormonal the acne type is cystic in nature,” she says. While other types of blemishes might come to a head that you can eventually squeeze and expel the bacteria, hormonal acne often doesn’t. “Face oils can make hormonal acne worse and should be strictly avoided,” Linkner adds. “Especially tea tree oils or other essential oils.”
Lovelyskin Luxe Exfoliating Gel Mild
Regular exfoliation not only helps prevent new breakouts from forming, but it also can help reduce the appearance of lingering scars from hormonal acne, Dr. Schlessinger says. This gel exfoliates effectively while remaining gentle thanks to afaLUXE, a blend of amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, Dead Sea minerals and vitamin C. With regular use, this gel may help to reduce acne, improve the appearance of large pores and boost collagen production as well.
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Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
This facial cleanser from Neutrogena is one of the best face wash for hormonal acne for several reasons. The first thing that comes to mind when you mention this face wash is how much it pampers the skin.
You can use this face wash daily. The results on the skin are amazing. It gives you fresh, supple, and soft skin. The face wash also recharges the natural skin barrier and deep cleanses the pores.
It has a different cleansing method which involves the dissolution of the dirt, oil, makeup, and grime. Asides this, the face wash helps to exfoliate your skin to get rid of dead skin cells. At the end of the day, youll get that glowing skin you have always dreamed of.
Pros
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Best for: acne/acne scars oily skin
This is one of the best serums for acne-prone and oily skin as it contains powerfulingredients that have been shown to be effective in improving skin quality. Niacinamide is particularly great for brightening your skin and reducing redness while zinc helps control sebum production.
I absolutely love this serum and I found it to be really good for acne scars and discoloration. However, I highly recommend using only small amounts and introducing it to your skin slowly. Its also not recommended to combine it with products containing pure vitamin C so be careful with your other skincare choices.
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
A drugstore-favorite for all skin types, particularly for acne-prone skin types that rely on heavy-duty and drying treatments to clear their breakouts, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel envelops your skin in refreshing and soothing hydration courtesy of its gel-based, hyaluronic acid-rich formula. Not only does it quench dry, sensitive skin, but it also imparts a dewy, supple glow and prevents future moisture loss.
How To Treat Hormonal Acne
“Preventing hormonal acne might seem like a tall orderit is caused by your hormones, after all but there are a few things you can do, says Love. It requires some lifestyle changes. These breakouts are coming from an imbalance of hormones in the body, so you need to get to the root of the cause to determine the right hormonal acne treatment. Ahead, dermatologists share their best tips for how to help treat hormonal acne.
We recommend this at-home hormone level test to monitor any hormone imbalances.
“When it comes to hormonal acne, the body inhabits a strong sensitivity to androgens, more specifically testosterone,” says SkinOwl founder Annie Tevelin. Studies estimate that approximately 50 percent women aged 20 to 29 experience hormonal acne. To make sure hormones are the root cause, Tevelin suggests you “run an in-depth hormone panel blood test and test it throughout the month to make sure your hormone levels are stable.” Because the hormonal cascade fluctuates depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, she suggests testing several times throughout the month.
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Clear Pores With Benzoyl Peroxide
“By far and away, the best topical medicine for acne is benzoyl peroxide,” Katie Rodan, MD, dermatologist and cofounder of Proactiv, says. “Nothing, not even antibiotics, beat it when it comes to killing bacteria and clearing pores for the long-term without antibiotic resistance.” Benzoyl peroxide is so powerful because it’s antimicrobial, meaning it zaps acne-causing bacteria and keeps pimples from coming back.
Zeichner recommends using benzoyl peroxide in concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 percent for maximum benefits. It works best when left on the skin in the form of a lightweight lotion, but some cleansers and masks containing benzoyl peroxide can remain on the skin in an effective concentration after they’ve been washed offif they’ve been formulated to do so . Try this pick from Humane, which contains five percent benzoyl peroxide along with soothing ingredients like aloe vera gel and cucumber extract.
True Botanicals Clear Nutrient Toner
Offering a natural toner alternative with its black willow bark extract, olive leaf extract and sandalwood hydrosol formula, the True Botanicals Clear Nutrient Toner is packed with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to promote a healthier skin environment for those with acne. Its also great for reducing cystic acne redness thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich formula, which even helps prevent wrinkles and regulate oil production.
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Hormonal Acne Treatments: Options Products And More
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.
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.
Three: Use A Retinoid Cream
Retinoids are the gold standard of skincare because they address common skin concerns like aging, texture, and acne.
“Retinoids are a mainstay of treatment for all types of acne, but do the most for non-inflammatory acne by increasing cell turnover,” says Dr. Harman. However, they’re great for combatting inflammatory papules and pustules, too, as long as you’re using the right formula.
“I commonly recommend a retinoid , with the strength of that based on a combination of the severity of the acne and what your skin can tolerate,” says Dr. Beleznay. “Long-term consistent use of retinoids has been shown to help with acne, as well as stimulating collagen and improving fine lines, skin texture, and tone.”
Over-the-counter options include retinol and adapalene , while prescription options include tretinoin, tazarotene, and isotretinoin aka Accutane. Dr. Hartman explains that prescription retinoids, like Accutane, are typically used to help cystic acne. “It can treat and prevent nodules by decreasing oil gland size within the pores.”
Dr. Hartman suggests Skin Better’s AlphaRet Overnight Cream. “It helps with aging, discoloration, and acne, and it’s great for patients who are retinoid naive. Or those with sensitive skin who have difficulty finding a retinoid they can tolerate,” he says.
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Kiehls Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
The double cleansing method has proven to be incredibly effective in reducing breakouts and excess sebum for those with oily, acne-prone skin types. Beginning with a cleansing balm or oil cleanser like Kiehls Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil, the K-beauty technique involves washing away surface-level, oil-based impurities such as makeup and sebum first. Then, following up with a water-based cleanser to remove pollutants and other impurities from deep within the pores.
Kiehls Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil is also a great cleanser for its antioxidant-rich botanical formula, which is comprised of evening primrose oil and squalane and play an important role in strengthening your skin barrier, restoring hydration and preserving elastin and collagen. This top-rated cleansing oil is enriched with lavender essential oil to provide a calming aromatherapy moment for your mind.
A Simple Skincare Routine For Hormonal Acne
Let us just start by saying, there is no good or bad skin. Weve all gone through stages of life where weve experienced bouts of acne, have experienced the frustrations of not knowing why youre getting it, and the anguish of finding a treatment that works for you! But experiencing acne, and everything that comes with it is normal!
In Australia, approximately 90% of Adolescents experience acne, but as we get into adulthood, that number drops down between 10-20%. Valerie from @Marielou.Makeup is one such individual. So we caught up with her to chat through everything from how long shes been battling acne to her simple skincare routine that helped her clear it up!
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Are There Any Side Effects To Treatment
âLike with any new treatment, when you start a new topical acne product, start off slow and follow the instructions on the label or one provided by your doctor ,â says Dr. Hartman. âYou may see some increased dryness or redness on the skin, so make sure to moisturize your skin, and always use sunscreen â especially since some acne medications can make skin extra sensitive to UV light.â
Fundamentally, all acne is hormonal. However, the below six dermatologist-approved products can correct your current routine to prevent it and keep hormonal breakouts at bay.
We only include products that have been independently selected by TZRs editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
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What Causes Cystic Acne
According to Kluk, hormones are a key player in sparking a bout of acne, which explains why you always seem to spot a cyst looming around the same time as your period. This is because hormonal fluctuations can stimulate oil production and thicken the lining of the pores.
Whats more, genetics, our diet and lifestyle can also play a role.
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Final Thoughts On Hormonal Acne
Consistency is key. Even the best skincare in the world wont work overnight. In fact, its likely to take three to four weeks minimum to kick in and help rebalance your skin. As well as finding an effective skincare routine, its important to leave your spots alone: Try not to pick or squeeze hormonal acne breakouts as they can scar, leaving a worse mark than the original breakout itself, says Claire.
And if you really struggle to keep your hormonal acne at bay, it might be time to see a professional. Dermatologists can help to discover the root cause of your spots, which in turn will lead to an appropriate treatment method. Changes to contraception or other medication may also affect the way your skin acts, so speak to your GP about your options here too.
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