Reasons To Choose An Otc Acne System
If youre sick of your acne, it might be tempting to go straight to the dermatologist to get acne medication, but did you know you may actually be better off sticking with an over-the-counter acne treatment system? Its true, there are many benefits to using an acne system, such as lower cost, reduced chance of side effects, and so much more. Here
Foods And Beverages To Avoid
Dairy products, refined foods, and high-sugar foods and beverages should be avoided:
- Milk and dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.
- Highly processed foods: fast food, frozen meals, meal bars, sugary cereals, chips, microwave meals, white bread, etc.
- Sweets and sugary beverages: candy, cake, soda, cookies, table sugar, energy drinks, sweetened sports drinks, juice, etc.
Summary
The best diet for acne revolves around whole, nutritious foods that fight inflammation. Avoid highly processed foods, sugary items, and dairy.
Research indicates that supplementing your diet with certain vitamins, minerals, and other compounds may ease acne.
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
Don’t Miss: How To Reset Your Hormones
Why Do Androgens Such As Testosterone Cause Acne
Androgens cause changes in the skin and directly drive inflammation. Here are the three reasons why androgens cause acne:
This diagram shows the complex effects of androgens in the skin that cause acne:
Hormonal Acne After Pregnancy: How To Treat It
Around half of pregnant women experience hormonal acne. While it is still easily treatable, more care needs to be taken with the products used during pregnancy. Any acne treatment or product containing isotretinoin, oral tetracyclines, topical retinoids, or those that rely on hormonal therapy are generally not pregnancy-safe.
Products containing retinol and high levels of salicylic acid have been found to cause complications during pregnancy.
Instead of using the above ingredients, we recommend products containing azelaic acid. It treats key symptoms of hormonal acne such as pigmentation and skin dullness, as well as wrinkles. Both glycolic acid and azelaic acid are regarded as safe to use during pregnancy.
For more information on pregnancy acne, see here.
Also Check: How Do I Test My Estrogen Levels
Use A Supplement Either Dim Vitex Or Both
It seems like hormonal acne just needs a little helper to get things back on track, and that can be either of these two supplements or taking them both. DIM works by helping your liver to detoxify bad estrogens from your body and promote good estrogen.
Vitex works on your pituitary gland, and helps it regulate its own hormone production, which can get your progesterone and good estrogens back in balance .
Your Diet May Be The Culprit
Food is one of the primary contributors to fluctuating or increased hormone levels in our bodies.
The typical American diet is acidic and high in saturated fats, processed grains, meat fats, and refined sugar. It is also low in fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, fiber, and antioxidants. Research has shown that this can cause an imbalance in testosterone and androgen levels, respectively. Therefore, a healthy diet is one form of natural treatment for hormonal acne. Another way to balance hormone levels is by taking certain herbs and vitamins. Both these items are discussed in more detail below.
Also Check: How Much Melatonin For 50 Lb Child
Phase Two: Day 15 To 30
The midway point of this whole monthlong experiment. On day 15 of my cyclei.e., the beginning of the follicular phase when estrogen soarsI swapped out the flax- and pumpkin seeds for sunflower seeds and sesame seeds, whose specific type of lignan fiber might help boost progesterone levels and eliminate excess estrogen, says Dr. Estafan. Basically, continuing to keep your hormones somewhat balanced.
DAY 23
Day 23 is when my skin noticeably deviated from its norm. By this point in my cycle, my cheeks and chin would usually be co-opted by painful, under-the-skin cysts announcing the impending arrival of my period. But this month? Nothing. Not. A. Damn. Thing. My skin was hydrated and glowingthanks to those fatty acidswith nary a hormonal pimple in sight, besides a few holdovers from last month, plus a little scarring.
DAY 30
Still no zits, which was pretty shocking to me, especially considering how skeptical I was. But please note that my hyper-speed timeline isnt typical most seed syncers dont see significant results for about two to three months.I think within two cycles, you should see some improvement, says Alisa Vitti, a functional nutritionist and the author of my personal bible, WomanCode. Since everyones body is different, theres no hard-and-fast rule for what that improvement might look for your face . It could be skin as smooth and clear as Kendall Jenners post-Proactiv, or it could be one fewer pimple on your chin.
Why Do Androgens Cause Hormonal Acne
For the majority of women, hormonal acne occurs because their skin is sensitive to the normal levels of androgens like Testosterone.
Although considered to be a male hormone, it is normal for women to produce small amounts of Testosterone. Testosterone is an important hormone for women as it helps strengthen bones and muscles, provides a healthy libido and regulates the menstrual cycle. Androgens are the name for male hormones. Women produce other androgens as well as Testosterone. These are dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate , dehydroepiandrosterone , androstenedione . These three androgens are not very active by themselves and have to be converted to Testosterone or Dihydrotestosterone first.
Testosterone is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. However, cells in the skin also make Testosterone from DHEAS. Skin cells, especially the cells in the sebaceous glands, also make DHT from Testosterone.
Hormonal acne also occurs when there are conditions in which too many androgens are produced such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
You May Like: Do Iuds Have Hormones In Them
Stay Away From Cows Dairy :
Research shows that dairy can cause acne due to high levels of iodine. While milk itself does not naturally contain iodine, farmers give their cows iodine-fortified feed to prevent infection. They also use iodine solutions to sanitize cow udders and milking equipment. As a result, the iodine gets into the milk itself.
According to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology consuming dairy specifically, low fat/skim milk is much higher in teenagers who have acne. Safer options are goat and sheep milk.
Check For Deeper Causes
We also check for signs of more significant issues that induce hormonal acne. Acne is one of the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome . To find out if this is a potential cause, we ask women about their cycle regularity, weight gain, and unwanted hair growth. If we suspect PCOS, well involve a gynecologist for testing. Early detection and treatment is important to help decrease the likelihood of potential complications such as difficulty with conception, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Don’t Miss: What Causes Hormonal Belly Fat
Discover How You Can Get Clear Of Your Acne Schedule A Free 15 Minute Clear Skin Discovery Session
This is all important because research has shown there are androgen receptors in the base of the oil gland and also in the cells that line the pores! If there are high levels of testosterone floating in the body, they are highly capable of binding to these receptors.
To put it simply, when these hormones attach to the oil glands in the skin, they trigger the gland to produce more oil as well as feed the bacteria. Then, an inflamed acne lesion is well on its way to the surface of your skin.
The key takeaway is that by lowering androgen and testosterone levels in the body, the skin will not produce as much acne or not produce ANY at all.
So how does Estrogen play into all this?
Estrogen and testosterone frequently act like a teeter totter. As one goes up the other goes down.
Hormonal acne is an elevated androgen/testosterone and low estrogen issue. It is not an elevated estrogen problem. Therefore, taking herbal supplements that block estrogen, such as DIM, will make your acne worse and increase testosterone causing cystic breakouts. I do not recommend DIM for hormonal acne for these reasons.
So it makes sense that if you lower androgen levels, the skin will not produce as much oiland your acne will improve!
How Do I Prevent Acne
If you have acne, there are ways to help prevent new spots appearing, and to help prevent acne scars from forming. If you have acne, there are ways to help prevent new spots from appearing and scars from forming.
The following will help prevent spots from becoming inflamed or causing scars:
- wash your face twice a day with mild soap-free wash, warm water and a soft face cloth
- use sun protection, such as a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect your skin whenever you are in the sun
- remove your makeup before you go to bed
- shampoo your hair regularly, especially if it is oily and rests on your skin
- have a well-balanced, healthy diet and exercise regularly
Things to avoid include:
Acne most commonly affects people aged between 15 and 24 years, and many people will notice fewer and less severe spots once they get to their mid-twenties. Some people, however, do not grow out of acne and they will need ongoing treatment.
Acne also affects people whose skin is naturally more oily. While you cannot change your age or skin type, it can be helpful to know there are ways to manage your acne and look after your skin.
Recommended Reading: When Can Kids Start Taking Melatonin
How I Healed My Hormonal Acne
Acne- no one wants it. Especially once you hit your adult years. Didnt I do my time in middle and high school? Why do I STILL have acne?? Most of us can probably blame those annoying hormones we have coursing through our bodies . Today I am going to share with you how I healed my hormonal acne, but I will preface this with the fact that everyones skin is so different. What worked for me may not work for you. BUT if I an help just one person with their acne, then this blog post will have been worth it!
Am I Stuck With Acne Forever
On its own, acne does seem to go away with age. According to one study, acne becomes less common after age 44. And for some women, acne ends with menopause.
Until then, fortunately, there are treatments for adult acne. Most people find a combination of products work best. Treatment takes time — usually 4 to 12 weeks — and you need to continue it for it to work.
Read Also: How To Deal With Hormonal Depression
How To Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally
In some cases, plant-based treatment options may be used to clear up mild hormonal acne.
Natural treatments are usually free of the side effects sometimes caused by prescription options. But they may not be as effective. Research on natural options is lacking, and at this time nothing has been proven to produce results. Talk with your doctor about potential risks and to ensure the treatment wont interact with any medications youre taking.
Theres No Problem That Natural Ingredients Cant Fight The Stubborn Hormonal Acne Is No Exceptionhere’s Some Home Remedies To Help With Horomonal Acne
It begins with the oil-producing sebaceous glands beneath your skin pushing the sebum up the pores to protect the skin by creating an oily barrier. But then dirt and dead skin take advantage of the situation and clog your pores.
Yup, this is the story of the acne. And it gets worse due to a hormonal frenzy in the body which can lead to a drop in the female hormone called estrogen. The lack of this hormone encourages sebum production even more and thus trapping more dirt and giving you more acne.
But in this battle against zits, you are not alone. I happen to be a victim too. But luckily, I havent given up on a clear acne-free skinthanks to a few tried-and-tested home remedies that work like a charm.
Check them out:
1. Apple cider vinegarThe wonder liquid that can aid weight loss when consumed on an empty stomach. It can also get rid of acne, when diluted with water. Heres how you can go about it: mix 3 parts of water with one part of apple cider vinegar and apply it on the affected areas. Leave it on for about 20 seconds and then wash off with water.
The succinic acid in apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties while the lactic acid has amazing scar-lightening powers. Moreover, it can even soak up the excess oil and dry out the acne. What more do you want?
2. Green tea bagsInstead of throwing away those used green tea bags, rub them gently on your face.
Also, Watch:
Don’t Miss: What Is An Adult Dose Of Melatonin
The Best Holistic Treatment Options:
To be clear, if you’re experiencing significant hormonal issues, you should seek advice from a medical professional-an endocrinologist, a functional medicine doctor, a naturopath. However, if your main concern is a clear complexion, there’s a surprising amount you can do on your own with foods and supplements. “When you are supporting your hormones with food, you are ‘bio-hacking,'” Vitti says. “You’re using micro- and macro-nutrient therapy to enhance the performance of your endocrine system.”
Ahead, six simple steps you can take right now to help your BFF-you know, the hormonal acne that’s not afraid to hit you with the truth-feel better.
1. Avoid dairy
By now, you’re probably aware that dairy triggers acne. But do you know why it triggers acne? That’s right: hormones. Milk contains natural growth hormones. These are meant to nourish young calves and don’t necessarily belong in the human body. Many dairy cows are also treated with artificial hormones to help them pump out more milk, and research shows that these hormones interfere with human hormones, possibly leading to pimples. Cut out all dairy for six weeks, Dr. Brighten says, and you may notice happier skin.
2. Get enough vitamin D
3. Get enough vitamin B5
4. Supplement with DIM
5. Sip spearmint tea
6. Try seed cycling
The Surprising Thing That Finally Cleared My Hormonal Acne
This article was originally published on October 26, 2016.
Keep your heart open for as long as you can, as wide as you can, for others and especially for yourself. Morrie Schwartz
It reached the point where I spent entire weekends at home in bed with the door shut. Where I was opting out of group exercise classes, canceling dates, and rescheduling plans. Where I refused to FaceTime even my mother because of raging insecurity. Where my evenings were consumed by nothing but research to explain why the hell my skin was relentlessly breaking out.
Throughout my teens and early twenties, I only suffered from an occasional pimple on my forehead or chin, but at age 23 my face was suddenly running rampant, and I was powerless to stop it. I was falling into a depression because of my adult acne. I was losing hope that my face would ever return to normalcyand I losing myself in the process.
Powerless to stop it? youre thinking. Did you try washing your face regularly? Thats the instinctual question of most who have never suffered from adult acne. I understand I used to think the same way before it happened to me. We assume, She must use cheap make-up, eat a lot of greasy food, or not wash her face habitually. They are unfair assumptions I realize now.
If youve been blessed with well-behaved skin, allow me to share my story with you. The story of a girl who had skin best described as normal that transformed into her worst nightmare.
Don’t Miss: Can Your Obgyn Test Your Hormone Levels
Why Do I Still Have Acne In My Late 20s
At its root, adult acne is caused by the same things that cause teen acne: excess skin oil and bacteria. Any changes in hormones, including those brought on by pregnancy and menstruation, can trigger excess oil. Women who smoke also seem to be more prone to acne.
Acne tends to run in families, so if a parent had adult acne, you’re at higher risk. People can get acne into their 40s and beyond.
Is Menopausal Acne A Form Of Hormonal Acne
Many women begin to experience menopause in their 40s and 50s. This causes a natural decline in your reproductive hormones, resulting in an end to menstruation.
Some women experience acne during menopause. This is likely due to a drop in estrogen levels or an increase in androgen hormones like testosterone.
You may still experience menopausal acne even if youre using hormone replacement therapies to ease your menopause symptoms. This is because some HRTs use an influx of the hormone progestin to replace the estrogen and progesterone your body loses. Introducing this hormone to your system can cause your skin to break out.
In most cases, prescription medication can clear up menopausal acne. Some women may find success using natural treatment methods. Talk to your doctor about which options may be right for you.
Don’t Miss: What Supplements Help Balance Hormones