Using Oral Contraceptive/ Birth Control For Adult Acne
Curiously, oral contraceptives, such as the pill that contains progestin and oestrogen can effectively combat acne.
When used together, these hormones reduce the levels of androgens in your body, which in turn reduces the amount of sebum produced.
However, if you have been taking the pill but stop because you want to try for a baby or are using another form of birth control, you may notice a spike in acne breakouts, because the pill has essentially been blocking the symptoms.
How To Cover Up Acne During Pregnancy
Makeup can be the first line of defense. Concealer and foundation can camouflage hormonal acne and discoloration. “I recommend non-comedogenic products that are oil-free, and I encourage diligent cleaning-off of any makeup each night before bed,” says Dr. Nazarian.
Be sure to pick products that do not contain irritating ingredients. “I suggest avoiding parabens, fragrance, oils, and alcohol, as these ingredients can further irritate the skin,” says Aguilar. “Mineral-based foundation powders offer a breathable yet lightweight coverage.”
If you prefer to forgo makeup completely, you can try other at-home tricks. “Ice your breakouts morning and night for one to two minutes to reduce the inflammation and help with painful cysts,” says Brownlee. She also recommends changing your pillowcases daily or every other day and washing them with a laundry detergent designed for sensitive skin.
One: Understand That Hormonal Acne Is An Inside Job
The root causes of acne start deep within your body. They dont start at the level of the skin. That means that any changes you make to your skin care routine will only help so much and, if you do nothing else, the root causes of your acne will smolder on. So your first step in easing hormonal acne is shifting your mindset. You can only truly address hormonal acne by understanding it for what it is a condition with internal root causes and then using food, supplement, and lifestyle strategies to address those root causes.
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Aveeno Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti
Instead of spending money on cortisone shots to treat hormonal breakouts, investing in an ointment like Aveeno Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream will help you decrease the size and redness of your cystic acne without a trip to dermatologist. Designed to soothe, this top-rated, cult-favorite acne remedy uses a blend of 1% hydrocortisone, aloe, vitamin E and the brands triple oat complex to reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin and restore nourishing moisture.
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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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.
Look For These Active Ingredients
Products containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid have been scientifically proven to help treat acne. They kill bad bacteria associated with acne and accelerate skin cell turnover.
Pro tip: Stick to face wash if you have sensitive skin. Leave-on masks and other products might cause irritation. Wash your face daily for the best results.
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What Is The Best Topical Treatment For Women With Hormonal Acne
The same as 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.
How Does Hormonal Acne Look Like
Hormonal acne or Mukhadushika may range from mild, moderate to severe acne lesions. For adults, it usually appears in various facial areas such as the lower face, forehead and across the jaw. Hormonal acne in teenagers often shows up in the T-zone where there are more sebaceous glands.
Mild acne lesions may be characterized by a few comedones , pustules and papules. Moderate to severe hormonal acne is likely to cover a larger section of the face with inflamed acne lesions such as pustules, papules, cysts and nodules.
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The Purifying Face Mask
Ideal for those who suffer from cystic acne or blind pimples, this 100% vegan face mask is infused with bamboo charcoal, green tea leaves and organic tea tree oil to draw out impurities and refine the look of pores. It also smells like a day at the spa, so that’s always a win!
Try: The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, $35 at The Body Shop
Learn More About Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting around 50 million Americans every year. While all acne is hormonal, it can be triggered by a variety of factors, from androgens to stress, medication and more.
Interested in learning more about acne? Our guide to androgen hormones that cause acne goes into more detail about how testosterone and other androgens can trigger an acne outbreak. You can also learn more about common acne triggers in our guide to what causes acne breakouts.
Want to solve your acne breakouts as quickly as possible? Our guide to getting rid of acne fast covers the most effective acne treatments available, as well as the amount of time required for you to see results.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
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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:
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 TZR’s 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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Take An Oral Antibiotic Or Medication
While topicals can be great, they are limited in how much work they can do when it comes to breakouts. Antibiotics are ingested, circulating through the body and targeting the root cause of breakouts: the sebaceous glands. Trying a different combined oral contraceptive pill may also help, as can oral antibiotics or a medication called spironolactone, which has been used off-label for years to help treat hormonal acne in adult women, says Granite.
Other commonly prescribed antibiotics for acne include doxycycline and erythromycin, which are meant to help lessen inflammation and therefore breakouts. Its worth noting that antibiotics can lead to resistance, so they shouldnt be used forever, and some people might develop side effects as a result of adding them to their routine. They can also be used in conjunction with topical products, such as retinol or benzoyl peroxide, or alongside procedures like light and laser therapy as well as chemical peels.
Rachel Nazarian Md Faad
Often, these breakouts decrease as the pregnancy continues into the third trimester.
If you do experience better skin in your third trimester, keep in mind that hormone fluctuations are not over. This may mean your acne will reappear.
“Hormones continue to fluctuate during the fourth trimester after the baby has arrived,” says Natalie Aguilar, a dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician. “Nursing a baby also stimulates hormones so that our body can continue to make milk. Even if one decides that nursing is not for them, it takes a while for our once-elevated pregnancy hormones to return to normal.” This can delay your return to clearer skin.
Additionally, lifestyle factors while pregnant or while caring for a newborn can also lead to breakouts. “Fatigue can cause our skin to become sluggish and prone to breakouts that may not be hormone-related,” says Aguilar.
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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
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.
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High Beauty High Five Cannabis Facial Moisturizer
Not every product in a hormonal acne-fighting routine need to contain powerful exfoliants and pore-cleansing ingredients, especially when it comes to your moisturizer. Pamper your skin with a nourishing nutrient-rich formula like the High Beauty High Five Cannabis Facial Moisturizer, a cannabis sativa seed oil-enriched moisturizer that is packed with skin-healthy omega fatty acids and antioxidants designed to balance, calm, protect and deliver rich, lasting hydration.
Wash Pillowcases And Sheets Weekly
The average person spends about 26 years sleeping in their life which equates to 9,490 days or 227,760 hours. That is a lot of time for your face to be touching a pillowcase!
Due to spending so much time sleeping, our pillowcases tend to build up with oil, makeup, dead skin and sweat. Making sure you are washing your pillowcases and sheets weekly is an easy way to keep your skin looking its best.
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Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
Unfortunately, I love picking at my face. I did a two-week challenge to not touch my face at all, except when I was doing my skincare routine and my skin looked better than ever. My aesthetician always says, stay a sinks lengths away from your face. Nothing good happens when you lean in and lets be real, no one really is ever looking at your skin that close.
Worst Foods For Your Skin
One of the most powerful ways to balance your hormones and support clear skin is by what you eat and what you dont eat.
Your liver needs enough key micronutrients from food to help your body detoxify excess hormones and other skin damaging waste products, so it’s important to prioritize foods that contain those micronutrients and liver support compounds foods like cruciferous vegetables, dark leafy greens, and small, oily fish like sardines . Because inflammation drives acne, its important to avoid eating inflammatory foods, like sugar and dairy.
Here are some of the specific foods I recommend saying goodbye to entirely if you experience cyclical breakouts:
What foods are best for clear skin? I give you my top recommendations below, in my step-by-step guide to clear skin.
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Does Hormonal Acne Ever Go Away
There is no cure for acne, unfortunately. That doesnt mean that you cant treat acne, though and try to control the cause.
If you use the right treatment, you can control it and even stop it from displaying externally on your skin.
One of the problems with treating acne is the fact that the symptoms are different in terms of severity from one person to the next.
Generally speaking, if your acne developed during puberty, breakouts will be at their worst between the ages of 17 and 19, and for the majority of women, it should clear by your mid-20s.
This is not always the case, though, and for some, you will have to deal with acne breakouts well into your 40s.
Hormonal Acne: Causes Types And Treatments
Hormonal acne refers to breakouts that occur due to hormone fluctuations, particularly a rise in androgens such as testosterone. Although the acne that results from hormonal fluctuations in puberty is typically called hormonal acne, it may affect adults at any age. Its particularly common during menstruation and menopause.
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How Do I Treat Hormonal Acne
Based on the severity of your acne, different treatment options are available to reduce sebum production, pimple formation and painful inflammation:
- Blackheads and whiteheads: Topical cream .
- Inflammatory acne: Topical retinoid and/or topical antibiotic and/or benzoyl peroxide.
- Moderate to severe acne: Antibiotic and/or isotretinoin .
- Cystic acne: Steroid injection .
Best Vitamins And Minerals For Hormonal Acne
A. Vitamin A
Topical medication containing Vitamin A is frequently used for the treatment of acne. Consuming Vitamin A improves the condition of your skin and is also beneficial in reducing inflammation caused by hormonal acne.
B. Vitamin B6
Studies have shown the positive effects of Vitamin B6 in regulating estrogen and testosterone levels in your body. Furthermore, including Vitamin B6 in your diet can help reduce the harmful effects of the DHT hormone that causes hormonal acne.
C. Vitamin B3
Niacin or Vitamin B3 is a great stress relieving hormone. If stress is causing you to develop hormonal acne then including Vitamin B3 in your diet can be beneficial. Vitamin B3 is also known for regulating excess sebum production and improving blood circulation which can prevent further development of hormonal acne.
D. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a well known antioxidant that strengthens the epidermal barrier and improves your overall skin condition. It is also known for balancing progesterone levels.
E. Magnesium
Magnesium is a good balancer of both estrogen and testosterone levels. This is why magnesium supplements are often included in hormonal acne diets.
F. Zinc
A deficiency in zinc can put your testosterone hormone levels in turmoil. It is also known for reducing inflammations and regulating oil secretion. Further it assists in healing hormonal acne by preventing the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.
G. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
The Last Word
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