How To Cope With Hormonal Acne

A Balanced Diet Is Important

A healthy balanced diet is the need of the hour for those who suffer from adult acne. Control your hunger pangs for junk food. Instead, gorge on antioxidant-rich fruits like oranges and berries, veggies like tomato and broccoli and green leafy non-starchy vegetables. Omega-3 fatty acids may help acne and reduce inflammation, hence including salmon, flaxseeds and nuts can be a helpful dietary addition.

Treatment For Moderate And Severe Acne

Doctors can help people whose acne involves more severe pimples that may lead to scarring.

Moderate acne may be treated with oral antibiotics. Examples are:

• tetracycline
• erythromycin
• doxycycline

Antibiotics for acne typically need to be continued for 3 months for full results. Topical antibiotics as well as the oral antibiotics may be prescribed as well.

Women with moderate acne who do not respond to oral antibiotics anti-androgen hormone therapy or birth control medication.

The Best Ways To Treat And Prevent Hormonal Acne

There are several different treatment options that can help you get rid of hormonal acne, but you should start by talking to a dermatologist about how best to tackle your breakouts, especially if you’re experiencing cystic, inflammatory acne. Your derm can help come up with a plan that works specifically for your needs. Note that while over-the-counter acne products can be especially effective if you’re only dealing with mild breakouts, when it comes to cystic acne , it’s likely you’ll need to incorporate prescription-strength acne products and oral medications into your routine, in addition to certain lifestyle changes. But whatever course you take, note that consistency and patience is key.

Here are some additional potential solutions your dermatologist may discuss with you:

1. Start a consistent skincare routine.

According to Dr. Hartman, the best place to start dealing with and preventing hormonal acne is to wash your face one to two times daily with an acne face wash, refrain from harsh scrubbing and avoid picking or popping pimples. “Also, keep your hair clean and try to avoid touching your face unnecessarily,” he adds.

2. Try a prescription retinoid.

Because retinoids can often cause dryness or irritation at the early stages of use, both Dr. Hartman and Dr. Zeichner recommend the prescription medicine Altreno. It contains prescription strength tretinoin in a hydrating lotion vehicle that is well tolerated by most patients, says Dr. Hartman.

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Hormonal Acne Vs Regular Acne

Its important to understand that various processes can cause acne. Hormonal acne occurs as a result of androgen hormones that increase the production and secretion of sebum. The androgen hormones involved in sebum production and acne development include testosterone, dihydrotestosterone , dehydroepiandrosterone , and androstenedione.

In women, certain changes can increase the proportion of androgenic hormones in relation to estradiol . For example, premenstrual, pregnancy, and perimenopausal changes are often associated with acne aggravation.

Other processes that contribute to acne include:

• Complex mechanisms that involve the immune system
• Irregular increase of keratinocyte cells and change in keratinization
• Overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria

Did you know? Its estimated that acne affects up to 50 million people in the U.S. annually.

What’s The Best Way To Prevent Acne

First, avoid touching your face. Touching your face can increase oiliness, irritate your skin, and encourage the growth of bacteria. Develop a hands-off policy.

Second, keep oily hair off your skin. And look for oil-free hair products. Oily hair care products can get on your face and clog pores.

Third, be gentle with your skin. Use your fingertips to wash your face with a non-abrasive cleanser. Use mild skin care products.

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What Are The Characteristics Of Hormonal Acne

During puberty, hormonal acne often appears in the T-zone. This includes your forehead, nose, and chin.

Hormonal adult acne typically forms on the lower part of your face. This includes the bottom of your cheeks and around your jawline.

For some people, hormonal acne takes the form of blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples that come to a head, or cysts.

Cysts form deep under the skin and dont come to a head on the surface. These bumps are often tender to the touch.

Hormonal acne may be caused by influxes of hormones from:

• menstruation

What Are The Symptoms Of Hormonal Acne

For teenagers, hormonal acne breakouts will often appear in the same places as typical teen acne: the forehead, cheeks, around the mouth, and the chin. Unlike teenage acne which is predominantly on the upper parts of the face, hormonal acne appears mostly on the lower parts of the face around the mouth, chin, and lower jawline. Though the chin and jawline are the most common locations for adult hormonal acne, the face and sides of the neck may also be affected.

Like teenage acne, hormonal acne will include comedones . Many women with hormonal acne will also have “under-the-skin bumps”, cysts that are not red or visible on the skin’s surface.

Also Check: How To Increase My Estrogen Levels

Whats The Difference Between A Papule And A Macule

Papules are a form of acne. Macules are smooth areas of discoloration that appear on a persons skin that may be from a variety of causes.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Acne papules are a common skin condition that affects most people, especially teenagers. Because they mainly affect teenagers, many people think that papules are part of the transition from childhood to adulthood and dont see a healthcare provider about them. But a dermatologist can help treat your acne papules and limit any long-term damage to your skin.

What Causes Postmenopausal Acne

Just as in puberty, changes in hormone levels affect how your skin protects and regenerates itself, therefore postmenopausal acne is considered hormonal acne.

As levels of female hormones drop before/during menopause, some women develop acne. As estrogen declines, androgen levels remain constant, and your body experiences a relative increase in the effect of these male hormones. With the increase in testosterone, the skins sebaceous glands produce more sebum .

Be on the lookout: postmenopausal acne starts at or after menopause in darker-skinned, formerly oily-skinned, large-pored women who usually did not experience adolescent acne.

We cannot just blame menopause. There are other changes that we may experience that contribute to more acne during this time, such as:

• Age: Skin cell regeneration slows down as we age, which applies to both men and women. When the excess cells build up, they block pores that may already be clogged with sebum, and the combination results in inflammation and infection. With infection, the bodys immune response is to drive more white blood cells to the area, and the buildup causes a blemish to form.
• Stress: Stress hormones are also linked to acne, which is another reason to try to remove stress and stressful triggers from your life.
• Medications: A change in medication may have side effects, and certain types of drugs can trigger acne.
• Genetics: If you had a parent or sibling with postmenopausal acne, you are more likely to have it as well.

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How To Treat Hormonal Acne

So how can we stop hormonal acne? Using light moisturising products that are noncomedogenic can help to stop skin from being overloaded during this phase. Also, using topical exfoliators such as AHA or BHA toners 2-3 times a week can help remove any dead skin cells clogging pores. Menopause can also be a typical time for skin to go on a rampage because of the significant alterations in hormone levels. Its estimated that 50 percent of women ages 20 to 29 have hormonal acne but around 25 percent of women ages 40 to 49 are still affected by hormonal skin, continues Rudoe. During perimenopause, the ovaries begin to produce less and less oestrogen, so by the time menopause hits, both oestrogen and testosterone levels are low and skin suffers from dryness, loss of elasticity and starts ageing more rapidly. Switching your skincare up to include a creamier cleanser, richer moisturiser, anti-ageing serum and sun protection can help to guard against this.

Acne Tip: Birth Control Pills For Acne Treatment

Oral contraceptive pills can help women regulate their hormones, including those that are responsible for acne. Certain OCPs have even been approved by the FDA to be used in the treatment of acne. If you are already on birth control, or thinking of going on it, make sure to ask your gynecologist for an OCP that will also help your acne.

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Could My Makeup Cause My Acne

Yes. In fact, anything you put on your face has the potential to clog pores. Look for oil-free makeup, sunscreens, and other skin products. Non-comedogenic and nonacnegenic products can be better for acne-prone skin.

You might also try using powder cosmetics instead of cream foundations. If you do want to use foundation, some dermatologists recommend oil-free liquid silicone matte foundations, such as those containing dimethicone or cyclomethicone.

What Are Other Cystic Acne Treatments

Other treatments for cystic acne include:

• Corticosteroid injections: Used to quickly shrink large, painful acne cysts.
• Incision and draining: Helps to open up an acne cyst and drain the pus.
• Birth control pill or spironolactone: Used by women to lower hormone levels that cause cystic acne.
• Isotretinoin: An oral retinoid .

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Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion Pm

If salicylic acid and bezoyl peroxide is drying your forehead out, apply some moisturizer

• How to use: After cleansing, exfoliating and using a spot treatment, apply a nickle sized amount of moisturizer and gentle massage it into your skin.
• How it helps forehead acne: This product helps moisturize and restore the natural balance of the skinâs protective barriers. It is perfect for replenishing moisturize that is loss due to using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• What to expect: This moisturizer is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, oil-free, and non-irritating, making it an exceptional moisturizer for those with sensitive skin or acne prone skin. Although it says PM â you can use it during the day. Itâs called CeraVe PM because it does not contain sunscreen.

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Start With Otc Acne Treatments

If your acne is mild, or if youâve just started to break out, you may be able to clear your skin with over-the-counter acne medications.

But not all acne products are created equal. The most effective will contain the following active ingredients on the label.

• Salicylic acid

Donât worry too much about the brand name, or what form of treatment youâre usingfor example, whether the product is a cleanser, medicated pad, or lotion. Instead, choose a product that fits your budget and is easy for you to use.

Once you find a product that works for you, keep using it. If you stop, your acne will come back.

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How Can I Prevent Cystic Acne

You can lower your risk of getting acne by taking these steps:

• Use a mild foaming facial cleanser, lukewarm water and your fingers to wash your face after you wake up, before going to bed and after exercising or sweating.
• Apply oil-free moisturizer if you feel dry.
• Use noncomedogenic makeup and facial products.
• Dont sleep in makeup.
• Keep your hands away from your face during the day.
• Dont pick at or pop pimples or scabs.
• Wash your hair regularly and keep hair away from your face.
• Occasionally oily environments, such as working at a fast food restaurant, can contribute to acne flares.
• Diets high in simple sugars and dairy, also called a high glycemic index diet, may contribute to flares as well.

Does Adult Hormonal Acne Go Away

While the breakout cycles themselves usually only last two to three weeks, you may be dealing with hormonal acne for years, especially during your 20s and 30s and then again going into menopause, Dr. Hartman warns. But, with the right treatment plan, it is possible to keep hormonal acne breakouts at bay.

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Know Your Skin’s Hormone Cycle

So how do you know what to expect? Its actually fairly simple map where you are in your menstrual cycle and youll have a good idea of your hormone levels.

• Day 1-5: Menstruation Oestrogen and progesterone are low and you might feel it too. Skin may look lacklustre and drab.
• Day 6-13: Follicular Phase Preparing for ovulation and things are looking up, oestrogen and testosterone levels are rising slowly and your skin should be clearing up nicely.
• Day 14-16: Ovulation Oestrogen is at a high so youre feeling good and your skin is clear. This is when we feel most positive about our appearance.
• Day 17-28: Luteal Phase Progesterone builds, soars and then comes back down again. During this phase skin swelling and pore tightening due to water retention can lead to excess sebum and clogged pores. In a word, acne.

Should You Squeeze Papules

When acne papules cause a lot of pressure under your skin, you may want to squeeze them. However, it would be best if you didnt squeeze your papules. There isnt any pus to remove, and squeezing can several problems:

• You may open your skin and introduce bacteria into the opening. Bacteria can cause an infection.
• You may irritate your skin. Your skin is sensitive, and your nails are stronger than your skin. When you use your nails to apply a lot of pressure to your skin to try to pop a papule, you can cause inflammation.
• You may scar your skin. You can seriously damage your skin and cause permanent scarring if you apply too much pressure.

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How To Deal With Hormonal Acne During Pregnancy

Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist seeing patients in New York, N.Y. She practices various aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic treatments, laser, injectables, skin cancer screening, general dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and body contouring.

Verywell Family / Madelyn Goodnight

Having a baby can be one of lifes great joys. Pregnancy comes with many positives, but unfortunately for some, there can be a few drawbacks as well. This can include hormonal acne, where your skin begins breaking out like it would if you were a teenager.

The good news is that hormonal acne in pregnancy does not happen to everyone. If it does happen to you, there are some pregnancy-safe remedies to zap those zits. Keep reading to see what expert dermatologists recommend if you start to break out during pregnancy.

The Role Of Hormones In Acne Formation

Acne may be known as hormonal acne because one major causative factor is the hormone testosterone.

Testosterone levels go up in the teenage years as part of puberty. This causes male development in boys and gives muscle and bone strength in girls.

The hormone also has the effect of increasing sebum production at the base of hairs. This is because the glands that secrete the oil are sensitive to testosterone.

Other hormones play a part in acne, too. For women, hormonal changes relating to pregnancy or the menstrual cycle can also trigger acne. Falling estrogen levels may increase the risk of acne around menopause.

The role of progesteroneremains unclear.

Conditions that affect hormone levels, for example polycystic ovary syndrome

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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• What causes cystic acne?
• What is the best cystic acne treatment?
• What are the treatment side effects?
• How can I lower my chances of getting acne cysts?
• How can I prevent scarring or other complications?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Its tempting to want to touch or pick at painful, swollen acne cysts. But cystic acne is more likely than other zits to scar or develop infections. A dermatologist can offer suggestions to prevent cystic acne. This doctor can also treat painful acne cysts, lowering the chances of scarring. Antibiotics and topical creams are effective cystic acne treatments.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/25/2021.

References

How Will I Know Its Time To Switch

If your IUD and skin become sworn enemies, you may want to switch it up. Be sure to talk to your doctor first, though. They can help pinpoint the cause of your acne. If your IUD is def the culprit, you may want to try another form of birth control.

Contraceptive pills may be a good choice. Pills with both estrogen and progestin can help control acne by lowering testosterone levels. The patch and the ring are also a safe bet for your skin.

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Why Do I Have Acne

Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, but can start at any age.

Certain hormones cause the grease-producing glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce larger amounts of oil .

This abnormal sebum changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium called P. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus.

The hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle, causing blockage of the pores. Cleaning the skin does not help to remove this blockage.

Top Tip: Reduce High Glycemic Foods

Other foods have been linked to acne and worsening inflammatory conditions as well. For example, high glycemic load foods. Therefore, if one wants to try a new diet to improve their acne, in addition to avoiding dairy, I would recommend avoiding refined flour, sweets, and processed carbohydrates. Again, the exact mechanism isnt known for certain, but we believe that these refined carbs lead to an insulin spike which causes a hormonal cascade that can increase inflammation and oil production.

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