What Is Hormonal Acne Hormonal Acne Treatment
Hormonal acne is acne caused by genetic and hormonal factors that cause breakouts well past puberty and the teenage years. Hormonal acne occurs more often in women and is typically located on the lower part of the face. Breakouts happen along the jawline, the chin, and the perioral region . The breakouts consist of inflammatory lesions, cysts, whiteheads, and blackheads.
Genetics
When it comes to adult acne, genes have proven to play a role in its existence. Genetics influence the number, size, and activity of the sebaceous glands the sebaceous glands are the oil glands in the skin that create sebum , can get clogged, and cause breakouts.
Hormones
The two hormones that need to work harmoniously together when it comes to clear skin are androgens and estrogen hormones. Androgens stimulate sebaceous gland growth and increase sebum production. Estrogens work in the opposite way and slow sebum production. So when androgen levels are abnormally high, breakouts occur often. Similarly, when estrogen levels are lower especially during the premenstrual period in women, acne is more likely to occur.
The most common reasons for hormonal acne breakouts are:
- Menstruation
There are some natural ways to treat hormonal acne.
- Dietary Changes
- Limiting dairy, artificial sugars, alcohol, red meat, and overly processed grains can help to lower inflammation and reduce breakouts.
Medical Procedures
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser Therapy
How Is It Hormonal
Hormonal acne is triggered by fluctuating hormone levels. Thats why you might get more breakouts if you have a vajayjay.
Females are more susceptible to hormonal acne since we experience fluctuations in female sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone monthly with our menses, says Zenovia Gabriel, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and hormonal skin care expert.
Use A Spot Treatment Formulated Exclusively For Stubborn Cysts
If you’re looking for a spot treatment for your cysts, you might consider trying the much-lauded Renée Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment, which according to Rouleau, contains “a purified form of lactic acid helps dissolve cells blocking the pore, as well as purifying within the pore to help prevent future breakouts.” Bye-bye festering angry mountain on my face!
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Causes Of Pimples On The Chin
Acne is often caused due to clogged pores. Pores are usually clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and grime, and when bacteria get trapped in the skin pores, it causes inflammation, leading to the appearance of pimples.
On the other hand, hormonal acne occurs first around the mouth, chin, and jawline. These are hormonal acne that comes and goes throughout the menstrual cycle. The breakouts commonly appear during the ovulation or just before the period begins.
What Are The Common Causes Of Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne is caused by you guessed it, hormones. So the main reason you’re getting those pesky spots is due to your hormone levels.
There could be a number of reasons, from just the way your body reacts to your cycle each month, hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, after giving birth or menopause, or going on or off the pill. Genetics also play a part so if it runs in your family then you’re more likely to suffer from it.
The pill alters your hormone levels so its common to experience skin changes with it.
Stress can also wreak havoc on your hormones, particularly cortisol which is known as the stress hormone, and so can be a common trigger for hormonal acne.
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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 .
Know Your Skins 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.
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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.
Tweak Your Diet To Reduce Inflammation
Im a sugar addict. I wish I could eat pizza and cake all day. Every day.
My body has other ideas. Sugar promotes inflammation. Inflammation is bad on so many levels. Its what causes deadly diseases like cancer and Alzeheimers. It makes you age faster. And it increases your risk of breakouts.
Now, dont get me wrong. Theres no way this Italian is ever gonna give up pizza for good . But, Ive seriously cut back on grains and sugar.
Instead, Ive upped my fat intake. Im eating more foods rich in omega-3, such as salmon, avocado and walnuts. Ive added more probiotics, such as kefir and Greek yogurt. I have my fair share of vegs with every meal.
And, then, once in a while, I have a cheat day when I eat pizza at dinner and snack on chocolate. A healthy diet is about moderation, not deprivation.
Personally, Ive found this has the biggest impact on my hormonal acne. Its easy to eat a balanced diet at home, but when I travel, I cheat a little too often.
I dont feel too guilty about it. In the grand scheme of things, eating more sugar for a week every few months wont kill me. But, I find it makes pimples more prone to come back during that time of the month.
If I want clear skin, a low glycemic diet is the way to go.
Related:I Went On The Low Glycemic Diet And It Transformed My Skin
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Exfoliate With Salicylic Acid To Unclog Pores
Ive talked about salicylic acid before so I wont repeat myself here.
Ill just say that your pores are all clogged up now. Salicylic acid frees them up from all the gunk inside, making those blemishes go away.
It works especially well with blackheads and whiteheads. Those clog up your entire pores. If you only remove the top part, itll only be a matter of time before they rear their ugly heads again.
Related: How To Treat Blackheads
What Does The Doc Say
Hormonal acne can be stubborn AF. If at-home treatments arent working its time to call a dermatologist. They can provide you with a tailored treatment approach. They can also help identify any underlying health conditions that might be triggering your acne.
Here are some common treatments your derm may recommend.
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Are Some People More Prone To Hormonal Acne Than Others
Although acne affects 80 to 90 percent of teens in the Western world, says Dr. Buka, its more likely to occur in young adults and teenagers. But, that doesnt mean that adults, especially women, are off the hook when it specifically relates to hormonal acne. Dr. Zeichner indicates that it is becoming increasingly more common for women to continue to suffer into adulthood. In some cases, women who have never had acne as a teenager develop it for the first time as an adult.
Hormonal acne typically presents in women over the age of 20 with very tender, red, inflammatory papules around the chin and jawline, notes Dr. Haley. The pimples seem to last forever, and if there is any attempt to squeeze or pick, nothing will come out and only scarring will occur. We typically dont see blackheads and whiteheads all over the T-zone, as in normal teenage acne.
How Do You Treat Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is challenging to treat, and dermatologists typically recommend a combination of oral and topical prescriptions and lifestyle changes that we wish came in a prescription form, such as reducing stress. In short: Get thee to a dermatologist’s office, stat, as your typical acne skin-care routine might not cut it when it comes to treating cystic acne at home.
“Usually, people run to their dermatologist’s office for a quick cortisone injection to dry up those monsters within hours,” says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. But not everyone has the time to pop into a dermatologist’s office the moment you feel one coming on, and ad hoc injections won’t help treat or cure your cystic acne in the long term.
In her practice, Dr. Farhang begins treatment with topical prescriptions and conversations around lifestyle changes, then moves on to oral medications if needed. “Topical treatments could include a combination of benzoyl peroxide and/or prescription antibiotic cream if multiple whiteheads in the morning, along with prescription dapsone cream if the target area is less oily and has more adult inflammatory lesions, like hormonal cysts along the jawline,” she says. In the evening, she often prescribes a retinoid to help increase cell turnover, which helps diminish acne and neutralize any hyperpigmentation from previous breakouts.
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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.
How To Prevent Chin Acne
The number one thing you can do for your skin health is to wash your face every night, Dr. Rogers says. She adds that if youre struggling with chin acne, you really dont need to do much to help your skin barrier get back to normal. A good wash and moisturizer once a day should do the trick. Try one of these best face washes for acne-prone skin.
And if you choose to use additional products, Dr. Garshick notes that you should avoid any pore-clogging cosmetics and skincare. Instead, opt for non-comedogenic and oil-free products.
When it comes to chin acne caused by wearing a mask, Dr. Rogers says you should remove your mask in spaces that youre safely able to, like when youre home alone. Otherwise, she notes that mask-wearing is very important, and you should be sure to wash your mask at the end of the day and change out your masks as often as possible.
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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
Why It Flares Up Before Your Period
Those dang hormones. Thats why.
Your hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. Just before your period starts, estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This can trigger your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin. Too much can result in clogged pores and breakouts.
Hormones can also increase skin inflammation and the production of acne-causing bacteria.
These hormonal fluctuations just before your period may also be responsible for other fun period things, including moodiness, sore breasts, and weird poop .
PMS is also associated with increased stress, which might also worsen acne.
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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
Natural Remedies For Hormonal Acne
Certain plant-based strategies can treat mild hormonal acne. However, they may be not as effective as conventional methods, and research on the efficacy of these treatments is lacking. One of these natural treatments is tea tree oil. Although tea tree oil is generally safe, your health care provider can verify whether it will interact with any medications youre taking.
These self-care tips may help clear acne or keep it from getting worse:
- Wash your face gently, no more than twice a day, and after heavy sweating.
- Use mild cleansers or soaps and lukewarm water.
- Avoid exfoliating products or harsh scrubs.
- Dont rub, pick, or scrape your pimples since this can cause inflammation.
- If you wear makeup, look for non-comedogenic options when possible.
- Avoid humid environments, which lead to sweating.
Excessive washing and scrubbing can actually worsen acne, as it may remove too much oil from your skin and cause irritation. In response, your skin may secrete more oil, worsening the acne.
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Heres How To Get Rid Of Hormonal Acne
Before you get downtrodden about the finicky nature of hormonal acne, know first that its pesky, but perfectly normal. So normal, in fact, that there are many methods to help treat it.
Most people with hormonal acne have tried over-the-counter treatments to no avail. If they arent working for you, you may need to seek the help of a dermatologist, who can offer prescription hormonal acne treatments. In general, its a good idea to see your dermatologist if you have deep or cystic pimples, because they could be a marker of something more serious, such as a thyroid condition or abnormal hormone levels, adds Jegasothy. Keep reading to learn how to treat hormonal acne.
Over-the-counter cleansers
The hormonal acne treatment pyramid starts with good over-the-counter cleansers. When choosing yours, there are a few key ingredients to look for:
Topical retinoids
In acne patients of any age, most dermatologists will consider topical retinoids as the first step for treatment of mild to moderate acne, especially when its hormonal. Retinoids help your skin slough off dead skin cells at a more normal rate so the dead skin cells don’t bind together and clog your pores, explains Peredo. They are the preferred avenue for long-term treatment because of the limited severe side effects and are known for preventing new acne in the long term.
Birth control
Antiandrogen drugs
Isotretinoin
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How To Get Rid Of Chin Acne Treatments Prevention & Remedies
This section is going to dwell much on how to get rid of chin acne where some of the good chin acne treatments and home remedies will also be covered. You will also learn some important ways on how you can prevent chin acne since prevention is always better than cure. It is a fact that we have already covered a few ways to deal with chin acne which should not be ignored.
Furthermore, when you notice this problem, it is advisable you take early measures to deal with pimples on your chin because early chin acne treatment can produce quick and better results.
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