What Is Fungal Acne Vs Hormonal Acne
Fungal acne and hormonal acne are often confused with each other because both types of acne start in the hair follicles. Fungal acne occurs when excess yeast develops, whereas hormonal acne is caused by excess sebum. Fungal acne can result in whiteheads, itchiness and often becomes red, irritated and inflamed.
What Is Menopausal Acne
Menopausal acne is when acne appears in women in their 40s and 50s. The cause of menopausal acne is a decrease in estrogen levels or an increase in androgen hormones like testosterone in menopause. Some of the hormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms can also cause hormonal acne. This is especially common in women taking a progestin.
When Will The Breakouts End
by Danielle Braff, AARP, April 24, 2019| 0
Stocksy
Im in my 50swhy do I still have a pizza face?!?
When I was in my teens, my face was slathered in pimples. At least during that point in my life, my peers were also awash in spots.
Fast forward 25 years. I have a mortgage, a tween daughter and a full-time job. And I still have pimples. Only now Im one of a handful of people my age who is still dabbing toothpaste on my forehead at night, still shopping for Clean & Clear, still searching for concealers powerful enough to hide the massive red spots that pop up seemingly daily .
Turns out, Im not alone . Adult acne develops in up to 22 percent of women and 3 percent of men, says Tsippora Shainhouse, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist in private practice.
And while teenage acne can be attributed nearly 100 percent to hormones, adult acne occurs for myriad reasons, from hormones to genetics, diet, stress, cosmetics and smoking. Adult pimples are also dispersed differently than the teenage genre .
Don’t Miss: Estrogen Cream For Lichen Sclerosus
For Mild Acne: Topical Treatments
Mild acne doesnt need special attention to treat. Under normal circumstances, the tips above should be enough to control it. For cleansing, use an antibacterial face wash. Topical OTC remedies containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are gentle yet effective methods to treat a mild case of acne. Benzoyl peroxide attacks the bacteria while salicylic acid keeps your pores clean.
Retinoids and retinol serum also work great for mild to moderate hormonal acne. They are both derivatives of vitamin A and work by speeding up the rate of your skins growth, promoting faster cell turnover. This way, dead skin cells are flushed, and inflammation reduces drastically. Retinoids also stimulate collagen replacement. Tretinoin is a well-known topical retinoid.
When using topical treatments, limit your skins exposure to UV light, as it increases the risk of getting a sunburn. Always keep a broad-spectrum, SPF-30, or higher sunscreen within arms reach. Even when not on topical treatments, sunscreen always comes in handy during the day.
Risks And Side Effects
While you can begin by tackling hormonal acne on your own at home, you may want to visit a dermatologist if your condition is reoccurring or worsening. Your doctor/dermatologist can help pinpoint any underlying conditions that might be contributing to our breakouts, such as PCOS, high testosterone or cortisol levels, a thyroid condition, or another hormone issue.
If the treatments above dont seem to be doing enough to reduce your breakouts, speak with your dermatologist about other options such as antiandrogen drugs, which block androgen receptors to decrease the actions and effects of testosterone, or stronger topical prescriptions to fight acne-causing bacteria.
When treating hormonal acne yourself, theres potential to experience some side effects depending on the specific products and treatments you use. Some topical products might cause dry, red, flaky, painful skin at first, so make sure to follow directions, and remember that less may be more when it comes to improving your skins appearance.
If you have sensitive skin, such as eczema, dermatitis or rosacea, some products, such as retinoids and certain cleaners, may be too harsh. Certain products are also not safe when youre pregnant, so get your doctors advice if this applies to you.
Read Also: Tubal Ligation Cause Early Menopause
Hormonal Acne: Diet Dos And Donts
The exact role between diet and hormonal acne isnt fully understood. Some foods may help prevent acne particularly inflammation-fighting foods.
Plant-based foods high in antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and promote clearer skin. Omega-3 fatty acids may also decrease skin inflammation.
Contrary to popular belief, junk food alone doesnt cause acne. But overdoing it on certain foods may lead to increased inflammation.
You may consider limiting the following:
- sugar
- refined carbs, such as white bread and pasta
- red meats
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.
Also Check: Does Estrogen Cream Help Lichen Sclerosus
How Does Hormonal Acne Affect Women
For women, hormone levels fluctuate throughout their monthly cycle. Estrogen is what some dermatologists call “the happy skin hormone” – it helps the complexion stay young, clear, and firm. Balanced levels of estrogen typically mean glowing skin! However, this pesky hormone peaks during the second week of a woman’s cycle, during ovulation, and dips just before their period begins. During this dip, a progesterone surge happens, which causes many women to experience breakouts. Women in perimenopause or past menopause may also experience hormonal acne symptoms since estrogen tends to diminish with age.
How To Glow Up
Acne can be caused by a ton of factors. Thats why you need to diversify your skin care regimen.
When treating hormonal acne, it is essential to use a multi-pronged clinical approach addressing the four causes of acne: follicular plugging, bacteria, excess sebum production, and inflammation, says Zenovia.
Some folks take a prescription medication to curb their acne. There are also lots of over-the-counter treatments to try.
Also Check: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy
How To Treat Acne On The Chin And Jawline
Noticed a few extra pimples along your jawline? Dealing with acne outbreaks along your chin and jawline can be a serious challenge, especially when the acne is in a prominent place that makes it difficult to cover up with makeup.
Your jawline is one of the most common locations for acne outbreaks.Studies even show that hormonal acne tends to concentrate in the lower third of the face, particularly on the chin, jaw and cheeks.
If youre dealing with an acne outbreak on your chin and jawline, theres no need to panic. Just like other acne outbreaks, acne that affects our chin, jawline and lower cheeks is relatively easy to treat using a variety of different products.
From topical retinoids to hormonal medication, weve covered these products below. Weve also explained how and why acne can affect your chin and jawline, from the effects of your hormone production on acne outbreaks to your skin cell turnover process.
Does Progesterone Cause Acne
Yes, fluctuation in the levels of sex hormones during your menstrual cycle may also contribute to acne before your period.
Progesterone levels rise during the middle of the cycle. This may stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin. However, the role of progesterone in sebum production is uncertain.
Increased progesterone may also raise your body temperature and worsen sweating, leading to clogged pores. This buildup of sebum beneath the skins surface along with dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria results in breakouts of acne before and during your period.
You May Like: Does Nugenix Have An Estrogen Blocker
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.
A breakout can be the first sign of hormonal imbalance. The pimples are proof your body is adjusting.
An increase in testosterone stimulates our oil glands to produce excess sebum, which is one major cause of acne, says Zenovia.
Natural Treatments For Chin And Jawline Acne
Are you looking for a natural treatment for chin acne or jaw acne you can do at home? We have options for you, too!
Sometimes in skincare, less is more, and taking a DIY natural approach could be well worth your while. Before heading to the doctors and paying for expensivealbeit effectivetreatments, consider giving these at-home methods a shot:
- Honey: This natural ingredient, similar to clay masks, helps draw out impurities. Place a dab on your chin acne and leave it on for about ten minutes before removing with a warm wash cloth to help draw out the infection deep within pores.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe can sooth more than sunburnt skin, so try to massaging a bit of gel along your jawline acne to relieve your painful pimples and reduce swelling.
- Tea Tree Oil: A natural disinfectant, this inexpensive healing agent can combat acnes and lower white blood cells that contribute to inflammation. Swab the infected area with one part tea tree oil, nine parts water, and watch for improvement.
From lemons to green tea extracts, there are a wide variety of natural jawline acne treatments, and these are just a few of our top favorites.
Don’t Miss: Does Melatonin Cancel Out Birth Control Shot
What Are The Symptoms Of Hormonal Acne
For teenagers, hormonal acne breakouts in teenage girls will often appear in the same places as the typical teen acne, forehead, cheeks around the mouth, and chin.
In adult women, hormonal acne is located in different areas, on the lower half of the face, around the mouth, chin, and lower jawline. Though the chin and jawline are the most common locations for hormonal acne, pimples can also appear on the face and neck sides.
Like teen acne, hormonal acne will include (comedones( blackheads and whiteheads, papules, pustules, a cyst. Many women with hormonal acne will also have under-skin bumps = cysts that are not red and are not seen on the skin’s surface.
Help Your Skin To Regenerate
Doing this will help anti-age, even skin tone and texture. Look out for ingredients including peptides, growth factors and retinol.
PH Formula Point Age Reverse, from clinics. It has a cocktail of peptides and botanical ingredients to help reduce visible signs of skin ageing and promote skin firmness and elasticity. It also has glycosaminoglycans which holds 1000 times its own weight in water and provides moisture to the skin. It also has wakame extract, which is high in vitamins C and B to soothe the skin and assist in collagen production. I recommend applying this as a treatment step after serum, before moisturiser.
SkinBetterScience AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $125, can be shipped to the UK and is great for skin regeneration, however I would only recommend this once the skin is no longer sensitive or is well hydrated. It is made up of a retinoid combined with an alpha hydroxy acid. I would recommend this as a weekly treatment, once a week.
You May Like: What Is The Best Acne Wash
Recommended Reading: Nugenix Estro Regulator Reviews
Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 01% Acne Treatment
Utilizing the breakout-busting benefits of retinoids, the Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment promotes cellular turnover to speed up the lifecycle of your hormonal breakouts and expedite their healing. Also acting as a potent, professional-grade preventative treatment, this drugstore-favorite treatment gel unclogs pores, reduces redness and inflammation and creates a smoother, clearer complexion.
How Hormones Contribute To Acne Formation
The major contributory factor behind hormonal acne is the androgen hormone testosterone.
Women typically undergo hormonal changes during menstruation and pregnancy. During these times, the body produces a higher amount of androgens. Those with a genetic vulnerability to testosterone are more likely to develop hormonal acne.
You May Like: Nugenix Estro Regulator Side Effects
What’s The Best Treatment For Hormonal Acne
The best treatment for hormonal acne is different for everyone. Your best options will depend on your specific condition and how severe your outbreak is.
Everyone’s acne is unique, and everyone responds to treatment in different ways.
If your acne is moderate or severe , you may want to ask your healthcare provider for treatment recommendations.
They’ll either prescribe you something or recommend an over-the-counter option.
Add A Salicylic Acid Cleanser To Your Skincare Routine Mid
Dr. Zeichner recommends this ingredient to remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which will help keep your pores clear. And as mentioned in the previous tip, cleaner pores mean less jawline acne. He suggests Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser for this step. Unlike some harsh cleansers, this unscented formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and was created specifically for those with acne-prone complexions.
Also Check: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Hormonal Acne
Though hormonal acne can be unavoidable, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of getting breakouts:
- Make lifestyle changes to reduce stress, get better sleep and eat a healthy diet.
- Use skincare products that wont clog pores.
- Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider for persistent acne.
What Causes Chin And Jawline Acne
When we talk about acne on the jaw and chin, were differentiating from the whiteheads and blackheads dotted across cheeks, noses and foreheads. While the latter can be easily removed with a comedone extractor and lancet, the former is not so simple.
Acne on the chin and acne on the jaw usually presents itself as deep and cystic. Before discussing why this happensand why its so difficult to removelets take a quick glance at the anatomy of a cystic pimple and how they form.
Cystic pimples arent exclusive to jawline acne and vice versa you can definitely get a standard whitehead along your jaw, and cystic acne can also occur on the cheeks, forehead and even back. However, cysts are the most common culprit for the acne observed on chins and jawsbut why?
You May Like: Can Tubal Ligation Cause Early Menopause
Exfoliate During The First Half Of Your Menstrual Cycle To Keep Pores Clear
The best way to address jawline acne is to prevent it from developing to begin with, explains Dr. Zeichner. If you tend to break out, exfoliating cleansers can help keep the pores clear. Use them during the first half of the menstrual cycle. Dr. Zeichner recommends the Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar because its gentle and effective . The exfoliating beads work to prevent buildup in your pores, which means itll be harder for breakouts to form.
Dont Miss: How To Get Rid Of Acne Caused By B12
How Long Do Most Patients Take Hormonal Treatments
When hormonal therapy helps to clear acne, a patient may stay on it for a long time. You will often stop other acne treatments such as an antibiotic and medication that you apply to your skin. Hormonal therapy can be used alone to prevent new breakouts.
Taking hormonal therapy long term appears to be safe.
Taking spironolactone?
Studies show that taking spironolactone at the same time every day can give you the best results.
You May Like: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
How To Get Rid Of Chin Acne
Don’t be afraid to use more than one product. “Combination therapy using medicines that address as many factors that lead to acne as possible is the best way to treat the skin. In terms of over-the-counter treatments, you can combine benzoyl peroxide with salicylic acid. Together, they kill acne-causing bacteria, open pimples, promote eoliation, and help remove oil,” says Dr. Zeichner.
In other words: Being strategic about what products you group together can lead to better success at banishing chin acne altogether.
“From resting your hand on your chin while sitting at a desk or table to picking your skin while deep in thought, itâs important to keep your hands off this area,” says esthetician and skin-care expert . “For chin and jawline breakouts, I recommend a nondrying, sulfate-free cleanser that uses salicylic and glycolic acids â salicylic acid helps keep bacteria out of the pores, and glycolic acid smoothes and fades post-breakout marks.
This tip goes hand in hand with not touching your face, and for good reason: “Behaviorally, anything we can do to reduce the amount of bacteria coming on contact with the skin lessens the chance of breaking out,” says board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman. “Whether or not it’s not touching your face, always wipe down your cell phone with an alcohol swab â I do it at least once a day with my phone.”