Adult Acne: How To Get Rid Of Hormonal Acne Naturally
If youre someone who suffers from hormonal acne, chances are youve tried numerous home remedies for acne but may not be getting the results you hoped for. Thats likely because this type of acne can be complicated to treat, considering it occurs for reasons beyond having clogged pores, which is often the case with other forms of acne.
How can you stop hormonal acne? One of the first steps is working on balancing your hormones, such as by eating a nourishing diet, managing stress and getting enough sleep.
The next layer in your treatment plan is using the right types of cleansers and topical products. That means those that help clean and soothe your irritated skin without worsening symptoms.
The good news? Youre not alone if youve developed adult-onset acne, since this affects most people at one point in their lives or another based on a variety of factors.
Causes Of Hormonal Acne
Conditions that affect hormone levels can trigger acne. Here are a few examples:
- Puberty
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Increased levels of androgens
According to estimates, acne occurs in around 50 percent of the female population ages 20 to 20 and 25 percent ages 40 to 49.
A rise in testosterone levels may trigger the excessive secretion of sebum from glands in the skin. It may also change the activity of certain skin cells, leading to an infection of the hair follicles by bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes. This can create hormonal acne.
Antioxidant Foods For Hormonal Acne
Antioxidants are chemicals that help to neutralize oxygen radicals in the body that contribute to oxidative damage. Oxidative damage from the radicals destroy cell DNA, damage lipids, and proteins and they cause inflammation. This inflammation can lead to acne production and irritation. This is why foods for hormonal acne contain antioxidants. Food sources include almost any fruit and vegetable, eggs, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate.
Don’t Miss: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy
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.
Hormonal Pathogenesis Of Acne
The pathogenesis of acne vulgaris is multifactorial and involves four main pathways. These include the following: 1) excess sebum production by androgen-mediated stimulation of sebaceous glands, 2) abnormal keratinization of the follicles leading to plugging and comedone formation, 3) Propionibacterium acnes colonization, and 4) inflammation of the follicle and surrounding dermis.,
A significant portion of the circulating androgens is produced by the adrenal gland and the testes or ovaries. As aforementioned, a large portion of androgens are also synthesized in the skin from inactive adrenal precursors including, dehydroepiandrosterone , DHEA-sulfate , and androstenedione . Besides sebaceous glands, other androgen-sensitive components of skin are hair follicles, sweat glands, epidermis, and dermis. These structures contain enzymes important in converting DHEA, DHEA-S, and androstendione into the potent androgens dihydrotestosterone and testosterone. DHT and testosterone are the major androgens that interact with the androgen receptors on sebaceous glands with DHT being 5 to 10 times more potent than testosterone., This conversion of inactive adrenal precursors to potent androgen occurs in sebaceous glands in the presence of several key steroidogenic enzymes: 3Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase , 17Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase , and 5α-reductase.,
Steroid hormone metabolism
Read Also: Can I Give My Cat Melatonin
One More Way To Fight Acne
There is one more product that will help clear up acne in mens skincare products. Its our Mineral Enzyme Exfoliant. The goal of this product is to help reduce potential toxins and debris in the skin that are clogging your pores and causing acne breakouts. Use it right after you cleanse, 3-4 times a week.
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.
Don’t Miss: Can Having Your Tubes Tied Cause Hormonal Imbalance
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.
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.
Read Also: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy
Are Levels Of Testosterone And Of Other Androgens Raised In Hormonal Acne
There is conflicting evidence on this though the majority of studies show that elevated androgen levels are are frequent.
A large study from 2013 showed that of 835 women with hormonal acne, 55% had elevated levels of androgens DHEA being the one most frequently elevated. A Turkish study from 2017 of 207 women showed 55% of women with acne had elevations in one androgen. Smaller studies from Brazil and Japan have also showed elevated levels of androgens in adult women with acne.
A Czech study from 2000 of 90 women with acne showed that 81% had an elevated level of at least one androgen. The severity of acne did not vary with the degree of elevation however. However a British study from 1989 showed no elevations in androgens in women with acne.
Our clinical impression is that some women do have elevated androgen levels and hormonal acne may be the only sign of this. Other signs include excessive facial and body hair, irregular periods and hair loss. However, a large number of women have normal levels of androgens and it is believed that these women may just be more sensitive to these androgens. This is the reason they get acne.
The bottom line is routine hormone blood tests may be normal in hormonal acne. Hypersensitivity of the skin means that anti-androgen treatment is still important. Also Testosterone and DHT can be produced in the skin and blood tests would not show if too much of these hormones is being produced in the skin in some people.
Can Men Get Hormonal Acne
Acne in early adulthood can be a very frustrating experience. It can happen to both men and women. Sometimes in women, adult acne is attributed to hormones. Does it work the same way for men, too? Can men get hormonal acne?
Its true that the cause of acne in men happens for a variety of reasons. One of those could be a hormonal imbalance. Lets look at the root cause of hormonal acne in men, and how the right clear skin products can help solve the problem, from Cosmedica Skincare.
Also Check: Can Having Your Tubes Tied Cause Hormonal Imbalance
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.
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.
Read Also: Does Nugenix Have An Estrogen Blocker
Viva Naturals Ultra Strength Omega
Best Natural Supplement for Hormonal Acne
Those who are looking to increase their omega-3 intake may want to check out these fish oil supplements from Viva Naturals. The brand offers bottles with 180 and 90 supplements, and the serving size is 2 soft gels. Each serving contains 2200mg of pure fish oil. The servings also have 1400mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 480mg of docosahexaenoic acid , which are omega-3 fatty acids. The company uses an extraction method that strips away toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful components, so you are getting high-quality fish oil without any unnecessary elements.
Gut Healing Foods For Hormonal Acne
The gut play an important role in maintaining healthy skin and reducing acne. Another group of foods for hormonal acne is gut-healing foods. The gut contains a large diversity of bacteria that aids us in regular bowel movements and digestion. When this bacteria is reduced or overpopulated, it can cause certain symptoms, like acne. Studies have found that the gut microbiota or bacteria have a connection to acne production due to the inflammatory response. In addition, studies have shown that gut flora can transport excess microbiota to the skin directly. This is because when the intestinal wall becomes permeable, the bacteria can pass through the wall and enter the bloodstream to then collect in the sebaceous glands which clog the pores to create acne. Gut healing foods will contain properties to help decrease the permeability of the intestines. The main thing you want to focus on is whole unprocessed foods, this will be the best way to efficiently digest food. Sources of gut-healing foods for hormonal acne are lean meats, fish, eggs, leafy greens, and root vegetables.
Source: 31284694
Read Also: Can Tubal Ligation Cause Early Menopause
Try An Oral Contraceptive To Balance Hormones
If you’re comfortable and if a gynecologist says you’re a good candidate, oral contraceptives can help balance out your hormones, including those that are responsible for acne. Zeichner says that the best prescription options for hormonal acne are birth control pills and Spironolactone . Birth control pills help regulate your hormones and decrease testosterone levels, which can mean fewer hormone-induced breakouts. Zeichner notes the four birth control pills currently approved for acne: Yaz, Beyaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and EstroStep.
Another option is the aforementioned Spironolactone. Though not specifically designed to treat acne, it is often used for exactly that purpose because it prevents testosterone from stimulating the oil glands. “Less oil means less shine, fewer clogged pores, and less food to feed acne-causing bacteria,” Zeichner explains.
“Certain oral contraceptives have even been approved by the FDA to be used in the treatment of acne,” explains Fenton. “If you are already on birth control or thinking of going on it, make sure to ask your gynecologist for an oral contraceptive that will also help your acne.”
“In addition to clearing existing acne, Differin Gel will also help to prevent future breakouts from forming by increasing skin cell turnover to minimize clogging of pores.” Additionally, Fenton recommends using an OTC acne wash and non-comedogenic moisturizer regularly.
How Can Hormonal Acne Be Treated
Treatment is a challenge, says Dr. Joshi, explaining that hormonal acne is known for recurring even after oral or topical treatments have been used.
Beginning with a clear and correct diagnosis is key, she says, noting that a simple, effective home skin care routine is another important part of the treatment puzzle.
Everyones skin is different, so personalised advice from a trusted skin specialist is the best way to begin managing your hormonal acne. Lifestyle changes, topical and oral prescription medications, personalised at-home skin care products, and in-clinic treatments such as chemical peels are all often used within treatment programs, says Dr. Joshi.
Commonly doctors would choose a mix of treatment options, simply because this type of acne is so hard to treat and to keep at bay and tends to recur with hyperpigmentation and scarring risk, she explains.Results can take anywhere from a few weeks to months to appear, so dont be disheartened if the healing process takes time. Check back in with your skin care specialist, and they can help guide your treatment program moving forward.
Recommended Reading: Nugenix Estro-regulator Reviews
When To Consider Accutane For Hormonal Acne
For women with persistent hormonal acne that does not subside with topical treatments, hormonal contraceptives, or other oral medications , it may be advisable to consult with your physician about adding Accutane to your acne treatment.The DIM + cruciferous supplement is another excellent addition to treating women with adult and hormonal acne. It contains a natural extract of cruciferous vegetables specially formulated to help balance hormones and reduce acne signs in adult women. Check out this link for more detailed info on the MDacne DIM supplements.
Can You Actually Get Rid Of Hormonal Acne
With consistent therapy and other therapies, like injections and laser, hormonal acne can be controlled, MacGregor said.
I think acne, like anything, can wax and wane, Jaber added, noting that oftentimes people will choose to stick to a treatment plan if it seems to be working. However, if people do choose to stop taking certain medications, Jaber noted, their acne may return.
Sometimes it does come back sometimes its doesnt. Its really variable, he said, adding that even if a patient had gone off an oral treatment, he would recommend the continued use of topical treatments.
If youre dealing with what you think is hormonal acne, make sure to speak to a dermatologist who can help you develop an effective treatment plan.
This is a frustrating problem that requires expert guidance, persistence and consistency, MacGregor said.
CORRECTION: This article has been corrected to state that hormonal IUDs, like Mirena and Skyla, as well as the birth control implant Nexplanon contain progestin, not progesterone.
You May Like: Melatonin Estrogen Blocker
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
Hormonal Acne Is Unavoidable But Still Controllable You Can Use These Home Remedies And Make Your Skin Look Better This Season
How to get rid of Hormonal Acne: What happens inside our bodies is reflected on the outside and hormonal disbalances are one of the most prominent outbreaks that we can see on the skin. Our hormones keep changing and lose their balance due to age, and other factors that cause problems on the outside and one such problem is hormonal acne. Some people experience them during their periods, or pregnancy because those are the times when your body goes through major hormonal changes and hence the acne starts showing up. But how to get rid of these acne? Is there a permanent solution?Also Read – Swara Bhasker Breaks Acne Stereotypes, One Zit at a Time!
While we cant say if these solutions are permanent, they are definitely worth a try because they will surely help you reduce acne formation by manifolds. Paridhi Goel, Founder of Love Earth, shares 10 home remedies to get rid of hormonal acne. Also Read – 5 Incredible Benefits of Sugarcane Juice For Health And Skin
Hormonal acne is unavoidable but still controllable. You can use these home remedies and make your skin look better this season! Also Read – Skincare: Essential Tips to Protect Your Skin This Monsoon
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest Lifestyle News on India.com.
Topics:
Also Check: Unisom And Melatonin