Symptoms Of Hormonal Acne
During puberty, hormonal acne often appears on the T-zone, which includes your nose, chin, and forehead. Hormonal acne in adults may start on the lower area of the face, which includes the jawline and lower cheeks.
Acne may appear as comedones, which are of two types whiteheads and blackheads.
Blackheads open at the surface of the skin, and they appear black after sebum interacts with the air.
Whiteheads are closed beneath the skin surface and appear white on top.
Touching or picking at comedones may rupture the follicle wall, but some ruptures also happen spontaneously. When this occurs, sebum and bacteria from the ruptured pore can spread to the surrounding area, leading to inflammation. Inflammatory acne starts as papules, which are commonly referred to as pimples.
Acne may also appear as:
- Papules: Small, raised, red bumps from inflammation or infection of the hair follicles
- Pustules: Small and red pus-filled pimples
- Nodules: Similar to papules but larger in diameter, this type is also dense and painful and lies deep in the skin
- Cysts: Large lumps under the skin that contain pus and may be painful and tender
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 heres 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 .
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.
Show Sources
Also Check: Foods To Avoid With Hormone Positive Breast Cancer
Why Am I Getting Acne On My Jawline
Acne in the jawline region is caused by sebaceous glands producing excess oil due to hormonal stimulation. This sebum gets trapped in the follicle leading to clogged pores. Bacteria will then start to proliferate in the clogged pore because there is no oxygen in there to control the bacterial growth.
Why Am I Breaking Out Along My Jawline
Common causes of acne along the jawline include: Cosmetic products: Moisturizers, makeup, and hair products that contain heavy oils tend to clog pores and cause breakouts. Sports equipment: Wearing a helmet with a chin-strap, thick shoulder pads, or other equipment close to the face can trap heat and sweat in the area.
Recommended Reading: How To Heal Your Hormones
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.
What Foods Make You Break Out On Your Chin
Researchers say foods high in fat, sugar, and dairy ingredients can raise the risk of adult acne. Foods such as milk chocolate, french fries, and sugary drinks are among those that can increase acne risk.
Why is my chin breaking out so bad? Pimples on the chin occur due to oily skin, hormone fluctuations, diet, stress, genetics, certain medications and the use of certain skincare and haircare products. Pimples on the chin are very common, particularly for people with hormonal or adult acne. While not dangerous, they can be embarrassing or unsightly.
How long does hormonal acne last?
But what exactly is hormonal acne and how do you treat it? Hormonal breakouts are usually the large, Mount Vesuvius-like flare-ups that can last up to 2-3 weeks. Theyre big, theyre painful, and they dont budge.
What does stress acne look like? Given the increase in oil production, she says your skin will usually look greasier and slightly more inflamed. Zeichner adds that stress acne can also look like a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and pus pimples.
Don’t Miss: How Can I Find Out If My Hormones Are Imbalanced
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.
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.
Also Check: How To Get Hormone Blockers
Hormonal Acne Causes And Symptoms
As the name suggests, hormonal acne is caused by changes in hormones. In women, this frequently happens before the start of your period due to an increase in androgen production. These higher testosterone levels lead your body to create more sebum which, in turn, leads to hormonal acne on your chin and face.
With this increase in sebum production comes the potential for clogged pores and hair follicles, also known as whiteheads or blackheads. Whiteheads are comedones that are completely blocked while blackheads are comedones that are only partially blocked and exposed to air, causing the material inside to oxidise and darken.
Many people might only experience whiteheads and blackheads as the extent of their hormonal pimples while others could experience bacterial infections that lead to painful, inflamed blemishes. Severe cases of hormonal acne can lead to nodules and pus-filled cystic acne.
Because your sebaceous glands occur in the greatest number on your face and scalp, hormonal acne breakouts tend to happen in the T-zone and generally around your chin, cheeks and around your mouth.
Are Eggs Bad For Acne
Can eggs cause acne? Eggs are replete with nourishing components for the skin, and unless you are specifically allergic to any of the micro-nutrients, there are no way eggs can be the reason behind your blemished and spotty skin. If anything, eggs are proven antidotes to acne, and certainly not the cause of it.
Also Check: Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Safe
What Helps Get The Best Results
When taking hormonal therapy for acne, it helps to:
-
Give the medication time to work
-
Take the medication at the same time every day
-
Use everything on your acne treatment plan
-
Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist
-
Contact your dermatologists office right away if you experience signs of a serious side effect, such as cramping in your leg or arm
Hormonal therapy is an option for many women with stubborn acne, but its not always the only option. A dermatologist can tell you what can help clear your stubborn acne.
ImagesGetty Images
ReferencesCarol, R. Hormonal therapies serve as key adjunct acne treatment. Dermatol World. 2012 May . 2-6.
Ebede TL, Arch EL, et al. Hormonal treatment of acne in women. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009 2: 1622.
Harper JC. Use of oral contraceptives for management of acne vulgaris. Practical considerations in real world practice. Dermatol Clin. 2016 34:159-65.
Kim GK, Del Rosso JQ. Oral spironolactone in post-teenage female patients with acne vulgaris: Practical considerations for the clinician based on current data and clinical experience. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012 5:37-50.
Plovanich M Weng QY, et al. Low usefulness of potassium monitoring among healthy young women taking spironolactone for acne. JAMA Dermatol. 2015 151:941-4.
Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 74:945-73.
Acne In Your 20s 30s And 40s
Hormonal changes can continue throughout your 20s and 30s as your body adjusts to adulthood.
In females, polycystic ovary syndrome or the menstrual cycle are often the cause, while males can look to the high testosterone levels of youth. At any age, pregnancy and breastfeeding can also cause adult acne.
In the 40s and 50s, females may experience very different hormonal fluctuations that are related to menopause, and the years leading up to it, known as perimenopause.
Males also experience a hormonal shift as they grow older, known as andropause. To treat hormonal causes of adult acne, speak to a doctor about possible tests and age-specific recommendations.
Although the precise treatments may be different, a nutritious diet, exercise, and a dedicated skin care routine may help.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Hormonal Belly
Back And Chest Acne Treatments
Topical retinoids, medications made from vitamin A , may help improve your acne. Tretinoin, one of the most commonly used prescription acne treatments, works against many factors that cause acne. They treat acne by unclogging pores, decreasing oil production, and reducing the inflammatory response. They help clear acne and prevent new eruptionsboth on your face and body .
Often, combination therapy is most successful for truncal acne . Spot treatments and body washes and cleansers designed for acne-prone skin may both be helpful. Other treatments that can help with back and chest acne include:
Lastly, for severe cases of body acne, oral medications are an option. Oral antibiotics and oral retinoids may improve acne that is not responding to topical therapy. Your dermatologist will help guide your treatment and monitor your progress, especially if you are on oral medicines for your acne .
Androgens And Hormonal Acne
Androgens are a group of hormones that are present in both men and women. The primary androgens are testosterone and androstenedione. Androgens are key contributors to your strength, energy levels and fitness, as well as sebum production.
Regardless of gender, testosterone is the most common reason why hormonal acne develops. Women have small amounts of male hormones like testosterone in their bodies, and itâs when your body produces more androgens than it needs that hormonal acne occurs. Itâs quite common for this increase in androgens to happen around menstrual cycles for women.
While hormonal acne is exceptionally common in puberty with hormones changing in adolescents, itâs also quite common in adults. One study found that 64% of people in their 20s and 43% of people in their 30s have acne, demonstrating that adult acne is something many people deal with.
Also Check: How To Know You Have Low Testosterone
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.
Things You Can Try If You Have Acne
These self-help techniques may be useful:
- Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
- Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
- Do not try to “clean out” blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.
- Avoid using too much make-up and cosmetics.
- Avoid make-up, skincare and suncare products that are oil-based . Use water-based non-comedogenic products, as theyre less likely to block the pores in your skin.
- Completely remove make-up before going to bed.
- If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free water-based emollient.
- Regular exercise cannot improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.
- Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.
Although acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment.
If you develop mild acne, it’s a good idea to speak to a pharmacist for advice.
Several creams, lotions and gels for treating spots are available to buy from pharmacies.
Products containing a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide may be recommended, but be careful as this can bleach clothing.
Recommended Reading: Birth Control Methods Non Hormonal
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 .
Can Hormonal Acne Go Away
Yes, hormonal acne can go away with proper treatment. You must consult a dermatologist for safe and effective acne treatments and before using any supplements or ânaturalâ remedies because they may do more harm than good.
Based on your acne severity, your doctor may prescribe any or a combination of the following acne treatment options:
- Topical retinoids such as adapalene and tretinoin
- Topical antibiotic medications that include creams and gels containing antibiotic medications such as erythromycin, clindamycin, sulfacetamide, azelaic acid, and dapsone
- Oral medications
Moreover, your dermatologist may recommend certain lifestyle changes such as:
- Get adequate sleep
Dont Miss: Does Collagen Help With Acne
You May Like: When To Check Hormone Levels
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.
How Is Acne Treated
Over-the-counter products work to help clear up acne for some teens. It may take time to find one that works best for you some may not help and others may irritate skin. OTC acne products come in different strengths. The most popular and effective OTC acne-fighting ingredient is benzoyl peroxide. Another ingredient, salicylic acid, can help dry up pimples.
If OTC products don’t work for you, get a doctor’s advice. Doctors can prescribe special gels or creams, pills, or a combination of both. It may feel a bit awkward to talk about your acne with someone, but your doctor is trained to help get your skin looking its best.
It’s tempting, but popping or squeezing a usually won’t get rid of the problem. Squeezing can actually push infected material and pus deeper into the skin, which can lead to more swelling and redness and even scarring, which can be permanent.
If you’re taking a prescription acne medicine, finish your entire prescription even if your skin clears up, unless your doctor says its OK to stop. If you stop too early, there’s a chance your skin could break out all over again.
Eating nutritious foods can help keep you healthy and your skin will benefit from getting enough vitamins and minerals. But you don’t need obsess about what you eat or how often you wash your face to control acne. If no OTC product works for you, talk to your doctor or a about how to manage acne.
Read Also: Women’s Hormone Replacement Therapy After Hysterectomy