How To Treat Hormonal Acne
If youve ever dealt with hormonal acne, you know it can be a real pain. From breakouts that seem to come out of nowhere and stay for way too long, to dark marks that just wont go away dealing with hormonal acne can feel like a never-ending battle.
But luckily there are several ways that you can take to treat hormonal acne effectively, for good. Not only do they work but are fairly easier to include in your routine and can help with other aspects as well.
Heres how to treat hormonal acne:
How To Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally Top 3 Ingenious Ways
Hi! Im Jessica Gremley, Founder and CEO of Natural Acne Clinic. This blog post is a personal one for me as it took 15 years of education and research to figure out how to clear my own hormonal acne.
I launched NAC out of my passion to share the truth about acne and how hormonal acne can be treated naturally. With each client we serve, my hope is to debunk misleading myths and incorrect information about how hormonal acne can be cleared once and for all because I was able to do it for myself.
When we consume the wrong information, we often think the natural approach will not be as effective as a more harsh treatment like Accutane. Not true!
Harsh topicals, birth control pills, and pharmaceuticals can destroy the body from the inside out and are not the only option. Honestly, these are pretty old-school approaches that dont consider the whole body as we do at NAC.
The American Academy of Dermatology has found the onset of adult acne is becoming increasingly common in women in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. Studies show that up to 50% of women in their 20s and 25% of women in their 40s struggle with acne triggered by hormonal changes in the body.
Pregnancy, diet, stress, and menopause can cause hormonal imbalances triggering acne on the jawline, chin or lower cheek. It can often appear red and inflamed causing some amount of pain.
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.
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.
You May Like: Estrogen Only Birth Control Pills
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.
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
Also Check: Where Can I Get Testosterone Shots
Take A Look At Your Food
I knowthis is nobodys favorite topic. But if your meals currently consist of pizza and cookies and shredded cheddar cheese straight from the bag, all washed down with multiple glasses of wine, you should know youre not exactly helping your hormonal acne situation. The sugar found in sweets can actually spike acne-causing hormones, Dr. Zeichner has said. Think: a spike in insulin, which can cause a hormonal cascade that leads to inflammation and breakouts.
Same thing goes for dairy: Dairy has been shown to have an effect on testosterone levels, according to studies, which can trigger excess oil production that leads to hormonal acne. If you wanna see if your favorite foods are making hormonal acne worse, cut out all dairy and significantly reduce your alcohol, sugar, and refined carbohydrate intake for two full weeks to see if your skin seems at all calmer.
Steps To Eliminate Hormonal Acne Naturally At Home
In this section, were going to look at how to use your diet, lifestyle and skin care routine to start clearing up your skin quickly.
If your acne is really severe, its best to follow all of these steps.
However, you can start with whichever ones make the most sense for you and add on others as time goes by.
You May Like: Estrogen Cream For Face Hair
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:
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.
Read Also: Natural Estrogen Cream For Menopause
How Can Pandia Health Help
If you suspect you have acne and would like to get on the road to clearer skin, get started with Pandia Health today!Acne is a journey, so youll want guidance along the way. Our expert doctors can prescribe a range of acne treatments based on whats best for you and your skin. Plus get free delivery straight to your mailbox with automatic refills and free goodies!
Here are some acne treatments available through Pandia Health:
Whats Involved In Taking Hormonal Therapy For Acne
These medications must be prescribed by a doctor. Each is a pill that you would take daily.
If youre wondering whether hormonal therapy could help clear your acne, you may want to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. After examining your acne and gathering the necessary information about your health, this doctor can tell you if hormonal therapy may be an option.
Before you see a dermatologist, it helps to prepare for your appointment. Youll want to be able to tell your dermatologist the following:
-
Medical conditions you have , including high blood pressure, heart disease, blood clots, migraines, or cancer
-
Medications you take
-
Supplements and other natural products you take
-
Surgeries youve had
-
Medical conditions of close blood relatives, including cancer, kidney disease, or heart disease
If the pill is an option for you, you will have your blood pressure taken to rule out high blood pressure. You dont need a Pap smear or pelvic exam before a dermatologist can prescribe the pill to treat acne.
Before your dermatologist prescribes spironolactone, you will need some blood tests.
If you begin hormonal therapy, you will need to keep follow-up visits with your dermatologist. Spironolactone requires that you gradually increase the dose, so youll need to see your dermatologist every 4 to 6 weeks when you start taking it.
Don’t Miss: Why Doesn’t Melatonin Work For Me
Can Hormonal Acne Cause Scarring
Many individuals with deep, painful cystic and nodular acne know that it can cause significant scarring. However, Dr. Stigall told us, generally, hormonal acne does not cause scarring, unlike teenage acne, but it certainly can, especially if manipulated. This is why its crucial that you do not try to pop any blemishes at home!
What Is The Best Treatment For Teenage Acne
Its often hard to pinpoint a specific timeline for anything health-related, especially for physical changes that are linked with puberty, growth, and aging. Your body and genetic makeup have their own unique timetable for all these processes. Its necessary to point out that we dont necessarily outgrow acne, but the nature and type of acne will change for most over time. Acne treatments may include:
Read Also: Can Tou Overdose On Melatonin
Choose Your Clothing Carefully
Men experiencing hormonal acne on their back and chest should be particularly careful about what clothing they choose to wear, especially when theyre working out. Aim to have a soft, cotton layer closest to your skin to avoid extra irritation in these sensitive areas.
If you believe that sweat is contributing to your acne, look for moisture-wicking fabrics when choosing your workout gear.
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.
Don’t Miss: Supplements For Female Hormone Balance
Hormonal Therapy For Adult Women With Acne
Treatment for acne in adult women is the same as for other people. Further options include hormone therapy.
These include the contraceptive pill as it can help to clear acne in women. Those approved by the FDA contain ethinyl estradiol.
An oral contraceptive can be used alone or with an anti-androgen medication.
Oral contraceptive pills should not be used by those with certain health conditions.
These include:
Hi! Im Jessica Gremley, Founder and CEO of Natural Acne Clinic. This blog post is a personal one for me as it took 15 years of education and research to figure out how to clear my own hormonal acne.
I launched NAC out of my passion to share the truth about acne and how hormonal acne can be treated naturally. With each client we serve, my hope is to debunk misleading myths and incorrect information about how hormonal acne can be cleared once and for all because I was able to do it for myself.
When we consume the wrong information, we often think the natural approach will not be as effective as a more harsh treatment like Accutane. Not true!
Harsh topicals, birth control pills, and pharmaceuticals can destroy the body from the inside out and are not the only option. Honestly, these are pretty old-school approaches that dont consider the whole body as we do at NAC.
What Is The Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne
The best face washes for hormonal acne are those containing gentleexfoliating ingredients such as papain¹,lactobionic acid² and alpha hydroxy acids ⴠor beta hydroxy acid .
Papain is a papaya fruit enzyme. It acts to exfoliate by releasing the bonds holding dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. This allows them to be gently removed.
As well as this, lactobionic acid also acts as a gentle exfoliator. As well as being an exfoliator, it is also a humectant, which means it has effective moisturising properties. Since it is more gentle than regular acids, it is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Furthermore, AHAs such as lactic acid increase cell turnover, and help to remove dead skin cells on the epidermis. This makes them great for targeting acne. AHAs smooth skin texture, diminish fine lines, and fade dark spots. Exfoliating with AHAs helps to loosen and remove clogged pores. On top of this, continued use of products containing AHAs may also prevent future clogs from forming.
BHAS are also great for acne-prone skin as they can penetrate deep into the skin. They have the ability to bypass the oils on the skin to effectively dissolve the sebum and dead skin which clog pores and cause acne. As well as this, BHAs also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
All of the above exfoliating ingredients are also excellent in reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Recommended Reading: How To Increase Your Cortisol Levels
How Stress Affects Hormonal Acne
No matter what type of stress were talking about, they all activate our stress response system aka HPA axis .
Theres a lot that the HPA axis does, but for the sake of simplicity, were going to focus on just one aspect: the adrenals.
When were stressed, the adrenals release anti-inflammatory hormones, such as cortisol.
As cortisol increases a bunch of other processes are triggered. These processes can end up contributing to acne. Below is a brief overview of how that can happen.
1. Excess oil production
During stressful times, the adrenal glands stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum.
This means more oil on your skin. Long term, this can worsen clogged pores, and make each pimple larger and more painful .
2. Gut Dysfunction
Blood flow to the gut is reducedwhen theres a lot of stress.
Since blood carries nutrients, this means that chronic stress leads to chronically reduced blood flow to the gut.
And with less nutrients going to the gut, inflammatory conditions like leaky gut and gut dysbiosis develop.
This is majorly important for acne because some studies show that people who struggle with acne have less diverse gut bacteria than people who dont .
3. Hormonal imbalances
When were stressed, we need more glucose in the blood as a source of energy.
And interestingly, as cortisol increases, it prevents insulin from doing its job .
This increase in androgens triggers inflammation which leads to increased sebum production, clogged pores, added stress and so on.
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.
Dont Miss: What Does Differin Gel Do For Acne
Don’t Miss: How Can I Raise My Estrogen Levels Quickly
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.
Why Do Some Adults Have Acne
Although the hormonal fluctuations that cause acne are most common during the teen years, they can also affect adults. Women may experience hormonal swings during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause that result in acne breakouts.
Acne can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and steroid drugs. Some people may also have a genetic predisposition to acne. One study found that 50% of adults with acne had a parent, sibling, or child with acne.
Don’t Miss: How Many Milligrams Of Melatonin Should An Adult Take
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 dont work for you, get a doctors 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.
Its tempting, but popping or squeezing a usually wont 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 youre 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, theres 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 dont 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.