What Is Hormonal Acne And How To Deal With It The Best Way?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can cause whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers but affects people of all ages. There are effective acne treatments, but acne can be stubborn.

Pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one starts to go away, the others appear suddenly. Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The sooner treatment is started, the lower the risk of such problems.

What Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is a common skin condition caused by hormone levels fluctuations. It is often triggered by stress, lack of sleep, use of oily skin products, and certain medications. Women are particularly prone to hormonal acne due to the fluctuations of Estrogen and Progesterone, which vary widely throughout the menstrual cycle. The ratio of these hormones to each other can affect women’s testosterone levels, which can be a causative factor in hormonal acne.

Pregnancy or the menstrual cycle can also trigger acne, and falling estrogen levels around menopause may increase the risk of acne. Other hormones, such as Androgens, can also contribute to the development of hormonal acne. These hormones cause changes in the skin and directly drive inflammation, leading to the appearance of bumps, blemishes, and even cystic acne.

Other Causes Of Hormonal Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages and can cause physical and psychological distress. While it is often associated with teenagers going through puberty, hormonal acne can also affect adults between the ages of 20 and 50. Hormones play a significant role in the development of acne, as they can cause an increase in the production of oil, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Various factors can trigger hormonal changes, including stress, lack of sleep, certain medications, and metabolic conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormonal imbalances may also contribute to acne in adults with underlying medical conditions. In addition, certain medications, such as testosterone treatment in men, birth control pills, and steroids, can make skin more vulnerable to acne.

Hygiene is another factor that can contribute to hormonal acne, as heavy sweat can clog pores and cause breakouts. Bacterial issues are also an underlying medical condition that can lead to hormonal acne, as clogged pores can become infected. Ultimately, the initial cause of acne is likely hormonal, but bacterial concerns, hygiene, and other environmental factors can compound the issue.

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The Effect Of Age On Hormonal Acne

It is estimated that 40-50% of the adult population between the ages of 20 and 40 have some form of acne. Hormone replacement therapy can also cause perimenopausal hormonal acne, even if it is used to deal with the symptoms of aging. As we age, our Estrogen levels often decline, leading to fewer hormones to suppress the effects of male hormones. This decrease in Estrogen can lead to an increase in oil production, thicker oil, larger pores, and more acne.

Additionally, hormonal imbalances may lead to acne in adults with underlying medical conditions. Women who smoke also seem more prone to acne, and changes in hormones, including those brought on by pregnancy and menstruation, can trigger excess oil. Hormonal acne can occur at any stage of an adult’s life and is often seen around the jawline, cheeks, and areas around the lips. Though often unavoidable, hormonal acne can be treated to prevent future breakouts.

How To Deal With Hormonal Acne?

• Make changes to your lifestyle to reduce stress, sleep better and eat healthier.
• Use skincare products that won’t clog pores.
• Use skincare products that treat acne.
• Discuss treatment options for stubborn acne with your doctor.
• If your hormonal acne is mild, you can use topical retinoids.
• Use Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can help remove excess dead skin cells that clog pores and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
• Try over-the-counter acne products to dry excess oil and promote exfoliation.
• Protect your skin from the sun.
• Avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the skin.
• Avoid touching or picking acne-prone areas.
• Antioxidant-rich plant foods can help reduce inflammation and promote clearer skin.
• Eat food that contain Omega-3 fatty acids as it reduces skin inflammation.

Conclusion

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can cause whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Hormonal acne is most common among teenagers but affects people of all ages. It is often triggered by stress, lack of sleep, use of oily skin products and certain medications.