As the name suggests, hormonal acne is a type of acne caused by hormone fluctuation during puberty. Although it doesn’t need to happen at the teenage only, Adults are also affected by it. In addition, it’s widespread in women. Several factors may pave the way to this, including menstruation and menopause, but the question worth a million-dollar is how to get rid of hormonal acne.
As per an estimate, 50% of women ages 20 to 29 and 25% of women have acne in 40 to 49. There are different opinions about acne in adults. According to some experts, acne in adults aren’t generally due to hormonal imbalance; even if it comes, there might be some underlying medical conditions along with it.
While some other expert says, adults with acne may not have any “measurable” hormone issues. This can make diagnosis and treatment challenging.
Characteristics Of Hormonal Acne
It mostly appears in the T zone, i.e., the area around the forehead, nose and chin during puberty. Hormonal adult acne usually forms on the lower part of your face, including the bottom of the cheeks and around the jawline.
For some people, hormonal acne can be in any form, like whiteheads, blackheads, and small pimples on your head, or cysts. Cysts are the form of acne that form deep under your skin and don’t come out on the surface. Due to invasions of hormones, hormonal acne can occur, and these invasions can be from:
- Menstruation
- Menopause
- polycystic ovarian syndrome
- increased androgen levels
The fluctuations in the hormones may worsen acne problem by increasing:
- Oil (sebum) production in the pores
- Complete skin inflammation
- Production of propionibacterium acnes the acne-causing bacteria
- Clogged skin cells in the hair follicles
Menopausal Acne
We often come up with questions like, “Is menopausal acne a form of hormonal acne?”
Many women experience menopause in the 40s and 50s, which causes a natural decline in reproductive hormones that means the end of their menstruation. Some women may experience acne during menopause due to an increase in androgen hormones or a drop in estragon levels.
Read Related: How to Prevent Pimples?
Menopausal acne can also occur if you’re using hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) for easing your menopause symptoms. The reason behind it is that some HRTs use an influx of the hormone progestin for replacing the progesterone and estragon that your body loses. Due to the introduction of this hormone in your system, your skin may break out.
Generally, prescription medication can help you get rid of hormonal acne caused during menopause. Speak with our Meddo partnered dermatologist regarding how to treat menopausal acne.
Traditional Ways To Get Rid Of Hormonal Acne
Treat mild acne by using over-the-counter products or consult your dermatologist if your hormonal acne is in the form of cystic bumps. These cystic bumps are formed deep under your skin which is way beyond the reach of topical medications.
Oral medications work from the inside out that will balance your hormones and clear up your skin. These medications include anti-androgen drugs and oral contraceptives.
Oral contraceptives used for treating acne contain ethinylestradiol and drospirenone or norgestimate or norethindrone. These ingredients target those hormones which are responsible for acne.
Oral contraceptives might not be the right option for you. However, if you have a history of high blood pressure, breast cancer and blood clots, oral contraceptives are the right way to get rid of hormonal acne. Even you shouldn’t take medications if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Anti-Androgen Drugs
Androgens hormones regulate the development of sex characteristics, and people with male sex characteristics have higher levels of androgens. At the same time, people born with female characteristics have lower levels of androgens and higher levels of estrogens.
There is a natural level of this hormone in men and women. However, too much androgen bring out acne by interfering with hair follicles that regulates your skin cells and increases oil production. Anti-androgen drugs work after decreasing the male hormone androgen.
Spironolactone drug is used for treating high blood pressure, and its anti-androgen effects prevent your body from producing more androgen and helps in stabilizing your hormone levels.
Retinoids
Topical retinoids are derived from vitamin A that are helpful to treat hormonal acne that to a mild one. Many retinoid gels, creams, and lotions are available; however, see your doctor for the prescription-strength formulation as the prescribed product will keep your skin clear.
If you are adding topical retinoid to your daily regimen, don’t forget to apply sunscreen as the retinoids increase the risk of sunburn.
How To Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally At Home?
Some home remedies are helpful to treat mild hormonal acne and get you clear skin. These remedies might have little to no side effects, but they are not as effective as the prescribed ones.
Research on natural options is deficient, and at this time, nothing has been proven to produce results. Consult your doctor before starting a natural remedy to treat hormonal acne to ensure these remedies won’t interact with your medications.
Tea Tree Oil
Using tea tree oil, you can get rid of hormonal acne to decrease inflammation related to acne. A study shows that 5% of topical tea tree oil can relieve symptoms in people with mild to moderate acne.
Tea tree oil is used in many skincare products, such as cleansers and toners. It can also be used for spot acne treatment. However, before using its dilute the tea tree oil with any carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, and olive. Generally, 12 drops of carrier oil are mixed with one drop of essential oil. Make sure to do a patch test before applying the mixture to your face.
Read Related: Best Essential Oils for Acne
Alpha Hydroxy Acid
AHAs are plant acids derived from citrus fruits that can help remove excess dead skin cells clogging your pores and minimize the appearance of your acne scars.
In many OTC masks and creams, you can find AHA and since they are skin sensitive, wear sunscreen while using AHA products to get rid of hormonal acne.
Green Tea
This tea is known to decrease inflammation in your body. For good results, you should drink green tea per day apart from practicing your topical skincare regimen. Even if your lotions and gels contain at least 2% green tea extract, it is beneficial.
Hormonal Acne Diet Plan: Do’s And Don’ts
No evidence is there that proves that there is a link between your diet and acne. However, there are some foods such as inflammation-fighting foods that help to get rid of hormonal acne.
Plant-based foods that are high in antioxidants help reduce inflammation and promote clearer skin. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known for decrease]ing skin inflammation. Remember, consumption of junk food alone doesn’t cause acne, but overconsumption can cause acne. The hormonal acne diet plan is incomplete without avoiding dairy products, refined carbs, sugar and red meats. Apart from there, you should maintain a daily skincare routine.
Key Takeaway
Remember hormonal acne varies from person to person; even their occurrence, the timeline varies. It usually takes 8-10 week for acne treatment to show results. However, to get rid of hormonal acne, you must consult Meddo dermatologist and recommend the best regimen to treat it completely.
