Hormonal Acne
Acne can be of various types, one of which is hormonal acne, which is caused due to hormonal imbalance in the body. Several factors give rise to hormonal acne that presents as painful, deep cysts, usually seen along the chin, neck, and jawline. It can also appear on other body parts, such as the back, chest, and upper arms.
Types of hormonal acne:
Hormonal acne entertains the following common types.
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Cysts
- Papules
- Pustules
What causes hormonal acne in women?
The leading cause behind regular acne breakouts is mainly clogged pores. In the case of hormonal acne, the hormonal changes tend to increase the amount of the skin’s production of oil. The excess oil reacts with the presence of bacteria on the pores of the skin, especially in the hair follicles, leading to acne. Below are the main causes of hormonal acne:
- Changing the levels of hormones in women
- Acne in one’s family history
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Using improper skin care products that are not meant for the skin type
- Side effects of a particular kind of medication
- Lack of sleep
- Undergoing testosterone treatment
How to treat hormonal acne?
Depending on the condition and severity of the acne, various treatment options can be adopted to decrease the oil production, inflammation, and formation of hormonal pimples:
- For treating whiteheads and blackheads, one can opt for topical creams such as tretinoin which can prove effective
- In the case of cystic acne, steroid injection is often recommended
- Benzoyl peroxide, retinoid, and antibiotics are helpful for inflammatory acne
- Oral contraceptives are another effective method of treating hormonal cystic acne
- Daily cleansing to keep the skin away from dirt and excess oil
- Following a healthy diet and lifestyle
Along with this following a proper hormonal acne skincare routine recommended by a dermatologist is also essential to secure the best results.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best hormonal acne treatment, talk with a dermatologist, who will suggest the best ways to stop hormonal acne. Using regular skin care products might not be suitable. Ask for recommendations on the best skin care products for hormonal acne, and implement them along with a healthy lifestyle to get effective results.
FAQs related to hormonal acne
1. Does hormonal acne ever go away?
Although hormonal acne tends to be a persistent condition, it can be treated with the right hormonal acne supplements and treatment plans. In most cases, hormonal acne often disappears on its own with the stabilisation of the levels of hormones. This happens in women post-menopause. However, it must be remembered that the effectiveness of hormonal imbalance acne treatment might vary from one individual to another; therefore, consulting a dermatologist would be the best option.
2. What can make hormonal acne worse?
Some risk factors that might worsen hormonal acne are as follows:
- Increased humidity
- Stress
- Picking the blemishes
- Pollution
- Unhealthy diet
3. How does hormonal acne affect my skin?
Hormonal acne affects your skin as it leads it towards frequent breakouts, which result in the appearance of bumps or lesions on the skin, making it inflamed, painful, and red. If left untreated, it results in scarring, which tends to be quite frustrating in the long run.
4. Is hormonal acne stress acne?
No, hormonal acne is not stress acne. The cause behind hormonal acne is mainly the fluctuations in the levels of hormones inside the body that enhances oil production. The excess production of oil leads to clogged pores that ultimately lead to acne breakouts.
Stress acne is entirely different as when our body experiences stress; it produces the cortisol hormone that increases the level of inflammation inside the body and, as a result, causes acne breakouts.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.