Hormonal acne
Causes, symptoms and treatment
What is hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is a type of acne triggered by hormone fluctuations or imbalances. Although it’s more prevalent during puberty as a result of hormonal changes, hormonal acne can persist throughout adulthood.
Women are especially affected as they go through multiple hormonal changes during a lifetime, such as during menstruation and menopause.
Hormonal acne is typically found on the lower part of the face, including lower cheeks and jawline. However, it can develop on other body parts like the back or chest.
What causes hormonal acne?
The causes of hormonal acne revolve around hormonal fluctuations or imbalances brought about by an underlying condition, aging, or a repetitive event. These can include:
- Menstrual cycle
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Increased androgen levels
- Certain medications (e.g. lithium, steroids)
These hormonal changes can worsen the symptoms of acne, by increasing inflammation, sebum production, and bacteria spread.
There is also evidence linking acne to diet. Certain foods with a high glycemic index such as simple carbohydrates and sugary drinks can boost your blood sugar level which may affect hormones.
Hormonal acne symptoms
Skin lesions and breakouts
Hormonal acne skin lesions may take the form of whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules and, in more severe cases, nodules and cysts. These can appear along the jawline, or on the chest and back.
The skin will be bumpy, congested, and present with an overall dull appearance. In women, outbreaks may occur during around certain times of the month, such as when the menstrual cycle is due.
Inflammation
Hormonal changes can aggravate acne inflammation by increasing the production of an acne-causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes.
Without treatment, redness and irritation may persist indefinitely. Inflammation may display with painful cysts or nodules, especially on areas with higher seborrheic activity, such as the forehead.
Hormonal acne in women
Hormonal fluctuations occur throughout a woman’s life as part of sustaining fertility and aging. Adult acne in women is often hormonal, with outbreaks more likely to develop:
- at puberty
- around the time of menstruation
- during pregnancy
- around the time of menopause
- during periods of low estrogen levels
- as a result of an underlying condition such as Polycystic ovary syndrome
Hormonal acne treatments
Treatment for mild hormonal acne
If you have a mild case of hormonal acne, then over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments can prove to be efficient. Retinoids, natural acids (AHAs and BHAs) and benzoyl peroxide may help relieve the symptoms and minimise the appearance of acne scars. These can be purchased without a prescription.
In some cases, mild acne can also be addressed using natural remedies. Green tea and tea tree oil have anti-inflammatory properties, although there isn’t sufficient evidence to validate their efficiency against hormonal acne.
Treatment for moderate and severe acne
If you break out in cystic lesions and nodules, this means that your hormonal acne is more severe and topical medication won’t be enough to reach as deep into the skin. In such cases, oral medications and specialist treatments may be prescribed to address the root cause and symptoms:
- oral antibiotics
- oral contraceptives
- hormonal therapy
- lasers and blue light therapy
- chemical peels
When to see a dermatologist?
Consult your dermatologist if:
- The products you have tried haven’t worked
- You have severe acne lesions (painful cysts and nodules, or lots of papules and pustules on your face, chest and back)
- The risk of scarring is high – you have large cysts and /or may have observed acne scars from older lesions
- You’ve suffered from sudden breakouts – this could be the symptom of an underlying condition or hormonal imbalance
How to prevent hormonal acne?
Although there’s not much you can do to control your hormonal fluctuations, there are steps you can take to protect your skin against hormonal acne. These practical tips may help with the problem:
- Wash your face 1-2 times a day and after each workout using a gentle cleanser. You can find a selection of dermatologist-approved cleansers here.
- Use luke warm water when rinsing the skin to avoid heat irritation.
- Avoid rubbing or tugging at your skin and picking at your spots as this may increase the chance of acne scarring.
- Avoid makeup where possible or apply in light layers, using non-comedogenic mineral pigments.
- Avoid sun beds and wear a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to avoid sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
Acne treatment at sk:n
At sk:n, we treat 4,500 acne sufferers every year and know how much distress acne brings.
Regardless of the severity of your condition, we can help clients with all types of acne by providing bespoke solutions to suit their skin.
We have the largest network of expert doctors who are able to recommend highly effective treatments and products, as well as prescribe the right medication required.
At sk:n, we have the solutions to solve your acne concerns, for skin you love again.
From scientfically-formulated skincare for acne, to skin peels, we’ll recommend the right treatment plan for you.
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