Did you know that acne can be a side effect of your hormones? So, if you’ve recently had a big change in your life, like starting university or commencing a new job as an adult, it might be why you are suffering from persistent breakouts. Acne caused by hormones is also known as ‘adult acne’ because it usually occurs in people who have entered their 20s or 30s.
Hormonal acne is not just about blemishes but rather about the root cause of them. While pimples only appear on the skin surface, hormonal acne goes deeper into the skin and can lead to more severe conditions such as cystic acne. Let’s take a look at what hormonal acne is, how to deal with it and why it happens.
What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is acne caused by changes in the levels of hormones in your body. These hormones control your growth and development, your menstrual cycle and your metabolism. There are certain times when your body naturally has higher levels of certain hormones, and this is when hormonal acne is more likely to occur. Hormonal acne can occur at any time of your life, even when you’re a teenager.
However, it’s more likely to occur when you’re older. This is because your hormone levels naturally decrease as you age. Hormonal acne can affect anyone, no matter what your skin type is.
However, hormonal acne is often more severe and last longer in people with oily skin. This is because oil clogs your pores and leads to breakouts. Hormonal acne is also more problematic in people with sensitive skin, as it is more likely to turn into an infection.
How Does Hormonal Acne Happen?
The hormones that regulate oil production in your body are androgens, progesterone, estrogen and the thyroid hormone. When these hormones fluctuate due to stress, diet and lifestyle factors, they can cause the sebaceous glands under the skin to go into overdrive. This leads to excess oil production that clogs the pores, causing dead skin cells to build up, form new blemishes and lead to cystic acne.
Hormonal acne is not just about blemishes but rather about the root cause of them. While pimples only appear on the skin surface, hormonal acne goes deeper into the skin and can lead to more severe conditions such as cystic acne.
Signs of Hormonal Acne
Red and inflamed acne spots – A hormonal acne outbreak will cause red and inflamed acne spots. This can be small around the mouth or forehead, or on the cheeks. Other people may not notice these breakouts because they are on the inside of the skin.
Hormonal breakouts that last longer than usual – Hormonal acne usually lasts longer than regular acne. It can take longer to heal, even up to a couple of months.
Facial and/or back acne – Hormonal acne is more common on the face and back, rather than on the chest.
Spots that are under the skin – Hormonal acne is more severe than regular acne. The spots that appear on the skin are often not the only problem. Other acne is often under the skin, and can lead to more severe conditions such as cystic acne.
How to Deal With Hormonal Acne?
There are many ways to deal with hormonal acne, including the following:
– Finding out your trigger points: Keep a diary to track when you get breakouts. This will help you find out the cause of your breakouts, be it stress, excessive oil production, or certain foods.
– Keeping your skin clean: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubs, pumice stones and exfoliators, as they can cause more damage to your skin.
– Using a toner: Toners help clean your pores and balance your skin’s pH levels.
– Applying salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide: These are acne-fighting agents that help reduce acne.
– Exfoliating your skin: Exfoliation is an essential part of skincare. However, you need to know when and how to do it.
– Wearing sunscreen: Hormonal acne can cause your skin to become extra sensitive to sunlight. You must wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
– Eating a healthy diet: A diet high in sugar and salt can trigger acne breakouts. Reduce your intake of sweets and salty foods. Instead, eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
– Getting enough sleep: Get at least seven hours of sleep every day. Sleep deprivation can cause hormonal changes that lead to acne breakouts.
– Using face masks: Face masks can be a great way to reduce acne and other skin problems.
– Talking to your doctor: If the above-mentioned tips don’t work for you, talk to your doctor and get some medication.
Conclusion
Hormonal acne is a real thing that can have a significant impact on your confidence. You don’t have to let it get the better of you, though. Use these tips to prevent, treat, and speed up the healing of hormonal acne. With a little bit of patience, you can get back to living your best life, acne-free.
