Have you also found yourself staring in the mirror at a huge zit on your face and wondering why, why, why? If you suffer from hormonal acne, you'll relate to it! It's inconvenient to deal with sudden eruptions, but you can easily avoid them by taking good care of your skin. Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments that can help you achieve clear, beautiful skin. So, let's get started and say goodbye to those pesky pimples once and for all! 

What is hormonal acne? 

As the name suggests, it's acne that's caused due to fluctuations in your hormones, resulting in sudden breakouts of acne. They are most commonly seen in adolescents, but they have been documented in adults as old as 50. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in levels of estrogen and progesterone, can lead to the development of acne. Additionally, high levels of stress can trigger the release of the hormone cortisol, which can also contribute to the formation of acne. An allergic reaction to new skincare or makeup product, a sudden change in diet due to eating too much spicy or oily food, or even changes in the environment can trigger hormonal acne.

What are the causes of Hormonal acne?

Some of the most common causes of hormonal acne include:

• PCOS- Excessive generation of male hormones leads to acne among PCOS patients.
• Stress- Hormones fluctuate when you are stressed, leading to hormonal acne.
• Menopause- Several hormone productions are naturally diminished, causing a disbalance.
• Medications- Some medicines, like birth control pills, can disrupt the usual hormonal balance.

How to know if you have hormonal acne?

Distinguishing hormonal acne from other types of acne can be challenging. However, there are specific characteristics of hormonal acne that can help to identify it. These may include certain symptoms that are not typically present with other forms of acne. You can recognize the signs easily by observing the following:

• Excess sebum- Overproduction of sebum happens due to hormonal fluctuations. This, in turn, clogs the pores and leads to hormonal acne.
• Area-specific breakout- Hormonal acne tends to appear the most in T-zone, jawline, and cheeks.
• Periodical breakout- When you get acne in a specific pattern and at regular interval, it is indicative that they are caused by hormonal changes.
• Painful cysts- Hormonal acne can appear as painful cysts. They have a sac-like pocket filled with pus. They are rooted deeper in the skin and hence get painful.

How to treat hormonal acne?

Luckily, dealing with hormonal acne is all about using the correct products and having a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips that are the most effective hormonal acne treatment.  

• Use Salicylic acid  

Exfoliating with Salicylic acid can be an effective way to combat acne. It helps to remove dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reduce inflammation and excess oil production. Salicylic acid is available in a variety of forms, including gels, creams, ointments, and soaps. A spot treatment gel containing salicylic acid can also help to decrease sebum production, leading to fewer breakouts.

• Use Retinol 

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is considered an effective treatment for acne. It works by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reducing signs of ageing. Retinol serums can unclog pores and reduce oil production. Use a serum that contains encapsulated retinol; that fights signs of ageing 2X faster than other retinol, giving you firmer and more radiant skin without any purging.

• Wash with a gentle cleanser 

Cleansing at least twice a day is essential to prevent hormonal acne. The excess sebum gets washed away before they clog the pores. But make sure to use a cleanser that doesn’t strip off the natural oils of your skin. A mild yet effective cleanser like the Foxtale Daily Duet Cleanser is the perfect solution to keep your skin hydrated while cleansing. The presence of ingredients like Vitamin B5 promotes faster healing of skin which helps in reducing acne and blemishes over time. 

• Protect with sunscreen

To make sure your skin is well protected from the sun and free radical damage, incorporate an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum with sunscreen. A matte finish sunscreen can be an ideal choice for those with acne-prone skin as it helps to control excess oil production. Such sunscreens typically contain ingredients like Niacinamide that can help regulate the production of oil and UVA & UVB filters, which protect against harmful UV rays. This will help to protect your skin and prevent further breakouts. 

• Avoid stress

The last thing you need to hear from someone is, “Don’t take stress”. But if it helps to know, stress and hormonal acne often go hand in hand. When under stress, the body releases the hormone cortisol, which can cause an increase in oil production, resulting in more pimples, oiliness, and inflammation. To combat this, it's essential to be aware of your stress levels and take steps to manage them. This can include practices such as meditation and taking regular breaks to relax and unwind. By reducing stress, you can help to reduce the severity of your hormonal acne.

• Follow a healthy diet 

While the idea of grabbing cheesy fries doesn’t sound bad, the effect it has on your skin definitely is. Eating a diet high in processed foods, oil and spices can worsen acne. To promote clear skin, it's essential to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet and to limit or avoid junk foods. Staying hydrated by drinking sufficient water throughout the day is also crucial for maintaining healthy skin. By making these dietary changes, you can help to reduce inflammation and improve the overall health of your skin.

The conclusion 

Acne, whether it's the regular kind or the hormonal type — can feel like a never-ending battle. But don't let it defeat you! With a tailored skincare routine, you can tackle breakouts at the root level. If you still have concerns related to hormonal acne, consulting a dermatologist can help you develop a long-term plan to clear and maintain your skin. So don't give up, let's work together to defeat those breakouts and achieve the clear, radiant skin you deserve. 

FAQs

1.Where does hormonal acne show up?

Hormonal acne typically appears on the lower portion of the face, including the jawline, chin, and around the mouth. This occurs due to hormonal fluctuations in the body, which leads to increased oil production in certain areas of the face.

2.How to clear up hormonal acne fast? 

To clear up hormonal acne quickly, it's important to follow a consistent skincare routine that includes using a combination of topical retinoids and salicylic acid, managing stress levels, and avoiding the urge to pick or squeeze pimples. If the problem persists, it's recommended to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.

3.Does hormonal acne go away?

Hormonal acne can be a chronic condition and may come and go depending on individual hormone levels, stress levels, and other factors. But don’t stress! It can be managed with a consistent skincare routine, a healthy diet, stress management, and consulting a dermatologist if needed.