Hormonal Acne

Primary symptoms of hormonal acne depend on the location of the skin breakout, and the gender, age and lifestyle circumstances of the person who has them.

These outbreaks in adults show up in the T-zone and on lower cheeks and jawlines. Sometimes acne develops on the back, aptly called back acne. In pubescent women, symptoms of hormonal acne include hair loss and irregular periods that come along with skin breakout.

In teens, hormonal acne usually appears in their T-zone, which spans from eye to eye above the eyebrow and down the bridge of the nose, forming a “T.” It can also appear on the chin.

Hormonal acne can develop on your forehead, upper back and face — areas that have the most sebaceous glands. It is sometimes confused with fungal acne, a good reason to consult your dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis. With early diagnosis, you can have early treatment to prevent acne scars.

Hormonal acne stems from oil on your skin that increases because of changing hormone levels, particularly in women who are pregnant and have irregular periods. Although doctors often use birth control pills to treat acne, IUDs can cause it.

Medical studies show that consuming certain foods such as bread, chips and bagels can worsen acne. Acne and testosterone are connected. During puberty, testosterone production increases, often prompting teen acne. Other hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor-1, also play a role in teen acne.

Finally, acne can also be genetic, citing that if your family has a history of acne, you’re also likely to develop adult acne.

In fact, scrubbing your face too hard or using harsh chemicals can worsen the acne condition.

To bust some acne myths, eating greasy food and chocolate has little or no effect on acne. Likewise, dirty skin cannot cause acne.

Hormonal Acne and Pregnancy

Pregnant women often experience hormonal acne during their pregnancy because of the amount of hormone changes their bodies go through. During the first trimester, women experience a production surge of progesterone. The hormone usually increases the volume of sebum the body creates, triggering the start of an acne outbreak. Breakouts often continue until the baby arrives.

Acne doesn’t automatically develop during a pregnancy, but splotchy skin and pimples are more likely to crop up.

Because genetics often play a role in acne breakouts, newborns can arrive with, or quickly develop, a mild skin condition known as baby acne. This form of acne clears up on its own. It does not require medical addition and it does not lead to any scarring of the skin.

Because hormonal acne usually takes the form of cystic bumps, which form deep beneath your skin, most topical medications show little to no effectiveness. Oral contraceptives are suitable for acne treatment because they work from the inside out. These contraceptives may contain ingredients such as:

These ingredients target hormones that trigger acne. Oral contraceptives are among the hormonal therapies that can work. A dermatologist may also prescribe Spironolactone, which can treat deep-seated acne on the neck, lower face or jawline. Doctors advise pregnant women to avoid this medication.

Over-the-counter topical treatments can minimize mild adult acne in women. But as with teenager acne, doctors recommend treating hormonal acne based on the severity of the outbreak and skin type. Retinol, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are among the best topical OTC acne treatments.

Retinoids are especially effective for individuals with mild adult acne. The combination of niacinamide and retinol can also clear your skin and help with fine wrinkles.

When to See a Doctor for Hormonal Acne

While acne can clear within a few weeks, it’s essential to seek medical help as early as possible.

Cystic acne occurs deep below the skin, and the treatment itself can cause problems. At times, over-the-counter treatments and laser therapy might not yield results. It’s important to see a doctor before acne scarring develops.

Your dermatologist will consider family history, hormone levels and stress, among other factors, to give an effective treatment procedure.

Hormonal acne, especially in teens and pregnant women, is often unavoidable, but you can minimize the risk of more breakouts. Consider treatments that work well for your skin and acne type.

One recent study showed the combined use of plant preparations, lactic acid and ultrasound treatments with green-tea gel helped with excess sebum levels and reduced skin eruptions.

Ensure you make a lifestyle change by eating healthily, getting enough sleep and reducing stress. When it comes to skin care products, choose items that won’t clog your pores. Chemical products and treatments can also worsen your acne.

Adult acne can be painful, and it can negatively impact your confidence. But don’t give up working with a dermatologist to find a solution.