You slept last night and woke up with a pimple popping up on your face! It would make you feel angry and depressed. Isn’t it? This could be hormonal acne. Hormonal acne could appear as common forms of acne, such as whiteheads, or more severe types of acne, such as nodules and cysts. Let us delve into and learn more about hormonal acne and various ways to deal with it.
What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is a common teenage skin problem that persists in adulthood. Typically, hormonal acne is characterized by acne around the jawline and cheeks, whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts, oily skin, sensitivity, and inflammation. It is most common in women.
According to a 2008 study, around 50% of women between the ages of 20 to 29 and 25% of women between the ages of 40 to 49 have acne. (1) Hormonal acne is associated with the overproduction of sebum (an oily substance in skin glands), which clogs pores, resulting in pimples. In general, hormonal acne breakouts would appear on the lowest part of the face, including the cheeks and jawline, or on your neck, shoulders, chest, and back.
What Causes Hormonal Acne?
Most commonly, breakouts happen when the oil glands in the skin become more sensitive to androgens, which are a group of hormones. This has been stated by Dr. Natalia Spierings, a consultant dermatologist and author of “Skintelligent: What You Really Need to Know to Get Good Skin.”
Oil production is increased in the skin because androgens drive the enlargement of oil glands. Everyone has some level of androgens, and these increase during puberty. However, some women are more sensitive to these androgens throughout their lives than others, and hormone sensitivity also changes as we age.
At times, lifestyle choices can worsen this problem. Using multiple skin care products leads to this problem by irritating the skin, resulting in redness and acne.
Why do Adults get Hormonal Acne?
Several reasons can contribute to the occurrence of hormonal acne, even as adults. For instance, a 2020 study found that these hormonal acnes in women are most commonly triggered by sleep deprivation, hormonal changes during premenstruation, poor diet, use of makeup products, and stress. (2)
Is There Any Particular Age for Hormonal Acne?
As Spierings says, there is no age at which hormonal acne starts or stops. Every woman is different, and unfortunately, it cannot be predicted if or when a woman will develop hormonal acne. Some women never experience acne, while for others, hormonal acne continues into their later life.
“In my clinical experience, women having oily, acne-prone skin throughout their 20s and 30s continue to have it even after menopause,” Spierings says.
How to Deal with Hormonal Acne?
Though usually unavoidable, hormonal acne can be treated to manage and prevent future breakouts from forming. Let us check below and be more learned about the various ways to deal with hormonal acne.
1. Try One Treatment at a Time
It’s obvious that there are plenty of acne treatments available on the market today; some of them are also available over the counter. However, it does not mean that you should try these multiple treatments at once.
It is good not to overload the skin with multiple treatments for hormonal acne at one time. Speirings says, “Start with salicylic acid 2% in a lotion, which is non-irritating. You can use this for a few weeks and see if you notice any change for good.”
Some additional options include benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, adapalene, and beta hydroxyl acid.
2. Visit a Dermatologist
Sometimes our skin can affect our quality of life. If this is the same with you, if you are overly concerned about getting the hormonal acne, then without any further delay, visit a dermatologist and get a definitive treatment plan.
3. Try Hormonal Birth Control
Sometimes, hormonal birth control could offer relief from the acne. The contraceptive pill may be a worthwhile treatment for acne. However, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using them.
Various Other Ways to Clear up Hormonal Acne Without Taking Medication for it
You should check your diet. Incorporate a diet that limits refined sugar and alcohol. Additionally, manage stress, get restful sleep, and wash your face enough to help manage hormonal acne. However, trying these ways won’t always be enough for everyone. You must try using prescribed topical creams and medications.
Conclusion
Experiencing hormonal acne in your 20s or 30s could be frustrating. However, what’s the better news is that there are multiple ways you can manage it. You can feel good about your skin at any age once you take the prescribed treatment and accept your skin.
