Hormonal Acne – Why Meee and How Do I Treat it?
Everyone will experience acne at some point in their lifetime. Wether it’s in your 30s or your teens, it’s never a fun experience! In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about hormonal acne.
So, What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne, is usually known simply, as acne. Although, the term “hormonal acne” is used frequently because its a type of acne that fluctuates in relation to the levels of hormones in the body. The risen levels of hormones (androgens), such as testosterone, are what can trigger a higher sebum production. This type of acne is more common amongst teens and young adults that are going through puberty, but it can even affect women who are well into their 40s. This change in skin cell activity can cause inflammation and colonization of the hair follicles on the face and upper body by a bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). This can lead to acne.
How do I Know if I have Hormonal Acne?
There are a few ways to identify your acne. During puberty, acne will appear most often in the T-zone. This includes the forehead, nose and chin. Adult hormonal acne will usually appear lower on the face, around the lower cheeks and jawline. For some people, it takes the form of blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples that come to a head, or a cyst. Cysts form deep under the skin and don’t come to a head on the surface. These bumps are often tender to the touch.
Whats the Best Way to Treat it?
Most people who struggle with hormonal acne have tried over-the-counter treatments with no luck. Remember, it is always a good idea to visit your dermatologist before trying any treatments on acne. It’s especially crucial to see a dermatologist if you have deep or cystic pimples, because they could be a marker of something more serious, such as a thyroid condition or abnormal hormone levels. Dealing with acne can be tricky, but thankfully, acne is coming and there are many ways of treating it!
10 Natural Remedies:
- Seaweed (packed with necessary vitamins and minerals)
- Apple cider vinegar
How to use Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
- After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
- Let sit for 5–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.
- Zinc Supplements
- Make a Honey and Cinnamon Masque (rich in antioxidants)
How to use a Honey and Cinnamon Masque
- Mix 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together to form a paste.
- After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.
- Spot Treat With Tea Tree Oil
How to use Tea Tree Oil:
- Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.
- Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to affected areas.
- Apply moisturizer if desired.
- Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.
- Green Tea (as a drink or applied to skin, high in antioxidants)
- Witch Hazel
How to use Witch Hazel:
- Combine 1 tablespoon witch hazel bark and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.
- Soak witch hazel for 30 minutes and then bring the mixture to a boil on the stove.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain and store the liquid in a sealed container.
- Apply to clean skin using a cotton ball 1–2 times per day, or as desired.
- Moisturize With Aloe Vera
How to use Aloe Vera:
- Scrape the gel from the aloe plant out with a spoon.
- Apply gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
- Repeat 1–2 times per day, or as desired.
- Fish Oil Supplements
- Exfoliate Regularly
5 Chemical Remedies:
- Over-the-counter cleansers (with Salicylic or Glycolic acid and/or Probiotics)
- Topical retinoids
- Birth control
- Antiandrogen drugs
- Isotretinoin
Always Remember:
It is important to remember that acne is a common problem with a number of underlying causes. However, no two people are alike. A treatment that works for one person may not work for another. Conventional Treatments can be beneficial, but there is always a risk they will cause dryness, redness and/or irritation to the skin. Fortunately, many natural remedies can also be effective. The home remedies listed in this article may not work for everyone, but they might be worth a try. Nevertheless, you may want to consult a dermatologist about any treatments you may decide to use.
Sources:
https://www.self.com/story/hormonal-acne
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hormonal-acne