Hormonal acne, also called adult acne, causes pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts on the face, shoulders, back, and chest. It affects adults between the ages of 20 and 50 and is caused by excess sebum in the skin’s oil glands.
The condition affects both women and men, but it mainly affects women, including pregnant women and those going through menopause. About 80% of women are affected by it at some point in their lives, with almost 50% of women in their 20s and 25% in their 40s experiencing it.
Acne of any type is caused by clogged pores. Hormonal acne is caused by hormonal changes in the body that increase the oil production in your skin. The combination of oil and dead skin cells create clogs in the pores. Bacteria is also present in your pores and can lead to skin irritation and the pimples and other telltale signs of acne.
Changes That Can Be Controlled
Taking care of your general health, avoiding too much stress, and getting plenty of sleep are ways you can control your hormones and reduce your symptoms.
Taking care of your skin and using hair and skin products that won’t clog your pores is another way to reduce the chances of a hormonal acne outbreak.
If you’re not getting enough needed nutrients, acne of any type can become worse. If you suffer from hormonal acne, try to eat foods containing the following vitamins and ingredients:
- Antioxidants
- Biotin
- Curcumin
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
Changes in Hormone Levels That Can’t Be Controlled
As women experience menstrual periods, pregnancy, menopause or after discontinuing birth control, their hormone levels can vary widely. Women and men going through the hormonal changes of puberty are known to be particularly susceptible to acne. Men undergoing testosterone treatment can also have hormone levels that are uncontrollable.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
There are several pre-existing medical conditions that can lead to hormonal acne outbreaks, including:
- A family medical history can indicate a genetic predisposition to an excess of sebum, leading to recurrent hormonal acne outbreaks.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that causes excess hair growth, infertility, irregular menstrual periods, and acne.
- Certain ovarian and metabolic conditions can also lead to outbreaks of hormonal acne.
- Hyperandrogenism occurs when a person has an overabundance of androgens, which are the sex hormones that help start puberty and help regulate body development and reproductive health. Hyperandrogenism can also cause hormonal acne.
What Are the Symptoms of Hormonal Acne?
The symptoms of hormonal acne are generally the same as normal and fungal acne symptoms They include:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Cysts (fluid-filled pockets beneath the skin)
- Papules (raised skin tissue, 2-5 mm in diameter)
- Pustules (raised pus-filled skin bumps, 2-4 mm in diameter)
They appear on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back.
What is the Treatment for Hormonal Acne?
There are different treatments for different symptoms. These include:
- Whiteheads and blackheads are treated with a topical cream called Tretinoin.
- Cystic acne is treated with steroid injections consisting of intralesional triamcinolone.
- Moderate to severe acne is treated with antibiotics in addition to a retinoid called isotretinoin.
- Inflammatory acne (red, swollen, and painful symptoms) is treated with a topical retinoid in addition to a topical antibiotic and/or benzoyl peroxide.
Other Hormonal Acne Treatments
There are other treatments for hormonal acne that have proved to be beneficial. The first step is to develop a daily habit of thorough skin cleansing. Effective stress management and adopting a diet rich in omega-3s, low-glycemic and probiotic foods also help reduce hormonal acne.
Visit Nirunda Clinic for Effective Skin Treatments
Effective advanced hormonal acne treatments in Bangkok at Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic include laser therapy and chemical peels. Our board-certified, experienced dermatologists will provide an accurate diagnosis and design a personalized treatment plan that effectively manages and provides relief from your skin condition. Our state-of-the-art technology and medical experience can help you manage your hormonal acne. Book a consultation with our dermatologists today.
