What is Hormonal Acne? 

Hormonal acne forms on our face, back, chest and you know — everywhere. People suffering from hormonal acne literally struggle against themselves because their bodies are sending them warning signals for a reason. Hormonal acne is a symptom of an underlying hormonal imbalance. 

The hormonal changes that cause hormonal acne are very complex. They affect the way your body produces oil (sebum) and sweat.  The combination of the extra oil and the clogged pores cause pimples, blackheads and whiteheads on the face.

Hormonal acne may be caused by hormonal changes like the ones that occur during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, adolescence, perimenopause, menopause, etc. 

Symptoms and Causes of Hormonal Acne

During puberty, hormonal acne can often be seen in the T-zone of the face. But with adults, hormonal acne is typically seen on the lower part of the face. This includes the bottom of your cheeks and around your jawline.

Hormonal acne can take different forms ranging from blackheads, whiteheads to pimples and cysts.

Hormonal acne may be caused by some hormonal triggers that include menstruation, PCOS, menopause, increased androgen levels, etc. Other causes include changing hormone levels in your body, which may be related to puberty, pregnancy, ovulation, diet or tension.

These hormones can aggravate the condition of your skin by increasing skin inflammation, clogged skin cells in hair follicles, production of acne-causing bacteria, etc.

Home Remedies for Hormonal Acne

Women experience a wide range of skin problems ranging from facial breakouts to hormonal breakouts.

One of the most common skin problems that women face is acne. Acne can be a result of different factors that trigger excess sebum production. While acne can be a serious problem that causes embarrassment, inflammation and pain, it can also be an indication of an underlying health problem. It is therefore important to understand what causes hormonal acne and how to treat them at home.

Acne is one of the biggest concerns for many people and the majority of them resort to spending too much money on products and medications to treat the problem. 

There are countless products in the market on which you can easily spend hefty amounts but to no avail, which is why it’s time we start looking at home remedies that would help us fight acne in a natural way.

1. Vitamin C is an important component of any skin care regimen. Vitamin C has antibacterial properties that are essential for healing acne pimples fast. You can make a face mask out of vitamin C powder by mixing it with equal parts of water or milk. Apply on the affected areas and rinse after 15 minutes.

2. Green tea is proven to be beneficial for all kinds of skin problems, including acne breakouts. Take some green tea leaves, brew them into a strong cup of tea and apply the warm solution to the affected area using a clean cotton ball.

3. To balance hormones, you need to keep a check on your diet. Some evidence suggests that a person can reduce or prevent acne breakouts by consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, fewer dairy products, and fewer foods with a high glycemic index. This hormonal acne diet can help in balancing hormones and prevent further breakouts.

4. Quick skin care tips: Wash your face at least twice a day and apply no more than a pea-size amount of any acne product. Applying too many different types of skin products can make your condition worse. Also, do not forget to wear sunscreen every day. Yes! Even if you are not stepping out, you need to wear sunscreen. Avoid using comedogenic products to reduce your risk of clogged pores.

Medical Treatments for Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is caused by changes in hormones. Both men and women can develop hormonal acne. The main type of hormones involved in causing acne are male hormones, specifically androgens that include testosterone. Androgens are male lovemaking hormones. Androgenic hormones control the growth of skin cells called keratinocytes in the skin.

There are many options available for those who suffer from hormonal acne, but the most effective treatments are prescription medications, over-the-counter lotions, pills or topical treatments. While each one has its benefits, not all are ideal for all acne sufferers. 

Some of the most common treatments for hormonal acne include contraceptive pills, retinoids, anti-androgen drugs, etc.

A lot of other products claim they will work, but end up making things worse. That’s why it’s important to choose a product that offers multiple acne-fighting ingredients. 

Take Away

Acne is the worst nightmare of every teenager and young adult. It leaves scars if not taken care of on time. Hormonal changes in your body can be one of the reasons behind pimples on your face. Hormonal acne is often found on the forehead, chin, cheeks or jaw. 

Hormonal acne, also known as adult acne, occurs when excess androgens - or male hormones - cause an overproduction of skin cells called sebum. These excess hormones can be caused by a number of things such as tension, puberty and pregnancy. Women who struggle with hormonal acne may notice it flaring up around the menstrual cycle.