How Hormonal Changes Might Lead to Acne in Women

People of all ages and gender can experience acne, but it can be particularly challenging for women due to the influence of hormonal changes. Understanding the connection between hormones and acne is crucial for women in order to manage their skin concerns effectively. Let’s learn more about the hormonal acne causes, how hormonal changes impact the skin, the relationship between acne and the menstrual cycle and effective methods of managing hormonal breakouts.

What is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is a type of acne that is primarily caused by an imbalance in the hormonal levels. Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as increased androgen levels can lead to excess oil production, clogged pores and inflammation, resulting in acne breakouts. They usually look like deep, cystic lesions that occur mainly on the lower face, jawline and chin.

Hormonal Acne Causes

1. Menstrual Cycle

Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels in women during the menstrual cycle can make them vulnerable to increased sebum production and the development of hormonal acne on the cheeks and chin.

2. Hormonal Disorders

Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can be a potential hormonal acne cause as it triggers hormonal imbalance.

3. Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause significant shifts in hormone levels, triggering hormonal acne on the cheeks in some women.

4. Menopause

During menopause, there is a decrease in estrogen levels and an increase in androgen levels which can contribute to the development of hormonal acne on the cheeks. They can be controlled with a specialised hormonal acne diet and certain medications.

How hormonal changes affect your skin

1. Increased Sebum Production

Hormonal imbalances can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, leading to oily skin and clogged pores.

2. Inflammation

Hormonal fluctuations can trigger an inflammatory response in the skin, resulting in redness, swelling and the formation of acne.

3. Altered Skin Cell Turnover

Hormonal changes can disrupt the normal process of skin cell turnover, leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells.

Acne and menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle plays a significant role in the development and severity of acne in women. During the premenstrual phase, which occurs a few days before menstruation there is an increase in progesterone and a decrease in estrogen levels. These hormonal shifts can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, leading to oilier skin and clogged pores. As a result, women may experience an increased risk of acne breakouts during this phase. The actual menstrual phase itself can further aggravate acne. However, acne breakouts tend to gradually subside as hormone levels stabilise and the post-menstrual phase begins.

Treat Hormonal Acne With makeO skinnsi

The best way to deal with hormonal acne is to deeply understand its effects on the skin. Managing hormonal acne requires a holistic approach that addresses the underlying hormonal imbalances and supports the skin's health along with a specialised hormonal acne diet. You can only gain control over your skin’s health by implementing the right strategies and seeking appropriate hormonal acne treatments. Along with maintaining a consistent skincare routine and adopting a healthy lifestyle, incorporating targeted hormonal acne treatments can be beneficial in preventing and treating acne. makeO skinnsi offers a range of products and acne skin treatments. From products like Acne-Away Facial Kit to specialised Acne Treatment, you can find an appropriate solution to all your skin issues at makeO skinnsi. You can also book a free consultation with our dermatologists to understand your acne issues well. Once the issue is diagnosed, our skinnsi pros can also provide you with comfortable at-home acne treatments. Head to our website today!

FAQs

Can hormonal acne be cured?

While hormonal acne may not have a permanent cure, it can be effectively managed with appropriate skincare, lifestyle adjustments and certain targeted hormonal acne treatments.

Are there any specific skincare ingredients that help with hormonal acne?

Ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil can help address hormonal acne by reducing oiliness, unclogging pores and combating bacteria.

Can birth control pills help with hormonal acne?

Certain types of birth control pills that contain anti-androgen properties can be prescribed to help regulate hormone levels and reduce hormonal acne. But they should only be taken upon doctor’s prescription.

Can stress worsen hormonal acne?

Yes, stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances, potentially aggravating hormonal acne.

Is it advisable to pop hormonal acne?

No, popping or squeezing acne can lead to further inflammation, scarring, and potential infection. It is best to avoid this and seek professional advice for appropriate hormonal acne treatments.