How To Fix Hormonal Imbalance Causing Acne

What is Hormonal Acne? Hormonal Acne Treatment

Hormonal acne (also known as adult acne) is acne caused by genetic and hormonal factors that cause breakouts well past puberty and the teenage years. Hormonal acne occurs more often in women and is typically located on the lower part of the face. Breakouts happen along the jawline, the chin, and the perioral region (the area surrounding the mouth). The breakouts consist of inflammatory lesions, cysts, whiteheads, and blackheads.

Genetics

When it comes to adult acne, genes have proven to play a role in its existence. Genetics influence the number, size, and activity of the sebaceous glands; the sebaceous glands are the oil glands in the skin that create sebum (oil), can get clogged, and cause breakouts.

Hormones

The two hormones that need to work harmoniously together when it comes to clear skin are androgens and estrogen hormones. Androgens (Testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, and Dihydrotestosterone) stimulate sebaceous gland growth and increase sebum production. Estrogens work in the opposite way and slow sebum production. So when androgen levels are abnormally high, breakouts occur often. Similarly, when estrogen levels are lower especially during the premenstrual period in women, acne is more likely to occur.

The most common reasons for hormonal acne breakouts are:

Menstruation
Menopause
High androgen levels
Starting or weaning off oral contraceptive pills

Other factors that can increase adult acne are poor diet, drugs, stress, tobacco, and endocrine diseases.

Hormonal Acne Treatment

There are a few treatment options on how to get rid of hormonal acne.

Topical Treatment

The first option is the use of topical treatments. This option is the most popular and effective when treating mild forms of acne. Your dermatologist will likely prescribe or recommend an over-the-counter version of one of the following:

Retinoids
Antibiotics
Benzoyl Peroxide
Azelaic Acid
Dapsone

Your dermatologist may also recommend a combination of any of the above ingredients in order to maximize effectiveness in reducing acne.

Oral Medication

The second treatment option for more severe or persistent hormonal acne is oral medication.

Antibiotics
- Lymecycline
- Doxycycline
- Minocycline
Hormones
Androgen Receptor Blockers
- Cyproterone Acetate
- Spironolactone
- Drospirenone
- Flutamide

Natural Treatment

There are some natural ways to treat hormonal acne.

Dietary Changes
- Limiting dairy, artificial sugars, alcohol, red meat, and overly processed grains (white bread, pasta, desserts) can help to lower inflammation and reduce breakouts.
Tea Tree Oil
- This oil can be applied topically to dry out the sebaceous glands and decrease inflammation.
Exfoliate
- Exfoliating the skin with a brush or a harsher scrub will remove the top layer of skin and unclog pores.
Fish Oil Supplement
- Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids that decrease inflammation in the skin and increase hydration without clogging pores and causing breakouts.

Medical Procedures

Medical Procedures are another treatment option that are typically used to remove the top layer of skin that contains acne, dirt, oil, and other pollutants on the skin. Options include:

Microdermabrasion
Chemical peels
Phototherapy
Laser Therapy

The most intense, and well-known treatment option for hormonal therapy when all else has failed is Isotretinoin (Accutane). This drug is only used when acne is severe as its side effects are incredibly intense. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, your dermatologist will only send this prescription to your acne pharmacy if you:

Enroll in a program from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
See your dermatologist for follow-up visits
Sign forms that state you know the risks of taking isotretinoin

Overall, hormonal acne can wreak havoc on your emotional and physical well-being. It is a very difficult condition to manage on your own, so we encourage you to reach out to your dermatologist who will work with you to find a treatment that works! Contact us today to learn more about other acne conditions and treatment solutions.