What is Hormonal Acne?

Once thought to be a skin condition confined solely to the adolescent years, acne is now known to affect many people throughout their lifespan. This is especially true for women, many of whom don’t experience their first serious breakout until they are into their 20’s or 30’s. Hormonal fluctuations tend to be a primary cause for adult acne, just like they are for those in their teenage years. Hormonal changes are normal but the acne that results doesn’t have to be a constant. Here’s a quick guide to hormonal acne and few of our best tips to banishing blemishes when they occur.

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

Acne can be caused by a change in hormones which lead to an increase in sebum (an oily substance responsible for keeping the skin moisturized) leading to clogged pores and skin inflammation. Hormonal fluctuations can happen at any time and can be attributed to life events such as pregnancy, illness, menstruation, and menopause. Certain medications can also cause hormonal changes resulting in acne.

How To Know if Acne is Related to Hormone Changes

One of the best ways to determine whether acne is related to hormonal changes is by examining the location of the breakout or breakouts. Acne related to hormones will typically appear on the chin, jaw, and neck because the overproduction of sebum is particularly sensitive to hormonal changes in these areas. Acne caused by hormonal changes will also typically be cystic in nature. This means, instead of small whiteheads or deeply embedded blackheads, the bumps will be larger, more painful cysts, which can take much longer to resolve and can lead to scarring.

How to Fight Acne Related to Hormone Changes

While it may be difficult to control hormonal fluctuations, there are a few things that can help to reduce acne flare-ups. Here are a few ways to address breakouts related to hormone changes.

Eat a Healthy Diet Designed to Reduce Inflammation

Processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar tend to increase inflammation in the body and aggravate the skin. Eating a diet rich in zinc, omega-3 and healthy fats can help to combat that havoc hormonal changes can have on the skin. Consider adding more greens, such as kale and spinach, to your diet and cooking with healthy fats such as coconut oil.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory. It is the main ingredient in many products that can be purchased over the counter. Tea tree essential oil can also be used on its own as a spot treatment, as long as it is used with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oils.

Seek Help From a Professional for Hormonal Acne

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, acne related to hormonal changes can be stubborn. When this is the case, it may be best to make an appointment with dermatologist or esthetician qualified in methods relieving breakouts related to hormonal shifts. A professional can evaluate the skin and help to come up with a plan for not only addressing the current breakout but one that will help to prevent future breakouts as well.

Are you or a loved one currently dealing with acne related to hormonal changes? We can help. Give Organic Elements a call today to book your appointment.