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There are many specific types of acne, one of which is very common, hormonal acne. This occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance in the body, which happens during puberty, but can also occur in adulthood. This is why teenagers often experience acne.
Read on to learn more about the causes of hormonal acne in puberty and adulthood and how to treat it.
Increased androgens and acne
Acne is primarily affected by the male hormone testosterone – the family of male hormones is called androgens. Post-pubertal women and girls also have androgens, but not as much as men and boys. During puberty, the hormones get a little crazy and can get out of balance. An increase in androgens increases sebum production, which can clog pores and therefore cause acne.
The first step to blocking acne at puberty is to use a salicylic acid-based cleanser such as Control* Organic Cleansing Gel to reduce the amount of sebum (oil) on the skin.
Acne is not just a teenage problem
There is a common misconception that acne is a teenage problem. While acne often clears up as hormones begin to balance in adulthood, there are many reasons why hormonal acne can become a problem again as an adult. Women tend to experience more cases of hormonal acne than men, as increased androgen hormones in women can lead to excessive oil production and clogged pores. Here are some common signs of hormonal acne in women:
- Irregular periods
- Increased facial hair and acne
- Cystic acne along the jawline.
Menopausal acne is also common in women in their 40s and 50s, due to a decrease in the hormone estrogen and/or an increase in androgens. Some hormone replacement therapies can also contribute to menopausal acne, as they can also cause a hormonal imbalance.
What to do if you think your acne is caused by hormones?
If you are struggling with adult acne that you think is caused by a hormonal imbalance, talk to your dermatologist or primary care physician. Your esthetician can also suggest the right skin care regimen for your skin type. We also invite you to take the test available on our website bboxbeauty.ca to know your skin type. Acne treatment products such as retinoids, salicylic acid, silver, and benzoyl peroxide may be appropriate, depending on your skin type. It is important to use a cleanser containing salicylic acid morning and night to keep the skin’s pores clean and free of cellular debris and oil. Afterward, it is important to moisturize the skin. My favorite active ingredients for this type of problem are tea tree extract for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, zinc oxide because it helps reduce imperfections, and salicylic acid, which helps control sebum production. You will find these active ingredients in B-Box Beauty’s Control* organic gel and Control* organic dry oil.
Don’t forget that diet also has an impact on acne. So, combine medication or the right skin care regimen with healthy food choices. Reduce your sugar and dairy intake, and eat plenty of anti-inflammatory foods: berries, broccoli, cauliflower, turmeric, and oily fish are great options to help manage acne.
In summary
Acne caused by hormonal imbalances can occur in puberty and adulthood, although the appropriate treatment methods vary depending on your age, gender, and specific situation. Work with a dermatologist or qualified esthetician to develop an acne treatment regimen that will best suit your skin type.
If you have any questions, would like to have a free personalized consultation, or would like to meet in your city with one of our B-Box Beauty partners then please contact us.