Acne is a common skin issue that affects people of all ages, but is especially prevalent in teenagers and adults. Hormonal changes, the most common cause of acne, occur during the teenage years and can follow adults into their 20s and 30s. In this article, we’ll discuss the effects of hormonal changes on acne and provide tips for managing and preventing outbreaks.

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is caused by an increase in androgens, the hormones that help regulate the oil production in the skin. During puberty, androgens increase, resulting in more sebum. The excess oil can clog pores and encourage the growth of bacteria that cause acne.

How Does Hormonal Acne Differ From Other Types of Acne?

Hormonal acne is typically characterized by cystic or nodular breakouts. Cystic acne refers to deep, painful bumps under the skin while nodules are bumps that form underneath the surface that may be painful. These types of breakouts can be persistent and often require special treatments, such as oral medications and/or topical creams.

What Can Be Done to Manage Hormonal Acne?

The first step in managing hormonal acne is to identify its cause. If hormones are the culprit, your doctor may recommend taking medications such as Birth Control Pills or Antibiotics to help balance them.

Skincare Tips

Along with taking medications, there are other steps that can be taken to reduce and prevent outbreaks:

• Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. This will help keep your pores free of debris and oil.
• Exfoliate regularly, using a mild scrub. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and oils that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
• Avoid touching or picking at your face. Doing this can spread bacteria and worsen the breakout.
• Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic skin care products, makeup and sunscreen. This will help keep your pores unclogged.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
• Reduce stress levels whenever possible. Stress can cause hormones to fluctuate, making breakouts worse.

Conclusion

Hormonal changes can cause acne in both teenagers and adults. While it can be difficult to manage, it is possible to reduce breakouts and keep your skin looking its best with the right combination of medication and skincare routine.

If you’re experiencing frequent breakouts, it’s important to make an appointment with a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and determine an effective treatment plan.