Skin

What You Need To Know About Hormonal Acne

Created on, Wed Oct 28 2024
Reviewed by, Kaedoc Medical Team

Acne is caused by a combination of changes in your skin such as enlargement and clogging of your sebaceous glands, bacterial proliferation, inflammation, and hormonal factors. Hormonal acne occurs when there is an imblance in your hormone levels.

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Symptoms

Hormonal acne appears mostly on the lower parts of the face around the mouth, chin, and lower jawline. Though the chin and jawline are the most common locations for adult hormonal acne, the face and sides of the neck may also be affected.

Signs of Hormonal acne:

Appears maily on the lower cheeks and jawline/chin

Flares around your period

Causes

The causes of hormonal acne revolve around hormonal fluctuations or imbalances brought about by an underlying condition, aging, or a repetitive event. These can include:

Menstrual cycle

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Pregnancy

Menopause

Increased androgen levels

Certain medications

These hormonal changes can worsen the symptoms of acne, by increasing inflammation, sebum production, and bacteria spread.

There is also evidence linking acne to diet. Certain foods such as simple carbohydrates and sugary drinks can boost your blood sugar level which may affect hormones.

Diagnosis

Hormonal acne is diagnosed during a physical examination or virtual inspection by a healthcare provider who will look at the acne and assess contributing factors. This includes discussing:

Skincare products you use regularly

Stress and sleep habits

Current medication you use

Changes in your health (hormonal changes)

Treatment

Based on the severity of your acne, different treatment options are available to reduce sebum production, pimple formation and painful inflammation

Mind hormonal acne

Benzoyl peroxide

Topical retinoid

Alpha hydroxy acids (e.g glycolic acid)

Beta-hydroxy acid (e.g Salicylic acid)

Moderate and severe acne

If you break out in cystic lesions and nodules, this means that your hormonal acne is more severe and topical medication won’t be enough to reach as deep into the skin. In such cases, oral medications and specialist treatments may be prescribed

Oral antibiotics

Oral contraceptives

Hormonal therapy

Chemical peels

Prevention and Management

Though hormonal acne can be unavoidable, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of getting breakouts:

Wash your face 1-2 times a day and after each workout using gentle cleanser.

Use luke warm water when rinsing the skin to avoid heat irritation.

Avoid rubbing or tugging at your skin and picking at your spots as this may increase the chance of acne

Avoid makeup where possible or apply in light layers, using non-comedogenic mineral pigments.

Wear a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to avoid sunburn and hyperpigmentation.

Use skincare products that won’t clog pores.

Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider for persistent acne.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Adult Acne (https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/really-acne/adult-acne). Accessed 9/29/2021.
2. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. AcneAccessed 9/29/2021.
3. Merck Manuals. Acne Accessed 9/29/2021.

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