When you think about hormonal acne, your mind likely jumps to the large, red, painful pimples experienced by teens as they enter and navigate through puberty. But hormonal acne is not an ailment solely reserved for teens-it can also return during adulthood. Statistics suggest hormonal acne is most common in adult women between twenty and forty years old, but menopause can also bring about outbreaks. So much for freedom from acne after you enter your 20s! So what causes hormonal acne, and what can you do to keep it at bay?

 What is Hormonal Acne?

Skin professionals look for a few specific things to help determine if an acne outbreak is indeed hormonal acne or an outbreak for another reason. Hormonal acne is explicitly linked to hormonal changes, and as a result, it leads to breakouts that follow a cycle such as a menstrual cycle. It can also align with other hormonal changes such as menopause or post-partum hormonal shifts.

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

The hormones that affect this type of acne are progesterone and estrogen, the levels of which vary widely at various points in the menstrual cycle or with other life events such as pregnancy and menopause. Also, the ratio of these hormones to each other affects testosterone levels in the body which can also contribute to hormonal acne. Elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, can affect all of these hormones. Skincare experts believe hormonal acne begins with increased oil production related to hormonal change; however, a specific cause of this type of acne has not been clearly identified.

Is It Hormonal Acne?

When you are looking in the mirror trying to determine the root cause of your latest breakout, consider the following:

·      Are you feeling really stressed?

·      Is your acne around your chin and jawline?

·      Are you “well outside” of your teen years?

·      Is your acne “regular?” (does it appear on a cycle)

·      Is it worse than simple whiteheads or blackheads?

Any of the above circumstances could point to hormonal acne rather than regular acne.

Getting Rid of Hormonal Acne?

As frustrating as hormonal acne may be, there are several ways to go about managing it. First, remember that in many cases, hormonal acne will resolve in time as your body adjusts to hormonal changes. However, this is not the case with every situation. In these cases, there are several over-the-counter options in addition to professional treatments at Upkeep Med Spa.

The first steps many people take are topical creams and treatments one can pick locally. You should look for cleansers with glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acids. These are the elements in your cleanser that will help to exfoliate and unclog your pores. Some of these cleansers can be pretty strong, so it may take a bit of trial and error to find the right fit for your skin.

Another option for hormonal acne is topical retinoid products. These are excellent options for addressing mild to moderate acne-especially hormonal acne. These also help your skin shed dead skin cells naturally, allowing your pores to remain open. Some retinoids are available over the counter, whereas others are available as part of a prescription from a skincare professional.

If you have tried over-the-counter options and have not seen your desired level of success, consider contacting the professionals at Upkeep Med Spa to learn more about our wide range of facial treatments. Several treatment options are available to help reduce acne and to help improve unsightly acne scarring. Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer or to schedule an appointment with one of our skincare professionals.