Having acne as a teen is bad enough. But breaking out in adulthood? It feels cruel. Here’s everything you need to know about hormonal acne and how to send your pimples packing.
How is it hormonal?
Acne is triggered by fluctuating hormone levels. Females are more susceptible to hormonal acne since we experience fluctuations in female sex hormones — estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — monthly with our menses, a board-certified dermatologist and hormonal skin care expert.
A hormonal roller coaster can increase:
- clogged pores
- skin inflammation
- oil (sebum) production
- clogged skin cells in hair follicles
- acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes
Hormonal acne vs. other pimples
Acne tends to be cyclical. If you have a vagina, breakouts usually flow with your monthly crimson tide. These zits usually appear on the lower face, jawline, and parts of the neck. Regular pimples are much more random and can pop up anywhere on the face.
“Forehead and mid-cheek acne are typically not hormonal acne, while jawline acne can be indicative of hormonal origin,” says Zenovia. “This is because jawline oil glands are highly sensitive to the hormone fluctuations in your bloodstream.”
How to glow up
Acne can be caused by a ton of factors. That’s why you need to diversify your skin care regimen.
“When treating acne, it is essential to use a multi-pronged clinical approach addressing the four causes of acne: follicular plugging, bacteria, excess sebum production, and inflammation,” says Zenovia.
Some folks take a prescription medication to curb their acne. There are also lots of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments to try.
1. Look for these active ingredients
Products containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid have been scientifically proven to help treat acne. They kill bad bacteria associated with acne and accelerate skin cell turnover.
Pro tip: Stick to face wash if you have sensitive skin. Leave-on masks and other products might cause irritation. Wash your face daily for the best results.
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Read Also: How to Get Rid of Oily Skin on Face at Home
