Hormonal acne typically appears in areas around the jaw, mouth, or cheeks, presenting as inflamed or even cystic acne. It tends to follow cyclical patterns, often exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as those related to the menstrual cycle. Hormone levels in the body are constantly changing, and certain imbalances can lead to these cyclical and sometimes painful breakouts. Hormones regulate the production of skin oil by sebaceous glands. When factors like cortisol or testosterone levels spike or estrogen levels drop due to various cycles, conditions, or lifestyle habits, the skin produces more oil, resulting in inflammation and breakouts.
The good news is that this can serve as a signal from your body that something may not be aligned internally.
Many factors can trigger hormonal fluctuations, including:
- Puberty
- Menstruation
- Perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause
- Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding
- PCOS
- Hormone Therapy
- Birth Control
- Increased stress levels
- Dietary choices
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and not everyone with these conditions will necessarily experience acne. Additionally, the severity of breakouts varies from person to person.
How to Address Hormonal Acne
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Maintain a Journal: Keep a daily journal to provide valuable data to your skincare expert. Include information on:
- Skin condition and sensations
- Medications and supplements
- Water intake
- Diet (skip this if food journaling is triggering)
- Menstrual cycle stage
- Any signs or symptoms experienced
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Consult with an Expert: For deep hormonal acne, topical products alone may not suffice. Consult with an expert, such as a physician, OB/GYN, endocrinologist, dietitian, dermatologist, or esthetician, to identify the root cause. They may perform blood tests, physical exams, or recommend dietary changes or skincare routines.
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Address Sensitivity and Inflammation: While investigating the cause, focus on maintaining a strong, hydrated skin barrier and treating inflammation:
- Use Naturopathica’s Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream for daily maintenance.
- Consider Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Mask for a weekly treatment.
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Holistic Approaches: Incorporate holistic methods into your routine:
- Drink spearmint tea to potentially reduce hormonal acne-causing sebum production.
- Explore seed cycling as a way to balance hormones during your menstrual cycle, along with other supportive practices.
- Ensure you get enough vitamin D, as studies suggest vitamin D deficiency may contribute to acne.
Understanding hormonal acne and addressing it with a comprehensive approach can help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Embrace the season of cooler temperatures and let your skin shine, especially for those of us who are Floridians looking forward to a break from the heat and humidity of summer. Contact our office to schedule your appointment: 561.805.9399 | info@supriyamd.com.
