Once we’re done with teenage years, most of us believe it’s bon voyage to acne and skin breakouts. After all, we’re done with puberty. Sadly, that’s far from the reality because once you say sayonara to teenage acne, you may just unlock a Pandora box of hormonal acne. But what exactly is hormonal acne? Read on to find out what it is, and how to deal with it.
What is Hormonal Acne?
As the name implies, hormonal acne is an acne-causing skin condition that occurs due to hormonal fluctuations.
Note, although it affects both men and women, hormonal acne is more common among women, and affects about 50% of women between 20 and 29 and 25% of women between 40 and 49. That is why it is sometimes referred to as period pimples.
Signs of Hormonal Acne
For women, one of the most significant signs of hormonal acne is that it tends to flow with their monthly period. General signs of hormonal acne include:
· Large breakouts that occur on the jawline or lower part of your face. They are rampant on this part of the face because the oil glands here are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations
· Painful whiteheads that eventually cause blackheads
· Painful cysts that come to head
· Nodules
· Papules
How to Deal with Hormonal Acne
Any form of acne can significantly affect your confidence and hormonal acne is no exception. On the bright side, it’s a skin condition you can handle. Here are some tips on how to deal with hormonal acne:
Understand the Cause
The bottom line of hormonal acne is that it occurs due to hormonal fluctuations. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Besides your period, hormonal acne may occur due to factors like:
· Pregnancy
· Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
· Menopause
Knowing the culprit behind your hormonal acne is the secret to effectively dealing with the problem. If you can’t figure it out, seek professional help from a reputable facility like Maryland Primary Care to understand why exactly you’re dealing with hormonal acne.
Change Your Skincare Routine
If you didn’t have a skincare routine before, it’s time to adopt one. Wash your face twice a day, limit your makeup use, avoid chemical laden facial washes, and try to avoid scratching or picking pimples.
Make Diet Changes
Your diet also affects your hormone levels. For instance, dairy products have been proven to worsen acne breakouts. They stimulate the production of testosterone, one of the most significant culprits of hormonal acne. Foods rich in refined sugar have also been proven to cause hormonal acne. So, check and make dietary changes too.
Don’t Stress too much
Being stressed out isn’t just bad for your mental wellbeing, but also on your skin. Stress triggers the production of a hormone known as corticotrophin or CRH, which then binds to the skin’s sebaceous glands, causing an increase in sebum.
Generally, sebum keeps the skin looking fresh and hydrated, but when production increases, it blocks your pores, causing acne and bad breakouts.
Seek Professional Help
The tips above on how to deal with hormonal acne are effective, and combining them goes a long way in helping you combat this type of acne. To ensure you’re on the right track, consider getting professional help. You don’t have to look any further because skin problems are among the conditions we treat here at Maryland Primary Care.