HOW TO MANAGE HORMONAL ACNE?
4 min read
Skin prone to acne blemishes is often viewed as primarily a teenage issue, but the truth is that hormonal acne can develop at a range of ages and life stages. The delicate balance of hormones in our bodies can be disrupted by many different triggers, including puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
With the knowledge that hormonal acne causes are varied and complex, you may be confused about how to best manage this skin concern. Keep reading this guide to learn what to do for hormonal acne, as well as its key characteristics and causes. We’ll provide our recommendations for lifestyle adjustments accompanied by targeted skincare recommendations from our Effaclar range of products designed for oily and acne-prone skin.
WHAT IS HORMONAL ACNE?
The term ‘hormonal acne’ most often refers to the onset of acne-prone skin in adult women. This term can also refer to pubescent acne-prone skin. Acne-prone skin is considered ‘hormonal’ when its root cause can be traced back to changes in the balance of hormones in the body. Different hormonal changes can cause acne-prone skin to surface during puberty, during your 20s, while pregnant or during menopause.
WHAT DOES HORMONAL ACNE LOOK LIKE?
Hormonal acne-prone skin has distinct visible characteristics that make it more distinguishable from other types of acne. Unlike non-inflammatory blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads, hormonal acne-prone skin is characterised by more inflamed blemishes ranging in intensity from moderate to severe. These more serious blemishes can include closed comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
In terms of the most common areas where hormonal acne-prone skin shows up, both the face and the body are involved. Hormonal blemishes are most common on the lower part of the face such as the chin, jawline and the bottom half of the cheeks. They also tend to appear between the eyebrows. On the body, hormonal acne-prone skin often occurs on the back, shoulders and upper chest.
WHAT CAUSES HORMONAL ACNE?
We know that hormones are to blame for this type of acne-prone skin, but understanding more detail about the process will help you manage your blemishes once they appear. Your hormones exist in a delicate balance that can be disrupted by all sorts of biological processes and lifestyle factors. When you develop a hormonal imbalance, acne-prone skin can follow. Let’s unpack the process.
WHAT HORMONES CAUSE PIMPLES?
When your body has an excess of androgens like testosterone, this triggers changes within your skin that create an environment where blemishes can easily develop. These are the same hormones that increase during puberty. Rather than an increase in testosterone, drops in estrogen can also tip the balance – as seen during the menstrual cycle and menopause. Pregnancy changes the hormone balance completely, which is why it can also trigger this impact.
HOW DOES TESTOSTERONE LEAD TO BLEMISHES?
Increased testosterone prompts the sebaceous glands in the face and body to produce more oil, meaning pores can more easily become clogged. Sebum (skin oil) also acts as food for bacteria helping it flourish and in turn causing inflammation in the pores. This is why hormonal acne blemishes tend to be inflammatory – because the hormone imbalance has created an ideal environment for bacteria.
Read our guide to Adult Acne 101 to learn more.
HOW TO HELP HORMONAL ACNE?
Even though hormones play a major role, lifestyle changes and a consistent skincare routine can help manage hormonal acne-prone skin. Read on to learn our best products for hormonal acne as well as some simple day-to-day tips.
Our Pigmentclar Effaclar Salicylic Acid Serum is also enriched with glycolic acid in a formula gentle enough for daily use. The combination of exfoliating acids will help even out your skin tone and texture.
Making a few lifestyle changes may also help with managing hormonal acne breakouts:
FOCUS ON YOUR DIET
There is some evidence that a healthy, well-balanced diet low in refined sugars and dairy can help manage hormonal acne-prone skin. It's also recommended to minimise high glycaemic index foods.
TRY TO LIMIT YOUR STRESS LEVELS
Feeling stressed triggers hormonal changes that can affect your skin, so try to minimise stress by getting adequate sleep and regular exercise.
SHOP PRODUCTS FOR HORMONAL ACNE ROUTINES
Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ 50ml
Mattifying Tinted Sunscreen For Face Suitable To Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Clay Mask 100ml
Anti-Shine Face Mask Suitable For Sensitive & Oily Skin Types
Effaclar Duo+M Anti Imperfections Moisturiser
Anti Imperfections Moisturiser For Oily And Acne Prone Skin, Powered By Microbiome Science
Effaclar Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum
Anti-Wrinkle & Anti-Acne Daily Face Serum
Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser 40ml
Mattifying Moisturiser Suitable For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Types
Serozinc Mattifying Toning Facial Mist 150ml
Purifying Toner For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
Lightweight Face Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
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