What causes hormonal acne? Acne is caused by clogged pores. Hormonal acne develops when hormonal changes increase the amount of oil your skin produces. This oil interacts with bacteria on the pores of your skin where hair grows (hair follicles) and results in acne.
Typically, these fluctuations happen mostly during menstruation cycles, pregnancy and menopause. During these times of increased hormones, the body produces more sebum, an oily, waxy substance. This then leads to inflammation, changes in skin cell activity and colonization of bacteria in hair follicles.
Hormonal acne may be triggered for the first time by taking hormonal pills, or from taking any progesterone containing products such as the mini pill or the Mirena coil.
Oral Medication
This can include: Antibiotics — Oral antibiotics work to treat acne by killing off the bacteria that are irritating your skin and triggering breakouts. Hormone Supplements — Oral contraceptives, like birth control pills, help to level out your hormonal balances to improve acne breakouts.
High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.
Stress. Lack of sleep. Using hair and skin care products that aren't oil-free or free of ingredients that won't clog pores (non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic).
Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.
Since hormones and acne go together, nearly half of women experience outbreaks in the decades beyond teenage years. With the body genetically focused on pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, hormones actually peak in your 20s and early 30s. Acne can result, even if it passed you by when younger.
Spearmint Tea
Spearmint not only has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but it can help correct hormonal imbalances too. Studies have shown that regular consumption of spearmint tea can reduce your acne problems by 25 to 50%.
Some of the best contraceptive pills for acne include Yasmin, Rigevidon and Cerelle, all of which contain hormones that can help to regulate and reduce the severity of acne. If you are experiencing severe hormonal acne, it is best to speak to your doctor about which type of contraception is best for you.
Studies have indicated deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as vitamin D,²⁶ vitamin E,²⁷ and the mineral zinc,²⁸ are more common in patients with acne. However, the relationship between these nutrients and acne is complex and still needs to be fully understood.
Stress acne typically presents as an array of small, red or pink pimples that can be scattered across various areas of the face. These facial acne pimples often take the form of whiteheads or blackheads and can progress into pustules, which are red, pus-filled bumps, or papules, which are small, raised bumps.
Sebaceous glands lubricate the hair and the skin to stop it drying out. They do this by producing an oily substance called sebum. In acne, the glands begin to produce too much sebum. The excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and both substances form a plug in the follicle.
One of the ten subjects studied developed acne one week after vitamin B12 supplementation. To further understand the molecular mechanism, we revealed that vitamin B12 supplementation in P. acnes cultures promoted the production of porphyrins, which are known to induce inflammation in acne.
Pustules are a type of pimple that contains yellowish pus. They are larger than whiteheads and blackheads. Home remedies and over-the-counter creams may help treat pustules. Pustules appear either as red bumps with white centers or as white bumps that are hard and often tender to the touch.
Overall, these studies have shown that probiotics can play a significant role in the treatment of acne, and further research is needed to determine the most effective ways to use them [28].
PCOS-related acne often flares on the lower face, including the jawline, chin, and upper neck. Although not a hard and fast rule, these areas are considered to be a hormonal pattern for acne. Women with PCOS may notice that acne lesions are deeper, larger, and slower to resolve.
Research shows B6 supplementation regulated hormones and reduced premenstrual acne over two months. Additionally, low levels of B-vitamins generally are linked to skin issues like acne, dermatitis, rashes and sensitivity. Optimal intake can prevent deficiency-associated skin disorders.
Prednisone is an FDA-approved corticosteroid medication used to manage various health conditions. It works by reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain. Prednisone is typically reserved for severe cases and is often used in combination with other acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin.