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Hormonal Acne: What It Is, Treatment, Causes and Prevention

Shot of a young woman squeezing a pimple on her face at home

Acne can be incredibly frustrating, embarrassing at times, and even painful. 

Hormonal acne can be particularly severe and stubborn so it’s important to understand its causes, and how you can properly treat and prevent it. 

Luckily, this is where the experts at Copperstate can help! We’ve created a guide with everything you need to know about hormonal acne, also known as adult acne.

What Is Hormonal Acne 

Hormonal acne is a type of acne that occurs as a result of hormonal fluctuations in the body. It typically appears on the lower face, chin, and jawline, and is most common in women, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. 

Hormonal acne can appear in different forms including:

  • Whiteheads
  • Blackheads
  • Papules (raised skin tissue)
  • Pustules (skin bumps that contain pus)
  • Cysts (pockets under the skin that contain fluid)

Causes of Hormonal Acne

The most obvious cause of hormonal acne is fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone, which can cause the skin’s oil glands to produce more sebum. However, hormonal acne can also be genetic, meaning that if your parents or other blood-related family members struggle with adult acne, you may be predisposed to it.

While less common, certain medications like steroids, lithium, and anticonvulsants can also cause periods of hormonal acne.

Preventing Hormonal Acne 

Since hormonal acne is caused by factors within your body, it can be difficult to prevent using external measures. However, there are steps you can take towards prevention including: 

  • Avoiding touching your face: Touching your face can transfer bacteria and oils from your hands to your face, which can contribute to hormonal acne.

  • Maintaining good hygiene: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and avoid using harsh scrubbing motions that can irritate your skin.

  • Using non-comedogenic products: Use non-comedogenic products that are oil-free and won’t clog your pores.

  • Staying hydrated: Staying well-hydrated can also improve your immune system, supporting your body in fighting off infections — which can help prevent acne.

  • Managing stress: Stress can trigger hormonal acne, so practicing stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help prevent it.

Treating Hormonal Acne

When it comes to treating hormonal acne, the first thing to consider is of course, your hormones. Having your hormone levels tested to detect any possible imbalances can be a great place to start. 

Many women also find success with utilizing contraceptives such as the birth control pill to maintain stable hormonal levels that then prevent and treat hormonal acne. 

Other treatments for acne include:

  • Topical medications: Prescription-strength topical medications that contain benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or antibiotics can help treat hormonal acne.

  • Oral medications: This includes medications like birth control pills, spironolactone, and isotretinoin.

  • Lifestyle changes: Adopting healthy habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques like meditation and yoga can help improve existing hormonal acne.

Copperstate and Hormonal Acne 

No matter your age, if you are experiencing hormonal acne, Copperstate is here for you!

Our practice is recognized as one of the most progressive OB/Gyn groups in Tucson, Arizona. Our expert physicians offer a number of services focused on helping you feel your best, including hormone therapy, contraceptive counseling, and more. 

Are you a patient of Copperstate OB/Gyn? Access your patient portal here, or share your experience with us on Google!

Sources

https://www.adventhealth.com/blog/how-drinking-water-helps-acne#:~:text=Staying%20well%2Dhydrated%20can%20also,fight%20off%20acne%2Dcausing%20bacteria

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21792-hormonal-acne

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21792-hormonal-acne

Honoring Your Menstrual Cycle [I Am Woman Series]

Cropped shot of an unrecognizable woman holding a tampon and a pad in her hands

“It’s that time of the month!”

We’ve all heard it, and said it a million times, however, something that is often overlooked is that your period isn’t just a portion of the month. Your menstrual cycle actually includes four phases that span out over the course of one full month. So while you may actually only “bleed” for one week, your body is undergoing changes throughout all four of these phases every month. 

In honor of I Am Woman: A Celebration of Womanhood, we are taking a look at the menstrual cycle as a whole, and how we can work with our body during these different phases.  Continue reading “Honoring Your Menstrual Cycle [I Am Woman Series]”

Female Reproductive Health [I Am Woman Series]

Having advise with a gynecologist

As a female, your reproductive system plays a major role in many aspects of your life. From monthly menstrual cycles to pregnancy, to your day-to-day hormone levels, it is crucial that your reproductive health is maintained to keep your body functioning properly. 

This month, in honor of I Am Woman: A Celebration of Womanhood, we are taking a look at just how important your reproductive health is as a female, and how to ensure it is prioritized through every stage of life. 

Continue reading “Female Reproductive Health [I Am Woman Series]”

The Cervix [I Am Woman Series]

A woman in underwear holds her hands to her lower abdomen. Close-up. Beige background. The concept of gynecology and women's health.

The cervix. Everyone assigned female at birth has one and has surely heard about them before, but, do you really know what this amazing organ does? Understanding the anatomy and importance of the cervix is a great way to continue celebrating 30 years of female empowerment and all of the incredible aspects of the female body within our I Am Woman: A Celebration of Womanhood

What Is The Cervix?

Before diving into the role of the cervix, it’s important to understand what it is and where it’s located. The cervix is a passageway or tube that connects the vagina to the uterus. Although being only roughly 2 inches in size, the structure of the cervix is quite complex. There are three main parts to the cervix; the end closest to the vaginal opening called the ectocervix, the middle, tube-like area called the endocervical canal, and the opening closest to the uterus named the internal Os. The opening of the cervix is very small and only minimally expands to let discharge, menstrual blood, or sperm pass through.

Continue reading “The Cervix [I Am Woman Series]”