Hormonal acne can be a common problem for many people. Whether it’s stress from work or from your menstrual cycle, hormonal acne can be a real struggle. Trying to figure out why your skin is breaking out can be difficult – but there are things that you can do to help your skin. Let’s talk about hormonal acne and how a hormonal acne routine can help out your skin!
Table of Contents
What causes acne?
Acne is caused by a number of factors, but the main one is hormones. Hormonal acne occurs when there is an imbalance in the body’s hormone levels. This can be due to puberty, menopause, or other conditions that cause hormone levels to fluctuate.
Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. Sebum is a natural oil that helps keep the skin moisturized. When there is an excess of sebum, it can clog pores and trap dirt and bacteria. This can lead to inflammation and the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Hormonal acne is most common in teenagers and young adults, but it can affect people of all ages. If you are experiencing hormonal acne, it’s important to see a dermatologist for treatment. Treatment options may include oral medications, topical treatments, or a combination of both.
A good hormonal acne routine is crucial to minimize your acne.
How to best take care of your skin when you have hormonal acne
If you have hormonal acne, you may be wondering how to best take care of your skin. Here are a few tips on creating the perfect hormonal acne routine:
1. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh chemicals, as this can irritate the skin and make acne worse. Below are some of our favorite face cleansers for hormonal acne.
![CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser [US]](https://dorabelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/d9267960-ec89-4f94-ad07-e6b21065f587.cc3d16d7cdf106cf348978dfce4a2f8d-300x300.png "Hormonal Acne Routine: What You Need To Know 4")
2. Use an over-the-counter acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Apply the treatment to the entire area where you have breakouts, not just individual pimples, as part of your hormonal acne routine.
3. If your acne is severe, you may need prescription medication from your dermatologist. This could include an oral antibiotic or a topical retinoid such as tretinoin (Retin-A).
4. Be sure to moisturize regularly as a past of your hormonal acne routine, as dry skin can worsen acne. Try to find a moisturizer that does not clog pores (non-comedogenic).
5. Limiting your exposure to direct sunlight is also a crucial step in a good hormonal acne routine. Sun exposure can increase inflammation and make acne worse. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
Will makeup make my acne worse?
Because acne-prone skin is sensitive, persons with acne may discover that some cosmetic products, such as foundations and concealers, aggravate acne or produce new outbreaks. However, experts from the American Academy of Dermatology believe acne sufferers can use cosmetics.
We recommend you to look for a foundation that is made for acne-prone skin, such as the Clinique Anti Blemish Foundation we reviewed last year.
Products and routines for everyone in different stages of hormonal acne.
There are different stages of hormonal acne, and each stage requires different treatments and routines. Here we break down what you need to know for each stage, so you can get clear skin at any age.
Acne is common during adolescence due to an increase in hormones called androgens. This surge in hormones stimulates the sebaceous glands, which produce oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. While hormone levels will eventually stabilize, some people continue to experience hormonal acne well into adulthood.
There are several factors that can trigger hormonal acne:
-Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control or other hormone-based medications
-Stress
-Dietary triggers like dairy, sugar, and processed foods
-Certain cosmetics or skincare products
The first step in treating hormonal acne is identifying any triggers that may be causing your breakouts. Once you know what’s triggering your acne, you can make necessary changes to your diet or lifestyle and start using targeted treatments. Here are some products and routines for different stages of hormonal acne:
Stage One: Pre-Teen/Teenage Years
During this stage, it’s important to establish a good skincare routine with gentle cleansers and non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) moisturizers and sunscreens. Look for products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help prevent breakouts.
Stage Two: Adult Acne
If you’re still experiencing breakouts as an adult, it’s important to see a dermatologist to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be causing your acne. In addition to a customized skincare routine, your dermatologist may prescribe medication like birth control pills, spironolactone, or isotretinoin to help control your breakouts.
Stage Three: Menopause
During menopause, many women experience a decline in the hormone estrogen, which can lead to dryness, thinning skin, and hot flashes. These changes can also trigger hormonal acne flare-ups. To help combat these symptoms and keep your skin healthy, use gentle cleansers and moisturizers formulated for menopausal skin. You may also want to consider using a topical retinoid or prescription medication like hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
No matter what stage of hormonal acne you’re in, there are treatments and routines that can help you achieve clear skin. Talk to your dermatologist about what options are best for you.
Conclusion
Whether you are dealing with occasional breakouts or chronic acne, it is important to understand the role that hormones play in order to find the best treatment possible. Hormonal acne can be caused by a variety of factors, so working with a dermatologist to figure out the root cause of your breakouts is essential. With the right treatment plan and hormonal acne routine, you can clear up your skin and get back to feeling confident about your appearance.
