When most people think of hormonal acne, they think of puberty. Breakouts often occur as pre-teens and teenagers start going through puberty because their hormones are all over the place and their bodies are going through some major changes. However, it’s not just something that has a negative impact on teens. In fact, many women between the ages of 20 and 49 suffer from hormonal acne. The cause of acne may be linked back to a woman’s menstrual cycle or even early menopause.
Where Does It Appear?
Although acne may develop on all different areas of the face, hormonal acne often appears on the chin and the jawline. It doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people experience more blackheads than anything else while others may have whiteheads, cystic breakouts, or a combination of all three. It often depends on a few different factors, including the person’s hormones as well as their genetics and skin type.
What Causes It?
Many women experience small breakouts directly before or during their menstrual cycle because that is when their hormone levels are changing the most. However, women with diagnosed or undiagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome may experience hormonal breakouts at any given moment. A change in these hormones often leads to excessively oily skin, clogged pores, and inflammation. As a result, acne often appears on the face.
Is There a Way to Treat Hormonal Acne?
It may be frustrating to deal with hormonal acne, but there are different steps you can take to treat the problem and prevent new blemishes from forming on your skin. Many physicians recommend oral contraceptives for women who experience regular breakouts during their menstrual cycle. The oral contraceptive may prevent breakouts while helping reduce the severity of the cramps you might experience during your cycle, making them a great choice for any woman who needs relief.
What Are the Options?
Aside from taking the oral contraceptives, women may want to purchase over-the-counter ointments for their face. These topical ointments may be applied directly to the blemishes to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, ultimately leading to clearer, healthier skin. There are even some natural remedies that are worth trying for those who are tired of experiencing breakouts. Tea tree oil is a natural product designed to fight inflammation. It may be used as a cleanser or even as a toner you can apply directly to the skin after using a gentle cleanser.
Dealing with acne can be extremely frustrating. If you often experience hormonal breakouts and you’d like to get clear skin, Windsor Dermatology is there to help. Give us a call at 609-443-4500 to schedule your appointment for a skin evaluation.
