How to Handle Hormonal Acne

When you think of acne and pimples, you might remember those awkward teenage years when your face was hopelessly covered in deep, bright red spots. And surprisingly, they always appeared right before a fun party. For many women, these awkward moments are thankfully a distant memory. But for others, hormonal acne can still be a vivid issue. In this blog post, we'll tell you all about hormonal acne and, better yet, how to get rid of it.

Let's start by saying you're not alone. Hormonal acne is quite common in women between the ages of 20 and 40? Okay, after 40 then? Are you free of pimples then? No, unfortunately. Not even then. Some women get pimples later in life, especially around menopause. But don't worry, there is a solution. There is a solution. It starts with knowing what it is and how to prevent (and treat) it.

Hormonal acne and 'normal' pimples, what's the difference?

What's the difference between hormonal acne and a few pimples on your chin?

If you notice your pimples appearing around the same time every month, it's probably related to your menstrual cycle. That's because hormonal acne is caused by (you guessed it!) fluctuating hormones that change throughout your cycle.

And anytime major hormonal changes occur in your body – like during puberty, menopause, or after having a baby – you can get hormonal acne.

In some conditions like PCOS, it is known to cause hormonal acne.

So if you have pimples that coincide with fluctuations in your hormones, it is probably hormonal acne.

When you're a teenager, hormonal acne often appears on the so-called "T-zone"—your nose, chin, and forehead. As an adult, hormonal acne often starts lower on your face, such as on your chin, jawline, or cheeks.

Hormonal acne can have varying degrees of severity. If you don't have much acne, you might get one or two pimples during your period. Women with persistent hormonal acne can have acne throughout the month. In severe cases, scarring can even develop.

Hormonal acne appears as painful, red, swollen bumps. The most common types of pimples are:

• Blackheads: These spots are open at the top and have a black head. This is because the sebum comes into contact with the air.
• Pustules: These are the familiar pimples with a white head. They are closed and appear white on top.

Why do you get hormonal acne?

Acne is caused by clogged pores on your face. Regular pimples are sometimes caused by makeup or sweat that builds up in your pores, but hormonal acne develops when hormonal changes in your body cause your skin to produce more oil or become inflamed .

Women experience hormonal fluctuations throughout the month. But why do some get acne while others have flawless skin?

Some women don't efficiently process the excess estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone your body produces throughout the month. If your body doesn't process these hormones properly, it can cause acne.

These are the hormones your body needs to process:

1. Estrogen : Too much estrogen causes estrogen dominance. This can lead to skin inflammation. In women whose hormones are produced and processed properly (a well-functioning endocrine system), these changes don't cause many problems. However, many women can't process the extra hormones properly. The result is acne. Before and during your period, your estrogen levels drop. Your skin becomes thinner and retains less moisture. Your skin also produces less collagen (a protein that acts as a glue for our bodies). This makes your skin more prone to acne in the days before your period.
2. Progesterone : After you ovulate, progesterone production increases. The impact of progesterone on the skin can stimulate sebum production and shrink your pores. Together, these clogged pores cause pimples.
3. Testosterone : Too much testosterone causes your skin to produce more oil. This oil sits in your pores. When it combines with bacteria, it can cause acne.

If your cycle is natural and functioning properly, these hormonal changes won't make much of a difference. But if you're one of the unlucky ones whose hormones don't process properly, you could experience acne every month.

How do you treat hormonal acne?

As tempting as it may be, don't pop or touch your pimples. You're likely to end up with scars that will likely never go away. We know it's difficult, but don't do it. Pimples disappear, scars don't.

Many doctors and people around you may recommend hormonal contraception. It can work, but the long-term side effects shouldn't be ignored. You can read all about it in this blog post.

Instead, we recommend trying a natural approach.

1. Watch what you eat: It all starts with your gut

If you already suffer from hormonal acne, you might first think of treating your skin. But your skin is the result—it's your body telling you something's wrong. What you eat has a huge impact on your skin. If you'd like to learn more, read our blog post " Healthy Gut, Happy Hormones . "

Avoid stress and prevent extra sebum production

Stress also plays a significant role in the development of hormonal acne. When you're stressed, your body produces cortisol and adrenaline. This causes your skin to produce more sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and acne.

Prevent hormonal acne with the right vitamins and minerals

A few simple lifestyle changes, and extra vitamins and minerals, can make a world of difference.

• Make sure you get enough zinc . You can get this from beef, chickpeas, or seeds like pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds.Studies show that more zinc can reduce sebum production, which can help prevent acne. If you find it difficult to get enough zinc (the WHO estimates that about 30% of the world's population is zinc deficient), you can consider supplementing your diet with supplements containing, for example, zinc and selenium. Both have beenscientifically proven to improve skin quality.
• Eat foods that fight inflammation, such as green leafy vegetables (think spinach, kale, and Galician cabbage). Almonds and walnuts are also good for you. And speaking of food: fast food doesn't cause acne. But beware, too much junk food can lead to increased inflammation, which can trigger acne. This applies not only to fast food, but also to sugar, red meat, bread, pasta, and dairy. These can all cause inflammation. If you're really struggling to keep your acne under control, try avoiding one or more of these foods for a while and see if you notice a difference.
• Make sure you get enough omega-3 fatty acids. These are found in oily fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. Not a fish lover or vegan? Consider adding supplements to your diet.
• Wash your face! Expensive creams and gallons of green will never help if your face isn't clean. Never go to bed with makeup on, and make sure you wash your face morning and night. It seems simple, but trust us, it makes a huge difference.
• Don't use too much product. More doesn't necessarily mean better. Don't apply more than a pea-sized amount to your face. Using too much can dry and irritate your skin.
• Wear sunscreen every day. This is general skincare advice, but it can also help alleviate hormonal acne. Protect your face with at least SPF 30. Use a day cream with SPF, and you won't have to think about it anymore.

Finally: Be patient and ask for advice

There's no quick fix for hormonal acne. It can take several weeks for lifestyle changes or treatments to take effect, so be persistent and don't get discouraged if you don't see results right away.

Need more guidance? Contact us at the bottom of the page. We work with experts like Lily, our nutrition and gut health specialist, and we can definitely help!