Hormonal Acne - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Meant by Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne, also referred to as adult acne, impacts individuals aged 20 to 50, manifesting as bumps on the face, shoulders, chest, and back. These bumps can take the form of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. This condition is primarily caused by an overproduction of sebum in the skin's oil glands.

How Does Fungal Acne Differ From Hormonal Acne?

Fungal acne and hormonal acne are frequently mistaken for one another due to their shared origin in the hair follicles. Fungal acne arises from an overgrowth of yeast, while hormonal acne is triggered by an abundance of sebum. Symptoms of fungal acne include the development of whiteheads, accompanied by itchiness, and often leading to redness, irritation, and inflammation.

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

There can be various factors associated with the formation or progression of acne. Hormones are one of them. The following are the known possible causes or mechanisms associated with the same:

1. Testosterone:

Testosterone production increases during puberty. This leads to excessive production of sebum, which creates oily skin.

2. Blocked Hair Follicles:

When the hair follicles get blocked, comedones or “clogged pores” are formed.

3. Bacterial Infection:

Any bacterial infection can worsen the comedones.

4. Inflammation:

Finally, inflammation happens as the immune system defends the body or skin against bacterial infections. All types of acne do not need to be inflamed. Simple comedones like blackheads and whiteheads are usually not inflamed. Some examples of inflamed pimples include papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. The following situations also contribute to hormonal acne formation due to the fluctuation of hormones:

• Periods or menstruation.

• Menopause.

• Increase in androgen levels.

• Polycystic ovarian disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Hormonal Acne?

The most commonly affected zone by hormonal acne during puberty is the T-zone. T-zone involves the forehead, nose, and chin. Adult hormonal acne is usually seen on the lower part of the face, which involves the bottom of the cheeks and jawline. Some people may also experience blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples, which can even transform into cysts. Cysts are tender to touch and usually do not present themselves on the skin surface.

How Is Hormonal Acne Diagnosed?

When the person visits the physician, they will be asked questions about their medical history, family history, menstrual history, and personal history, along with questions related to their current problem and the associated signs and symptoms. If required, the doctor may perform certain tests like blood tests, hormonal tests, etc.

How Can Hormonal Acne Be Treated?

Multiple treatment options exist for managing preeclampsia. If the hormonal acne is mild, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or products can be helpful. As this hormonal acne takes the form of cysts that are inaccessible by topical medication, it is advisable to consult a specialist and take proper treatment.

Certain oral prescription medications can be taken to help manage acne. The most commonly used oral drugs are oral contraceptives and anti-androgen drugs.

1. Oral Contraceptives:

Oral contraceptives that are used for the management of acne consist of ethinylestradiol along with one of the below-mentioned drugs:

• Drospirenone.

• Norgestimate.

• Norethindrone.

These are more useful during the peak stage of hormones, like the ovulation stage. It is important to avoid oral contraceptives if the person has blood clots, increased blood pressure, or breast cancer. Also, smokers should avoid oral contraceptives.

2. Anti-Androgen Drugs:

Anti-androgen drugs help in decreasing the male hormone androgen. Both men and women have these hormones within their normal limits, but an excess of them can lead to acne formation. Hence, anti-androgen drugs are beneficial in such cases.

3. Retinoids:

In mild hormonal acne conditions, topical retinoids can be used. The source of retinoids is vitamin A.

What Are Natural Methods for Managing Hormonal Acne?

In certain instances, plant-based remedies can be utilized to address mild hormonal acne. These natural treatments typically avoid the side effects associated with prescription medications, although they may not always deliver the same level of effectiveness. Research into natural remedies is currently limited, and there is no definitive evidence to support their efficacy. It is advisable to consult with the doctor regarding potential risks and to ensure compatibility with any existing medications they may be taking.

• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil operates by reducing inflammation, a factor that can exacerbate acne. According to one study, a five percent topical application of tea tree oil alleviated symptoms in individuals with mild to moderate acne. Tea tree oil is readily available in various skincare products like toners and cleansers and can also be used as a spot treatment. Before usage, it is crucial to mix tea tree essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or olive oil. The suggested ratio is about 12 drops of carrier oil for every one to two drops of essential oil. Performing a skin patch test before application is crucial. After dilution, apply the oil mixture to the inner forearm and monitor for any signs of irritation or inflammation within 24 hours. If there are no adverse reactions, it should be safe to use elsewhere on the skin.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acid: Many over-the-counter masks and creams contain AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). Similar to retinoids, AHAs can heighten the skin's sensitivity to the sun. It is imperative to apply sunscreen whenever the person uses products containing AHA.

• Green Tea: Green tea is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties within the body. To adopt a more comprehensive approach, incorporating a few cups of green tea into the daily routine alongside the topical skincare regimen is advisable. The person can explore a diverse range of green teas available here. Additionally, lotions and gels enriched with a minimum of two percent green tea extract could prove beneficial for the skincare routine.

Can Diet Modification Help Control Hormonal Acne?

There is no supporting literature to understand the exact correlation between diet and hormonal acne. However, some literature supports the use of certain foods, especially inflammation-fighting foods, to control hormonal acne.

Plant-based foods contain high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants help reduce inflammation and, thus, promote much clearer skin. Another product known to decrease inflammation of the skin is Omega-3 fatty acids.

There are a lot of discussions on junk food causing acne. It is necessary to understand that junk foods alone do not cause acne. Excessive consumption of junk foods can lead to inflammation, though.

Some of the food products that can be limited to control hormonal acne are sugar, dairy products, and refined carbohydrates like pasta, white bread, etc. Also, non-vegetarians should avoid red meat.

What Factors Can Exacerbate Hormonal Acne?

Conditions that can worsen hormonal acne include stress, pollution, elevated humidity levels, squeezing or picking at blemishes, and a subpar diet, particularly one high in refined carbohydrates and sugars.

Conclusion

Hormonal acne is mainly caused due to fluctuations in hormones. It can be controlled either by using over-the-counter products or by medical management. It is necessary to consult a specialist to get oneself checked thoroughly to rule out the cause of acne before using any medication.