What Is Hormonal Acne?

As it turns out, hormones can be responsible for those annoying zits especially the testosterone. Androgen stimulates sebaceous gland enlargement resulting in the overproduction of oil.

Sebum is a wax-like secretion that can seal pores and hold bacteria. This causes inflammation and the development of pimples.

Because your hormone levels increase and decrease during the month, you have breakouts followed by a clear skin period. It is why you often get zits at the same time of month.

In order to comprehend hormonal acne, it is essential for us understand the role of various types of hormones in our complex systems. 

Hormones serve as chemical carriers that control a number of bodily functions such as metabolism, growth and; lo and behold- skin care. 

However, when hormonal imbalance happens especially during puberty menstrual or pregnancy docketing time of high emotional stress it has a deleterious effect on the skin and is responsible for growing acnes.

Hormonal acne presents itself as large, deep cysts located on the jawline beneath chin cheeks. 

Unlike clinical acne that may respond favorably to OTC treatment modalities, hormonal acne is characterized by its persistent nature and resistance of conventional therapies. However, rest assured that solutions exist as well.

Causes Of Hormonal Acne

It is time to see what leads someone into having hormonal acne. As stated above, the primary factor is fluctuation of testosterone levels; however, other agents may also contribute to hormonal acne.

For instance, if your mother or father had acne you are prone to having it also. This is so due to the fact that your genetic make-up affects hormonal acne.

Stress can also lead to a variety of skin problems including acne. During stress, the body secretes a hormone classified as cortisol. This is a hormone that can increase sebum production and contribute to acne.

Furthermore, acne tends to increase around the time of a woman’s menstrual period. It is due to the fact that hormone levels vary during menstrual cycle.

Sleep deprivation is also another cause of breakouts. Since pimples happen due to stress, which we have spoken about above elevates the hormones in your body because of sleep deprivation.

With some of the causes (e.g., genes or menstrual cycle) nothing can be done about them. On the other hand, there are some factors that you can control.

Understanding Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is an adverse condition that results from hormone imbalance. Normally, it is associated with puberty, pregnancy and menopause. 

Hormonal surges amp up the oil production in your pores and lead to some telltale symptoms are:

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Cysts
• Nodules
• Pustules
•  Papules

Treating Hormonal Acne

1. Topical Treatments:
Topical preparations with components such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids help empty pores and promote the drying of acne in order to reduce inflammation and avoid any further episode. 

Nevertheless, these treatments are not always effective when administered alone in cases of hormonal acne.

2. Oral Medications:
To treat more severe cases of hormonal acne, dermatologists usually prescribe oral treatments like birth control pills (for females), spironolactone or other antibiotics taken by mouth to normalize the level and help manage the risk for recurrent outbreaks.

3. Lifestyle Modifications:
Healthy lifestyle habits can also help manage hormonal acne. This incorporates eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains; adequate hydration, regular exercise practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga ,and sufficient sleep every night.

4. Professional Treatments:
In-office procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion or laser therapy performed in conjunction with other treatment modalities can aid to improve acne symptoms and promote clearer skin.

What is the treatment for adult acne?

In case your acne is mild and does not bother you much, begin with over-the-counter medications. 

Washing your face should be done on a regular basis but don’t wash it too much because it may cause dryness of the skin. In this case, your body will produce more oil. 

If you have severe acne, consult a dermatologist. He or she will probably suggest a mix of treatments to help you clear your skin.

Preventing Hormonal Acne

1. Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine:
Daily Skin Care: One daily skin care routine using gentle cleansers, non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreen can help prevent hormonal acne.

2. Avoid Triggering Factors:
The triggers of hormonal acne are things like using the wrong skincare products, consuming certain food types or lengthy exposure to pollution and humidity.

3. Manage Stress:
Make stress management part of your daily life by taking out time to practice exercises, mindfulness techniques or any hobby that makes you happy and relieves tensions.

4. Consult a Dermatologist:
If your hormonally accented acne does not respond to over-the-counter remedies, consult a dermatologist in search of an individualized treatment plan.

Hormone regulators

Another common treatment option is dealing with the hormonal imbalances through medication. This can be through combined oral contraceptives that have more than estrogen and progesterone.

The drug spironolactone is approved for the treatment of high blood pressure, but it has been used off-label since the 1980s to treat acne. 

A journal review in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology suggests that its effectiveness is not fully proven, but it appears that there is reasonable evidence that it works. 

The drug inhibits androgen receptors to prevent spikes in testosterone that cause pimples. 

Meditation or exercise may also help you control the stress hormones that make you feel so stressed.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal acne is most commonly caused by changes to hormone levels around the time of your period, as well as irregular periods, pregnancy, menopause, or discontinuing birth control.

You might also suffer from hormonal acne if you have a family history of acne or a preexisting medical condition such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

All these incidents result in rapid shifts in your body’s hormone levels that lead to acne.

What Is Fungal Acne Versus Hormonal Acne?

Fungal acne and hormonal acne are often mistaken for each other due to the fact that both types of acne originate in the hair follicles. The difference between fungal acne and hormonal acne is that the former is caused by the accumulation of yeast while the latter is caused by the overproduction of sebum. Fungal acne produces whiteheads, itching and usually turns red, irritated and inflamed.

Is Pregnancy Hormonal Acne?

During pregnancy, hormonal changes may lead to acne. Acne usually improves as your pregnancy advances. Some treatments that should be avoided during pregnancy include topical retinoids, salicylic acid and isotretinoin. Ask your care provider the safest treatment for your acne that will help to minimize and clear up your breakouts during pregnancy.

What is Acrotac and how does it function?
Acrotac is an isotretinoin containing drug prescribed to treat severe acne. It operates by regulating oil production in the skin, preventing pore blockage, and promoting the regeneration of skin cells.

What are the various strengths of Acrotac?
The acrotac comes in several strengths such as 10mg and 25mg capsules that offer a variety of treatment options depending on the level of severity of acne.

What is Isopil, and how does it compare to Acrotac.
Isopil is another name for isotretinoin medication that is used to treat acne. It works like Acrotac but may be available in different dosage forms or strengths.

What are the side effects associated with isotretinoin medications such as Acrotac and Isopil?
Side effects that may be common are dryness of skin, lips, and eyes, as well as temporary worsening of acne prior to improvement. Isotretinoin may also lead to birth defects when taken while pregnant.

How quickly do isotretinoin medicines work?
It differs from individual to individual, but significant improvement in acne is observed within 1 to 2 months of treatment with isotretinoin.

What safety measures should I take while using isotretinoin drugs?
Importantly, isotretinoin should not be used during pregnancy because of severe birth defects. Two types of birth control and pregnancy tests are regular during treatment for female patients.

Can we use isotretinoin medications such as Tretiva and Isotroin on mild acne?
Isotretinoin medications are usually reserved for severe or treatment-resistant acne because of their potency and potential side effects. They are not usually prescribed for mild acne.

What is Minicycline and what are the differences between it and isotretinoin drugs?
Minicycline is an antibiotic that works on acne by reducing inflammation and killing the bacteria that cause acne. It operates in a different manner from isotretinoin, which acts on the level of oil production and pore clogging.

For how long should I take acne medications such as Isopil or Tretiva?
The length of isotretinoin treatment depends on the degree of acne and the individual’s reaction. Treatment usually lasts many months and involves regular monitoring by a clinician.

Are there any food restrictions when you are on acne medications?
Although there are no dietary restrictions, it is important to eat well and drink plenty of fluids. It is recommended that one should not consume too much vitamin A supplements as isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A.