What causes hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is acne that typically appears on the cheeks and jawline due to hormonal fluctuations in the body. The breakouts are often cystic and painful in nature. This can occur when women produce too much testosterone (PCOS, post Birth Control Pill androgen surge, IUDs, etc) or when androgens outweigh oestrogen. Too many androgens can increase keratinocyte cell turnover and cause sebaceous glands to enlarge, increasing sebaceous secretions and free fatty acids that cause inflammation in acne prone skin.
Testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone DHT (its more potent, reduced form) by the enzyme 5a-reductase, which can then change the quality and quantity of sebum.
How do I know if my acne is hormonal?
Hormonal acne is acne that typically appears on the cheeks and jawline due to hormonal fluctuations in the body. The breakouts are often cystic and painful in nature. It can be accompanied by irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods, excessive hair growth/loss. It will flare up at certain times during the month in 'cyclical' nature, or be exacerbated like certain things like diet, stress, etc.
How do I treat hormonal acne?
The Face Club Treatment approach is to support the skin barrier first. Often people with acne are guilty of over-stripping their skin, which can lead to reduced skin barrier function and more inflammation. The most important first step is ensuring healthy skin barrier function with Omega 3 supplementation and a healing moisturizer. Once the skin barrier is well supported, we introduce acne fighting ingredients like Vitamin A, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and anti-inflammatories like Colostrum Gel. The most powerful (and scientifically researched) ingredient for hormonal acne is Vitamin A. Our favourites are the Osmosis Clarify Blemish Retinal Serum and Environ Vitamin, A, C, and E Oil. These should be applied in the evenings to ensure the skin is turning over properly and sebaceous gland activity is regulated.
Weekly exfoliation is key for treating acne and preventing scarring. Our favourite is the Environ Sebu Clear Masque. It has a low pH which makes it anti-inflammatory and mildly sterilising.
Take the Face Club Skin Quiz to get your personalized recommendations or Book a Virtual Consult with a Face Club Skin Therapist to learn more.