Hormonal Acne – Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

Adolescence often brings the unwelcome experience of breakouts, commonly known as hormonal acne. But it’s not just a teenage issue—hormonal acne can affect anyone, at any age, regardless of gender. Stress is another factor that can trigger these stubborn blemishes.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of hormonal acne and explore effective treatment methods to help you achieve clear skin without lingering dark spots. It’s time to say goodbye to those pesky breakouts once and for all!

What Is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels and often appears at predictable times, such as during your period, right after it, or during periods of stress. This type of breakout is also commonly known as menstrual acne.

Causes of Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is a common skin concern, especially during adolescence and early adulthood. It can be attributed to three primary causes:

1. Hormonal Changes:

Fluctuating hormone levels can overstimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to excess oil production. This clogs pores and triggers inflammation, resulting in breakouts, including menstrual acne and even acne during pregnancy.

2. Stress:

When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that boosts oil production on the skin. Stress also weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off bacteria, leading to breakouts.

3. Lack of Sleep:

Not getting enough rest disrupts hormone balance, causing inflammation and increased oil buildup on the skin, which can result in acne.
Understanding these triggers can help you manage and prevent hormonal acne effectively.

Characteristics of Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne can appear in various forms, including comedones and inflammatory acne, with symptoms that differ from person to person. Here are the most common types:

• Comedones: This category includes blackheads (open comedones) formed by the oxidation of keratin and lipids, and whiteheads (closed comedones), which are small, raised bumps with a white tip that are often harder to detect.
• Inflammatory Acne: This type of hormonal acne is painful and can cause the surrounding skin to feel tight. It is further classified into:
• • Papules: Small, red, round bumps that are inflamed but don’t have a pus-filled head. They can be slightly painful to touch.
  • Pustules: Red acne lesions with a white or yellow pus-filled center, often painful when touched.
  • Nodules: Large, deep, and painful lesions without a head or pus. Early treatment is crucial to prevent scarring.

Effective Treatment Options For Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne can be particularly frustrating for women, especially during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy. If you’re looking to manage or prevent hormonal acne, here are some effective treatments:

1. Medication Treatment

Hormonal acne can be treated with various medications. Topical treatments like salicylic acid, retinoids, or prescribed medications can help reduce inflammation and fight acne-causing bacteria. Oral medications may also be used alongside topical treatments for a more comprehensive approach.

2. Acne Injections

For quick results, acne injections can be an effective solution, particularly for large, inflamed acne without a head. Performed by certified dermatologists, these injections help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, making them ideal for stubborn, painful breakouts.

3. Light Therapy

Light therapy offers a gentle, non-invasive option for those dealing with both comedonal and inflammatory acne. Laser treatments help reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and treat post-acne marks such as dark spots and redness, promoting clearer, healthier skin.

4. Exfoliation

Exfoliation effectively combats comedonal hormonal acne. Using fruit acids or medical-grade chemical peels, exfoliation helps shed dead skin cells, unclog pores, and fade dark spots, red marks, and scars, leaving your skin smooth and revitalized.

Hormonal acne often requires expert care, especially as it’s triggered by hormonal changes. Improper handling, like picking or squeezing, can lead to deep scars and permanent damage.

Privato Clinic, a leading provider of acne treatment in Bangkok, offers modern solutions with professional dermatologists to help you achieve clear, healthy skin.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.