Suspect your acne breakouts are hormonal? This guide will walk you through how to identify and treat hormonal acne breakouts. Learn top treatments and preventative lifestyle tips from our team of scientists and skin experts.
What Causes Hormonal Acne?
A combination of hormonal fluctuations, bacteria, and inflammation triggers the production of sebum (oils) which leads to the formation of acne breakouts.
Through experiencing fluctuations in the female sex hormones– estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, monthly with the menses, females are more susceptible to hormonal acne.
Aside from menstruation, other conditions that can affect hormone levels (and therefore increase sebum production) include puberty, pregnancy, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), stress, lack of sleep, age, certain medications (such as birth control pills and steroid hormones), and one’s unique genetic profile.
How to Identify Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne is characterized by raised, red (or white), tender bumps filled with pus which may be painful to the touch. A graphic description, we know! Acne that’s hormonal in nature often makes an appearance on the lower half of the face including the cheeks, jawline, chin, and neck region.
Hormonal body acne on the chest, back, and shoulders is also common because we have a higher density of sebaceous glands per hair follicle in these areas. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that helps moisturize and protect the skin. With fluctuations in hormone levels, such as testosterone, the skin begins to increase its oil production, leading to breakouts.
Treatments for Hormonal Acne
To reduce sebum production and inflammation we recommend adhering to a daily hormonal-acne-fighting skincare regimen. Your routine should include a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleanser and/or spot treatment. Both of these ingredients have clinical efficacy and are well-known acne-fighting agents.
Salicylic acid chemically exfoliates the skin and helps unclog the pores. This active also helps other topicals penetrate the pores more deeply.
Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes on the skin to destroy pore-clogging bacteria, removing excess sebum and decreasing skin inflammation.
A powerful ingredient, it’s important to start off with a low concentration and gradually increase the strength level as your skin becomes accustomed to it. We also recommend avoiding the use of other acne products when using benzoyl peroxide.
After cleansing, use a targeted serum and hydrating moisturizer. Having acne is not a reason to skip moisturizing! Additionally, it's imperative to make sure the topicals you’re using are non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) and fragrance-free. Check labels on makeup, lotions, oils, and sunscreen before purchasing and using.
If you’re experiencing hormonal acne that’s moderate to severe in nature, we recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist who can determine if prescription treatments may help.
Revea’s Hormonal Acne Fighters
If you’re currently struggling with hormonal acne breakouts, your custom Revea serum will be designed with actives that work to clear the skin over time. Some ingredients we use include:
Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (SA): Also known as beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), this ingredient helps smooth skin texture. Our stabilized SA enhances the shedding of corneocytes (mild skin peeling) by decreasing corneocyte cohesion at the surface. In layman’s terms, salicylic acid has exceptional exfoliating properties to improve skin smoothness. As an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory, SA has the ability to soothe stressed skin, reduce redness, and calm active acne breakouts.
Bisabolol: Recognized widely for its skin-soothing benefits, this anti-inflammatory ingredient provides rapid relief and profound skin comfort, especially for acne-prone skin types. At Revea, we utilize a high-purity, nature-identical alpha-bisabolol as a sustainable, potent solution to ensure the best skin results.
Bakuchiol: As effective as retinol, but more gentle, bakuchiol contains anti-inflammatory properties and protects the skin from free radical damage. Additionally, it works to restore skin thickness, reduce biological signs of aging, regulate cellular turnover, reduce sebum production, and promote skin hydration.
Marrubium Extract: Selected for its anti-inflammatory properties, this ingredient acts as a control mechanism for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), serving as a potent antioxidant. Marrubium extract also helps refresh the skin from oxidative damage and pollution, while promoting smoothness, softness, and overall skin radiance.
Green Marine Micro-Algae Extract: This anti-inflammatory active has the ability to modulate COX-2 expression, a common mediator of sebum production, therefore reducing sebum secretion and skin sensitivity. At the same time, it reinforces the barrier’s function to protect the skin from aggressors. Green marine micro-algae extract boosts our skin’s defenses from environmental triggers and restores a protective hydrolipid barrier.
Lifestyle Tips for Hormonal Acne
We’re firm believers that clearing the skin requires exploring one’s daily habits. For long-term skin health, we recommend maintaining the following practices:
Eat a Nutrient-Rich, Low-Inflammatory Diet: A major pathophysiologic aspect of acne, inflammation can result from a diet high in sugars and animal products. Incorporating more vegetables, fruits, and plant-based proteins into your meals can have a significant impact on promoting clear skin and overall health. Avoid processed foods and those that fall on the high end of the glycemic index (GI) including sugar and white rice.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Beauty rest is a real thing. Our skin works to repair while we sleep– blood flow increases, and the organ rebuilds its collagen and repairs damage from UV exposure, fighting the formation of wrinkles and age spots. Aim to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to improve the appearance of your skin over time. Additional sleep hygiene measures to implement include removing electronic devices that emit blue light, adhering to an evening skincare regimen, and sleeping on clean sheets and pillowcases.
Wear Sunscreen Daily: Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ daily is a must, regardless of weather conditions or skin type. For those dealing with hormonal acne and susceptible to breakouts, look for sunscreen formulas that are non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores). Consistency is key!
Clean Skin Contact Items: Pillowcases, towels, headphones, makeup brushes, and other items that come in contact with your facial skin can be a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to breakouts. Remember to clean these skin-contact items regularly.
Consult with a Skin Expert: You’re not alone in your skincare journey! Consult with a skin expert or board-certified dermatologist for skin-related questions and concerns. At Revea, we offer 24/7 on-demand support. Our team of formulation chemists and scientific advisors are here to help!
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