What Is Hormonal Acne? Its Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment And Diet Tips!

Sometimes, despite following a thorough skincare routine, people frequently encounter unwanted acne around their cheeks and chin. Actually, during adolescence, the continuous modulation of hormone levels results in various skin issues, among which hormonal acne is the most popular.

When it comes to skin issues, acne affects up to 85% of people between 12 and 24 years of age, and hormonal acne is the most common type, accounting for over 80% of all cases. Some other factors, like pollution, unhealthy eating practices, and the use of harmful chemical products, may cause pimples and acne.

Now, being a severe skin issue, it is essential to understand the reasons behind this hormonal acne. Read on to know the causes, symptoms, prevention and diet tips to manage hormonal acne. 

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Hormonal Acne?

2. Causes Of Hormonal Acne

3. Symptoms Of Hormonal Acne

4. Preventive Measures For Hormonal Acne

5. How To Treat Hormonal Acne?

6. Diet Tips: Foods To Eat & Avoid For Hormonal Acne Prevention

7. The Final Say

8. FAQ

9. References

What Is Hormonal Acne?

Our skin has pores that are generally clogged by the overproduction of sebum (an oily substance in skin glands), which ultimately leads to acne and pimples. 

These are the most common skin conditions that target almost every individual around the globe. 

Among these, hormonal acne is now at the top of the list as these are caused as the result of hormonal imbalances, particularly in testosterone and androgens. It generally affects up to 85% of individuals between 12 and 24 years of age.

Hormonal acne predominantly appears on the lower half of the face, especially along the jawline and chin, causing irritation and itching. Let us understand what causes this painful acne.

Also Read: Acne: Types, Causes And Natural Treatments

Causes Of Hormonal Acne

Some hormonal acne causes include the following:

• Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.

• Increased androgen hormone production.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Menopause.

• Pregnancy.

• Hormonal medications (birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy).

• Stress and anxiety. 

• Diet high in sugary and processed foods.

• Genetics.

• Certain skincare and cosmetic products.

• Insulin resistance.

• Medications that affect hormone levels.

Symptoms Of Hormonal Acne

These predominantly appear on the lower half of the face, especially along the jawline and chin. Some common hormonal acne symptoms are:

• Red, inflamed pimples and cyst breakouts, primarily on the lower face, jawline, and neck.

• Pimple occurrence around the menstrual cycle.

• Increased oiliness of the skin.

• Painful or tender acne lesions.

• Whiteheads and blackheads.

• Potential for scarring and hyperpigmentation.

  
  

Also Read: Explore The 8 Reasons Why You Get A Pesky Lip Pimple?

Preventive Measures For Hormonal Acne

To stop hormonal acne, there are some useful options that you can follow:

1. Lifestyle Adjustments

The first one is modifying your lifestyle by adding good habits and eliminating the bad ones. Some easy-to-follow lifestyle adjustments are: 

• Use non-comedogenic skincare products.

• Manage stress through activities like yoga and meditation.

• Avoid heavy makeup during acne flare-ups.

• Choose hair products carefully to prevent breakouts.

• Refrain from picking or squeezing acne.

• Change pillowcases regularly to reduce oil and product residue buildup.

2. Medical Procedures

• Hormonal therapy: Oral contraceptives or anti-androgen medications.

• Chemical peels.

• Laser therapy.

• Light therapy (photodynamic therapy).

• Intralesional corticosteroid injections.

How To Treat Hormonal Acne?

Some treatment options for hormonal acne include the following:

Diet Tips: Foods To Eat And Avoid For Hormonal Acne Prevention 

We must focus on our eating habits to alleviate the cause of hormonal acne. Various foods may increase its growth, and some foodstuffs may suppress it. So, let us understand some diet tips to prevent hormonal acne.

Foods To Eat For Preventing Hormonal Acne

The foods that you should eat to prevent hormonal acne are:

Foods To Avoid For Preventing Hormonal Acne

The foods to avoid hormonal acne include the following:

The Final Say

Having hormonal acne can be frustrating, but they can be treated by various means. You can prevent the occurrence of this acne by following measures like eating a proper diet, focusing on practices to support hormonal balance, early detection and consultation, protecting your skin from pollutants, not using harmful products, and keeping yourself hydrated. 

You can also take the help of your dermatologist to get rid of the hormonal acne. Depending on the severity of your hormonal acne, they may recommend topical or oral medications.

Other than these, detoxification can help you remove unwanted toxins from your body and thus prevent hormonal acne. You can visit ToneOp for more details about detox plans and medical consultations.

FAQ

1. Can hormonal acne be treated topically?

Yes, topical treatments can help to reduce hormonal acne. Some topical treatment options are:

• Benzoyl Peroxide: It helps reduce acne-causing bacteria.

• Salicylic Acid: It helps to clean and exfoliate unclogged pores.

• Topical Retinoids (tazarotene, adapalene, and tretinoin): They help to increase cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.

  
  

2. How to treat hormonal acne naturally at home?

Some tips to prevent hormonal acne include:

• Stay Hydrated

• Control your sugar consumption

• Choose Healthy Options

• Monitor Your Diet

• Consult With Your Dermatologist

  
  

3. Where does hormonal acne occur?

The most common areas to get hormonal acne are the chin, forehead, and bottom of the cheeks.

4. Does hormonal acne go away with age?

As hormonal acne is caused by the fluctuation of progesterone and estrogen hormones, there is no specific age for the onset and end of this acne.

5. Which hormone causes acne before your period?

Progesterone and oestrogen are the two hormones responsible for causing hormonal acne before period.

6. Which supplement is best for hormonal acne?

Zinc is a mineral that supports skin health and collagen synthesis. Its benefits for acne include reducing sebum production and controlling inflammation. It is the best hormonal acne supplement.

7. How to stop hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne can be stopped or treated by oral or topical medications. Following a proper diet and maintaining hygiene can also alleviate acne and pimples.

References 

• Hormonal Acne

• Hormonal acne: What you need to know

• Best hormonal acne treatment 

About ToneOp

ToneOp is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.