Going through life means experiencing a variety of changes to your skin and body. Many individuals undergo hormonal acne, whether during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. Figuring out the science can help you demystify the complexities behind this condition and learn the natural solutions for acne that will lead to healthy skin.
What Is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne often occurs when your body is going through hormonal changes. An estimated 85% of teens get acne, with girls experiencing it as early as 11 years old. Unfortunately, you can still deal with hormonal acne even after puberty, depending on what your body is going through.
Hormonal acne looks similar to other types of acne, manifesting itself in pimples, blackheads and whiteheads on the forehead and cheeks. Some may also experience deep red cysts, showcasing internal inflammation. The main difference between that and other kinds is its direct cause.
How Breakouts Happens
Hormonal imbalance and skin health tend to clash during different stages of your life. For example, a spike in reproductive hormones during your teenage years inflames your skin and triggers breakouts. A drop in reproductive hormones due to irregular periods and pregnancy can also cause hormonal acne to pop up.
The fluctuations mainly affect hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. While they can naturally occur through different periods, such as menstrual cycles, the imbalance can also stem from hormone-changing medication. There are counter treatments to balance things out, but these are only recommended for certain medical reasons.
It’s hard to stop hormonal changes once they happen, which is why this type of acne occurs. However, certain factors like your skin care and stress levels can improve or worsen your skin’s condition. It’s best to address those things when you can.
Solving The Problem
Making changes in your everyday routine can help you take care of and solve hormonal acne. Here are some natural solutions.
Clean Skin Care Practices
More people are seeking clean skin care. There has been an interest in these types of labels ever since journalist Michael Pollan suggested consumers purchase products with easy-to-pronounce ingredients back in 2008. The goal is to find items that are healthier for your skin, and you need to have the same objective.
Consider looking for skin care products with natural ingredients like a purifying gel balm facial cleanser that does not strip the skin barrier or a vegan night cream that is plant-based. Those specifically formulated for hormonal acne can help with calming down the external inflammation. Make sure to practice a consistent routine for the best results.
Lifestyle Changes
Aside from having a sustainable skin care routine, integrate new lifestyle changes as well. Stress creates a hormonal imbalance that clogs pores and triggers acne. Thus, minimizing pressure-filled situations can lessen the likelihood of hormonal acne.
Stress management techniques like mindfulness and yoga to start your morning can keep your mind relatively quiet. If tension is building up, consider releasing all that energy into exercise. Sleep can also give you a mental refresh in preparation for the day.
Herbal and Natural Remedies
You can also explore herbal remedies for acne to address internal inflammation. Tea tree oil is often mentioned due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties. You can also utilize honey, as it has antioxidant properties.
Some find that infusing creams with green tea for direct application to the skin can help fight bacteria and minimize inflammation. Drinking the beverage also works. However, more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these solutions.
Take Care of Your Skin
Getting into the science of hormonal acne is crucial for those seeking to improve their skin health. Look out for the triggers and make active choices like adopting clean skin care and a healthy lifestyle. The journey may feel challenging, but it’s most certainly fulfilling in the long run.
(photo: polina tankilevitch)
