A bad skin day can really impact one’s confidence. Growing up, many of us would have heard the rumour that we’ll ‘grow out’ of our acne phase. While this may be the case for some, many of us were met with the beautiful gift of hormonal acne once we reached our late teens.
Those pesky red blemishes around the chin? Painful ‘under the skin bumps’ around our ears or on our necks? Yeah, that sounds like our good old friend.
WATCH: What is skin cycling? Article continues after video.
While hormonal acne is certainly no new phenomenon, many still struggle with the ins and outs of how to treat it. After all, it can be a difficult beast to manage!
While you may find yourself running to your newest supermarket and purchasing the largest bottle of ‘Acne Wash’ to ward away your evil visitors, take a read of this first. The key to managing your hormonal acne may surprise you…
To uncover everything your need to know (and what to do) about hormonal acne, we spoke to skin expert and Co-Founder of The Secret Skincare, Dr Clara Hurst. The prescription strength skincare brand tailors their products to each individual based on their skin concerns. With the addition of a new Base Range, designed to optimise skin health, it’s safe to say you’re in good hands for this deep dive.
What is hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is a skin condition linked to the overproduction of sebum which, in turn, clogs pores.
“The overproduction of oil is caused by fluctuations in hormones, such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. This excess oil builds up on the skin, clogging pores and causing acne.”
“Hormones play a huge role in overall health, and an imbalance can lead to a number of skin changes,” she added.
What does hormonal acne look like?
“Hormonal acne usually appears as large, red cysts under the skin and are commonly found on the bottom half of the face – including the cheeks, chin, jawline and neck.”
What triggers hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne can have several triggers; including “fluctuating hormones, increased sebum production, and blocked hair follicles (forming clogged pores).”
These skin changes can be brought on by a number of factors including
“age, hormonal changes (at any age), changes in medications (such as the birth control pill), stress, trauma and more.”
Once the trigger is determined (which can be tricky), Dr Hurst says treatment will be a lot easier.
What’s the difference between hormonal and bacterial acne?
“Bacterial acne is an inflammatory reaction of closed comedones or clogged pores, and has no correlation to your hormones. These breakouts can be triggered by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as lack of sleep, inadequate cleansing, bacteria build up in makeup products/brushes, pillowcases, new beauty products and much more.”
“Hormonal acne is triggered by fluctuations in hormones, causing an increase in oil production. It can take anywhere between 3-9 months for hormones to be managed, and changes in the skin to be seen.”
If the breakouts are located on the lower half of the face, you are more likely to be dealing with hormonal acne.
How do you treat hormonal acne?
“The best way to treat hormonal acne starts with a simple, consistent, skincare routine,” Dr Hurst said.
“Creating healthy skin, working at optimal condition is the aim – as it does not overproduce oil causing breakouts.”
Dr Hurst recommends medical/prescription strength topicals for treatment and says to look out for Vitamin A/Retinoids.
“The Secret’s Acne Night Formula includes topical antibiotics which remove any harmful bacteria in the skin, whilst utilising a prescription strength Vitamin A which works to rapidly increase the rate at which your skin cells turnover, removing damaged skin, revealing younger, stronger cells,” she said.
Does hormonal acne eventually go away?
“With effective, consistent treatment, acne will go away. Creating healthy skin, working at optimal condition is key. When your skin is working at optimal condition, it does not overproduce oil, causing breakouts, as well as overproduce melanin, causing pigment.”
“Severe cases of acne may require intensive treatments which can take longer periods of time to treat.”
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