What are the causes of and solutions to hormonal acne?

You've had enough of these buttons What about stubborn acne that always appears at the wrong time? Hormonal acne is a recurring problem for many women. This article reveals the causes of this specific type of acne and gives you practical solutions to remedy it.

Understanding Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne, often confused with other forms of acne, is influenced by hormonal fluctuations, which mainly affect women. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating many organs, including the skin. Here's how it works:

• Cortisol Cortisol: This stress hormone, secreted by the adrenal glands, reduces the skin's capacity for regeneration and compromises its natural defenses. In periods of high stress, cortisol can exacerbate skin problems by increasing sebum production and promoting inflammation.
• Insulin Insulin: This hormone regulates blood sugar levels. An excess of insulin, often due to a power supply rich in refined sugars and carbohydrates, can thicken the skin and damage collagen and elastin fibers. This contributes to the appearance of pimples and other skin lesions.
• Sex hormones Testosterone, estrogen and progesterone, secreted by the ovaries and adrenal glands, influence sebum production. Testosterone, for example, dramatically increases sebum production, which can clog pores and lead to "blemishes".acne.

These hormonal fluctuations can lead to overproduction of sebum, clogging pores and causing unsightly pimples. It's essential to understand that hormonal balance is delicate, and that many factors, such as stress, diet and menstrual cycles, can disrupt it.

Signs of hormonal acne

Hormonal acne is often characterized by several specific features:

• Late onset Unlike teenage acne, hormonal acne often manifests itself in adulthood.
• Locating imperfections Pimples are generally concentrated on the lower face, neck, cheeks and chin.
• Inflammatory lesions Presence of deep, painful pimples that may develop into nodules or cysts.
• Recent changes in contraception Changing or stopping hormonal contraception can trigger an acne flare-up.

These clues can help you identify whether you're suffering from hormonal acne. It's important to note that each person is unique, and manifestations may vary.

Why are women more affected?

The production of sebum, responsible for acne, is influenced by various hormones:

• Estrogen Reduce sebum production, which can have a protective effect against acne.
• Progesterone Stimulates sebum production, increasing the risk of clogged pores and pimples.
• Testosterone Increases sebum production considerably, making skin more prone to acne.

Women undergo regular hormonal fluctuations with each menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and menopause, making them more vulnerable to hormonal acne. For example, during the second half of the menstrual cycle, progesterone dominates, which can exacerbate skin problems. In addition, major events such as pregnancy and menopause cause major hormonal upheavals that can trigger or aggravate acne.

Contraception and hormonal acne

Hormonal contraception alters the hormonal balance, which can affect the skin in different ways:

• Progestins Progestin-only contraceptives (such as hormonal IUDs, implants and certain pills) can aggravate acne by stimulating the sebaceous glands. By mimicking progesterone, they can cause an overproduction of sebum.
• Estrogen-progestogen Combined contraceptives (combined pills, vaginal rings, patches) are less likely to cause acne, as they contain synthetic estrogens that counterbalance the effects of progesterone. However, they can have other side effects, such as weight changes, high blood pressure or risk of mastosis.
• Non-hormonal Non-hormonal contraception (such as copper IUDs) does not directly affect hormonal balance. However, some women report the onset or persistence of acne with these devices, possibly due to copper's interference with the absorption of zinc, which is crucial for sebum regulation.

It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to choose the contraception best suited to your specific needs and skin type.

Managing Hormonal Acne

1 - Adapted routine Adapt your skincare routine to the different phases of your menstrual cycle. Use specific products to prevent and treat rashes during critical periods.

• Before menstruation: Incorporate a balancing anti-blemish serum to prevent the appearance of pimples.
• Cleaning Use a gentle cleansing gel morning and night to regulate and purify the skin. Follow with a lotion rich in soothing, purifying hydrosols.
• Local treatment: Apply a natural local acne cream to each pimple to speed healing and prevent scarring.

2 - Healthy eating A balanced diet can play a crucial role in managing hormonal acne.

• Avoid: Limit refined sugars, foods with a high glycemic index and saturated fatty acids.
• Focus: Eat fiber, vitamins and omega-3s, found in fatty fish, vegetable oils and green vegetables, to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

3 - Moisturizing and care Use non-comedogenic plant oils, such as jojoba oil, to moisturize your skin without clogging pores. Also, be sure to choose endocrine-disruptor-free products to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

4 - Healthy living A healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and skin health.

• Hydration Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated
• Moderate exercise: Exercise regularly, but not excessively.
• Stress management: Adopt relaxation techniques such as yoga to reduce stress, which can aggravate acne.
• Sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep to allow your body to regenerate.

When should you consult a specialist?

If your hormonal acne persists despite a rigorous skincare routine, it's advisable to consult a specialist. Persistent severe acne after age 25 may indicate an underlying problem such as hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovaries or other medical conditions.

• Dermatologist For specific skin treatments.
• Gynecologist For advice on contraception and hormonal disorders.
• Endocrinologist For hormone testing and treatment of hormonal imbalances.

These professionals can prescribe appropriate drug treatments, such as topical antibiotics, retinoids or other therapies to effectively treat hormonal acne.

Hormonal acne can seem like a never-ending battle, but with a thorough understanding and the right routine, you can dramatically reduce its effects. Knowing your body and how it reacts is key to adopting the right strategies and improving your skin's health. Take care of yourself and listen to your body to best navigate through these hormonal fluctuations.