Hormonal acne is common in women, and it doesn't disappear after puberty. In fact, studies show about 50% of women in their 20s and 25% of women in their 40s still experience acne.
What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne occurs when fluctuations in hormones trigger breakouts. It typically shows up on the cheeks, jawline, or chin, and can cause oily skin, blackheads, cysts, and inflammation.
Causes and Triggers
The main culprit is androgens, hormones that increase oil production in the skin. Lifestyle factors like stress, poor diet, sleep deprivation, and makeup use can also aggravate hormonal acne.
Can Hormonal Acne Affect You at Any Age?
Many assume acne stops with menopause, but dermatologist Natalia Spierings says it can persist for some women even after menopause, especially for those who’ve had oily skin for years.
Managing Hormonal Acne
Simplify Your Skincare Routine: Avoid using too many products. Stick to a basic routine of cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Start with One Treatment at a Time: Opt for mild treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Give them time to work before adding new products.
Consult a Dermatologist: If acne impacts your life significantly, seek professional treatment.
Consider Birth Control: Hormonal birth control may help regulate acne, though it’s not for everyone.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can help, but for persistent cases, stronger treatments like retinoids or spironolactone may be necessary.
Learning to Accept Hormonal Skin
Managing hormonal acne may become a lifelong journey, but learning to accept it can be freeing. Embrace self-acceptance by focusing on the parts of yourself you love, and remember that skin imperfections do not define your beauty.
Whether through treatments or self-acceptance, there’s no need to feel embarrassed about hormonal acne at any age. You’re not alone, and there are ways to manage it.
Source: Healthline
Filled Under :
*We reserve the right to delete comments that contain inappropriate content.