Tips for Managing Hormonal Breakouts
6 min read
OCT 4, 2022 - by KYLIE NICHOLSON
LIFE STYLE
Tips for Managing Hormonal Breakouts
6 min read
OCT 4, 2022 - by KYLIE NICHOLSON
LIFE STYLE
Dealing with acne can be super frustrating, especially when it feels like nothing works. If you’re experiencing hormonal breakouts, it's not just about spot treatment; it's about getting to the heart of the issue. Hormonal changes and imbalances can throw your skin out of whack, so it's important to address the root cause of hormonal breakouts!
Dealing with acne can be super frustrating, especially when it feels like nothing works. If you’re experiencing hormonal breakouts, it's not just about spot treatment; it's about getting to the heart of the issue. Hormonal changes and imbalances can throw your skin out of whack, so it's important to address the root cause of hormonal breakouts!
Causes of Hormonal Acne
rmonal acne breakouts are closely tied to fluctuations in bodily hormone levels, which means they'll often show up right at certain times in your period. You may also identify breakouts if you are pregnant, perimenopausal, menopausalWhile hormonal acne is relatively easy to understand, the triggers of hormonal acne can be annoyingly difficult to target. While the causes of your breakouts will be unique, they are typically caused by some form of hormonal fluctuation.
, or have a hormonal condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 1
Hormones like estrogen and testosterone are especially important in the development of hormonal acne.2 These hormones trigger the overproduction of sebum, a mixture of natural fats and oils produced by the skin, leading to
oily skin and the perfect conditions for acne-causing bacteria to spread. It is also important to differentiate between hormonal and bacterial acne to choose the right treatment. Hormonal acne may require hormonal regulation, meanwhile, bacterial acne may benefit from topical treatments targeting bacteria and oil production.What causes Hormonal Breakouts?
Causes of Hormonal Acne
rmonal acne breakouts are closely tied to fluctuations in bodily hormone levels, which means they'll often show up right at certain times in your period. You may also identify breakouts if you are pregnant, perimenopausal, menopausalWhile hormonal acne is relatively easy to understand, the triggers of hormonal acne can be annoyingly difficult to target. While the causes of your breakouts will be unique, they are typically caused by some form of hormonal fluctuation.
, or have a hormonal condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 1
Hormones like estrogen and testosterone are especially important in the development of hormonal acne.2 These hormones trigger the overproduction of sebum, a mixture of natural fats and oils produced by the skin, leading to
oily skin and the perfect conditions for acne-causing bacteria to spread. It is also important to differentiate between hormonal and bacterial acne to choose the right treatment. Hormonal acne may require hormonal regulation, meanwhile, bacterial acne may benefit from topical treatments targeting bacteria and oil production.What causes Hormonal Breakouts?
Effective Strategies for Managing Hormonal Acne
Managing hormonal acne breakouts relies on addressing root causes and triggers while adopting a complimentary gentle skincare routine.
Effective Strategies for Managing Hormonal Acne
Managing hormonal acne breakouts relies on addressing root causes and triggers while adopting a complimentary gentle skincare routine.
Harmful Ingredients in Sunscreens: What You Need to Know
Naturally: Dietary and Lifestyle Approaches
Diet counts! Limiting the intake of foods rich in sugar and dairy can help minimize acne flare-ups. You can even reinforce the skin's health through your foods that fight inflammation! Anti-inflammatory options like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts can help manage sebum production with healthy oils and fatty acids. 3Additionally, eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can balance hormone levels by providing essential nutrients and antioxidants while keeping those sugar-spiked acne breakouts at bay. (3)
Lifestyle: Incorporating stress-reduction practices like regular exercise can manage stress in two distinct ways. Exercise releases endorphins that make us destress and sleep better. At the same time, exercise lowers blood sugar which can reduce the severity of hormonal acne breakouts.4,5 These long-term practices can reduce stress-induced hormonal imbalances that trigger acne breakouts.
Harmful Ingredients in Sunscreens: What You Need to Know
Naturally: Dietary and Lifestyle Approaches
Diet counts! Limiting the intake of foods rich in sugar and dairy can help minimize acne flare-ups. You can even reinforce the skin's health through your foods that fight inflammation! Anti-inflammatory options like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts can help manage sebum production with healthy oils and fatty acids. 3Additionally, eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can balance hormone levels by providing essential nutrients and antioxidants while keeping those sugar-spiked acne breakouts at bay. (3)
Lifestyle: Incorporating stress-reduction practices like regular exercise can manage stress in two distinct ways. Exercise releases endorphins that make us destress and sleep better. At the same time, exercise lowers blood sugar which can reduce the severity of hormonal acne breakouts.4,5 These long-term practices can reduce stress-induced hormonal imbalances that trigger acne breakouts.
Harmful Ingredients in Sunscreens: What You Need to Know
A number of dermatologist’s recommended medical solutions, which have started to emerge in recent years as the best options to treat the more persistent forms of hormonal acne. Some of these include:After you address hormonal acne, left-over scarring can sometimes be troubling. OS-01 FACE and OS-01 BODY stand as gentler alternatives to products like retinol
- Accutane - Accutane, the brand name for isotretinoin, is a powerful oral medication used to treat severe acne. It's derived from vitamin A and reduces the size of the oil glands in the skin, thereby decreasing oil production. It also reduces skin inflammation and increases cell turnover, which can also reduce acne scarring. Due to its strength and potential side effects, including birth defects, if taken during pregnancy, it is usually considered a last resort. Other side effects may include dry skin, lips, and eyes, as well as possible mood changes.6
- Birth Control - Birth control pills, specifically combination pills containing both estrogen and progestin, can regulate or lessen hormonal fluctuations that contribute to hormonal acne flare-ups. Some of these birth controls and oral contraceptives can also act as androgen blockers minimizing oily skin. However, not all birth control pills will help with acne, and some can bring side effects like feeling queasy, gaining weight, or mood swings.7
- Spironolactone -Spironolactone is a medication that was initially developed as a diuretic for high blood pressure but has been found to be effective in treating hormonal acne in women. It works by blocking androgen receptors and decreasing androgen production (such as testosterone), which in turn reduces oil production in the skin. Spironolactone is typically used in women who have had persistent hormonal acne well into adulthood, as It can cause side effects like increased urination, electrolyte imbalances, and, in rare cases, breast tenderness.8
Addressing Acne Scars
. Formulated with the OS-01 peptide, which is scientifically proven to improve a key biomarker associated with cell proliferation MKI679, OS-01 FACE and BODY may help fade scars with
healthy cell turnover! Never compromise on your skin care routine; incorporate OneSkin’s OS-01 proprietary peptide found in OS-01 FACE, EYE, and BODY products! These products are not only non-comedogenic but specifically formulated to support skin’s repair pathways and barrier function, plus promote a healthy skin microbiome. While not designed as acne treatments, these formulas are champions at soothing and rejuvenating your skin. Read more about integrating OneSkin’s topical supplements into your skin routine today!Harmful Ingredients in Sunscreens: What You Need to Know
A number of dermatologist’s recommended medical solutions, which have started to emerge in recent years as the best options to treat the more persistent forms of hormonal acne. Some of these include:After you address hormonal acne, left-over scarring can sometimes be troubling. OS-01 FACE and OS-01 BODY stand as gentler alternatives to products like retinol
- Accutane - Accutane, the brand name for isotretinoin, is a powerful oral medication used to treat severe acne. It's derived from vitamin A and reduces the size of the oil glands in the skin, thereby decreasing oil production. It also reduces skin inflammation and increases cell turnover, which can also reduce acne scarring. Due to its strength and potential side effects, including birth defects, if taken during pregnancy, it is usually considered a last resort. Other side effects may include dry skin, lips, and eyes, as well as possible mood changes.6
- Birth Control - Birth control pills, specifically combination pills containing both estrogen and progestin, can regulate or lessen hormonal fluctuations that contribute to hormonal acne flare-ups. Some of these birth controls and oral contraceptives can also act as androgen blockers minimizing oily skin. However, not all birth control pills will help with acne, and some can bring side effects like feeling queasy, gaining weight, or mood swings.7
- Spironolactone -Spironolactone is a medication that was initially developed as a diuretic for high blood pressure but has been found to be effective in treating hormonal acne in women. It works by blocking androgen receptors and decreasing androgen production (such as testosterone), which in turn reduces oil production in the skin. Spironolactone is typically used in women who have had persistent hormonal acne well into adulthood, as It can cause side effects like increased urination, electrolyte imbalances, and, in rare cases, breast tenderness.8
Addressing Acne Scars
. Formulated with the OS-01 peptide, which is scientifically proven to improve a key biomarker associated with cell proliferation MKI679, OS-01 FACE and BODY may help fade scars with
healthy cell turnover! Never compromise on your skin care routine; incorporate OneSkin’s OS-01 proprietary peptide found in OS-01 FACE, EYE, and BODY products! These products are not only non-comedogenic but specifically formulated to support skin’s repair pathways and barrier function, plus promote a healthy skin microbiome. While not designed as acne treatments, these formulas are champions at soothing and rejuvenating your skin. Read more about integrating OneSkin’s topical supplements into your skin routine today!Key Takeaways:
- Hormonal breakouts are closely linked to fluctuations in hormone levels, often occurring during significant life changes such as menstrual cycles, menopause or due to conditions like PCOS.
- Androgens like testosterone play a crucial role in the development of hormonal acne.
- Managing hormonal acne effectively requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes and maintains a gentle skincare routine.
- Diet and lifestyle choices can influence your hormonal fluctuations. Limiting sugar and dairy intake while incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can help manage sebum production and reduce acne flare-ups.
- Medical solutions have been recognized for their effectiveness in treating hormonal acne, though they come with potential side effects and should be considered with professional advice.
Key Takeaways:
- Hormonal breakouts are closely linked to fluctuations in hormone levels, often occurring during significant life changes such as menstrual cycles, menopause or due to conditions like PCOS.
- Androgens like testosterone play a crucial role in the development of hormonal acne.
- Managing hormonal acne effectively requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes and maintains a gentle skincare routine.
- Diet and lifestyle choices can influence your hormonal fluctuations. Limiting sugar and dairy intake while incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can help manage sebum production and reduce acne flare-ups.
- Medical solutions have been recognized for their effectiveness in treating hormonal acne, though they come with potential side effects and should be considered with professional advice.
By Felip Gerdes: Felip is an aspiring lawyer studying political science at the UC San Diego. For more on Felip, check out his LinkedIn.
By Felip Gerdes: Felip is an aspiring lawyer studying political science at the UC San Diego. For more on Felip, check out his LinkedIn.
References
References
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
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