Understanding Hormonal Acne and Its Triggers
6 min read
OCT 4, 2022 - by KYLIE NICHOLSON
LIFE STYLE
Understanding Hormonal Acne and Its Triggers
6 min read
OCT 4, 2022 - by KYLIE NICHOLSON
LIFE STYLE
Scrubs, creams, cleansers… you've probably tried everything in your battle against hormonal acne. Acne is the most common dermatological condition, yet despite its widespread occurrence, you may not be familiar with the different types of acne, such as hormonal vs bacterial acne
, and the specialized treatments needed to address their root causes.1 Hormonal acne, in particular, seems to operate on its own terms. Let’s take a closer look at hormonal acne, its specific triggers, and how to address it!
Scrubs, creams, cleansers… you've probably tried everything in your battle against hormonal acne. Acne is the most common dermatological condition, yet despite its widespread occurrence, you may not be familiar with the different types of acne, such as hormonal vs bacterial acne
, and the specialized treatments needed to address their root causes.1 Hormonal acne, in particular, seems to operate on its own terms. Let’s take a closer look at hormonal acne, its specific triggers, and how to address it!
01
What is Hormonal Acne: Understanding the Basics
Hormonal acne, as the name suggests, is closely tied to hormonal fluctuations. Variations in hormones such as estrogen and testosterone trigger the overproduction of sebum, a mixture of natural fats and oils produced by the skin.2 This can lead to
oily skin, acne-prone skin, clogged pores, and acne.01
What is Hormonal Acne: Understanding the Basics
Hormonal acne, as the name suggests, is closely tied to hormonal fluctuations. Variations in hormones such as estrogen and testosterone trigger the overproduction of sebum, a mixture of natural fats and oils produced by the skin.2 This can lead to
oily skin, acne-prone skin, clogged pores, and acne.Identifying Hormonal Acne Patterns: Where and How It Appears
Where does hormonal acne appear? If you know what you’re looking for, hormonal acne is fairly easy to spot. It typically causes oily skin, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and deep, cystic bumps primarily on the jawline, chin, and sometimes the neck and shoulders.3 While bacterial acne can be mostly superficial, the deep cystic acne caused by hormones can be particularly painful; it can also lead to scarring if not properly managed.4
If you typically break out at a certain time in your menstrual cycle, you're likely dealing with hormonal acne. Hormonal acne can also coincide with pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, or hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Identifying Hormonal Acne Patterns: Where and How It Appears
Where does hormonal acne appear? If you know what you’re looking for, hormonal acne is fairly easy to spot. It typically causes oily skin, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and deep, cystic bumps primarily on the jawline, chin, and sometimes the neck and shoulders.3 While bacterial acne can be mostly superficial, the deep cystic acne caused by hormones can be particularly painful; it can also lead to scarring if not properly managed.4
If you typically break out at a certain time in your menstrual cycle, you're likely dealing with hormonal acne. Hormonal acne can also coincide with pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, or hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Harmful Ingredients in Sunscreens: What You Need to Know
Hormonal imbalances and fluctuations are the root cause of hormonal acne. Triggers like diet and stress both directly influence the development of hormonal imbalances and subsequent hormonal acne.
Fluctuating Hormonal Levels
Understanding the interplay of hormones within the skin is crucial to understanding their role in causing acne. Androgens such as testosterone ramp up your skin's oil production, which can clog pores and kickstart acne.5 That’s why conditions like PCOS, which are associated with higher androgen levels, can lead to overproduction of oil and acne. In addition, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, complicating the skin's health even more.
Harmful Ingredients in Sunscreens: What You Need to Know
Hormonal imbalances and fluctuations are the root cause of hormonal acne. Triggers like diet and stress both directly influence the development of hormonal imbalances and subsequent hormonal acne.
Fluctuating Hormonal Levels
Understanding the interplay of hormones within the skin is crucial to understanding their role in causing acne. Androgens such as testosterone ramp up your skin's oil production, which can clog pores and kickstart acne.5 That’s why conditions like PCOS, which are associated with higher androgen levels, can lead to overproduction of oil and acne. In addition, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, complicating the skin's health even more.
In the days leading up to your period, it might feel as though your skin is on a rollercoaster as hormonal levels fluctuate rapidly during the menstrual cycle. You may find that your skin breaks out the week leading up to your period or during your period itself. This is a common effect of these fluctuations. That being said, it’s important to remember that both men and women can be affected by hormonal acne and hormonal imbalances.6
Stress
- Cortisol sends your body into flight or fight mode.
- Fight or flight floods the blood with glucose to provide your body with energy.
- When that glucose isn’t utilized, blood sugar is reduced with insulin.
- Insulin production leads to androgen production.
- Androgens trigger an overproduction of sebum, clogging pores and priming the skin for acne outbreaks.
Furthermore, high cortisol levels also inhibit estrogen, which is known to suppress sebum production. 7
Diet
Eating unhealthy, acne-triggering foods is one of the main ways to welcome a hormonal breakout. Try to avoid high-glycemic foods rich in sugar, such as refined carbohydrates. These can spike your blood sugar levels, increasing insulin production. Elevated insulin levels stimulate testosterone production, increasing sebum production and thus the likelihood of acne.8
Dairy products have also been known to cause acne and worsen its severity, possibly due to hormones present in milk.8
In the days leading up to your period, it might feel as though your skin is on a rollercoaster as hormonal levels fluctuate rapidly during the menstrual cycle. You may find that your skin breaks out the week leading up to your period or during your period itself. This is a common effect of these fluctuations. That being said, it’s important to remember that both men and women can be affected by hormonal acne and hormonal imbalances.6
Stress
- Cortisol sends your body into flight or fight mode.
- Fight or flight floods the blood with glucose to provide your body with energy.
- When that glucose isn’t utilized, blood sugar is reduced with insulin.
- Insulin production leads to androgen production.
- Androgens trigger an overproduction of sebum, clogging pores and priming the skin for acne outbreaks.
Furthermore, high cortisol levels also inhibit estrogen, which is known to suppress sebum production. 7
Diet
Eating unhealthy, acne-triggering foods is one of the main ways to welcome a hormonal breakout. Try to avoid high-glycemic foods rich in sugar, such as refined carbohydrates. These can spike your blood sugar levels, increasing insulin production. Elevated insulin levels stimulate testosterone production, increasing sebum production and thus the likelihood of acne.8
Dairy products have also been known to cause acne and worsen its severity, possibly due to hormones present in milk.8
Supporting Skin Health in Hormonal Acne
Managing your hormonal acne involves more care than treatments. Treatments for hormonal acne require a holistic approach to dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and a skincare routine that can significantly influence the severity and frequency of your hormonal breakouts!
Supporting Skin Health in Hormonal Acne
Managing your hormonal acne involves more care than treatments. Treatments for hormonal acne require a holistic approach to dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and a skincare routine that can significantly influence the severity and frequency of your hormonal breakouts!
A Balanced Diet
In addition to avoiding acne-causing foods rich in sugar and dairy, you can also consume foods that reduce the symptoms of acne. Foods rich in fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, can help regulate inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier
without causing unwanted sebum buildup.11 Finally, incorporate foods such as high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet that prevent acne-causing damage by feeding your skin with complex carbohydrates that don't spike blood sugar while supplying vital nutrients and antioxidants to the skin that help balance hormones. 11
A Balanced Diet
In addition to avoiding acne-causing foods rich in sugar and dairy, you can also consume foods that reduce the symptoms of acne. Foods rich in fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, can help regulate inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier
without causing unwanted sebum buildup.11 Finally, incorporate foods such as high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet that prevent acne-causing damage by feeding your skin with complex carbohydrates that don't spike blood sugar while supplying vital nutrients and antioxidants to the skin that help balance hormones. 11
Lifestyle Habits to Manage Stress
Since stress affects the skin
and is such a strong variable in determining the presence and severity of hormonal acne, incorporating stress-reducing practices into daily life can have a significant impact on acne severity. One of the best stress-relieving activities is regular physical activity. Exercise not only minimizes stress by releasing endorphins but can also prevent inflammatory acne by lowering high blood sugar levels that are linked to hormonal acne.8 Stress can also be alleviated through lifestyle practices. Improving your
sleep schedule can help alleviate some of the stress which directly leads to acne-triggering hormonal imbalances. Lifestyle Habits to Manage Stress
Since stress affects the skin
and is such a strong variable in determining the presence and severity of hormonal acne, incorporating stress-reducing practices into daily life can have a significant impact on acne severity. One of the best stress-relieving activities is regular physical activity. Exercise not only minimizes stress by releasing endorphins but can also prevent inflammatory acne by lowering high blood sugar levels that are linked to hormonal acne.8 Stress can also be alleviated through lifestyle practices. Improving your
sleep schedule can help alleviate some of the stress which directly leads to acne-triggering hormonal imbalances. Gentle Skincare Routines
Combating your hormonal acne means managing the root causes but also proactively treating symptoms. The following six-step approach emphasizes cleansing and safeguarding the skin using non-comedogenic products to strengthen the skin's barrier.
- Cleanser - Begin with a mild, gentle exfoliating cleanser, like PREP, in the morning and evening to purify the skin and eliminate surplus sebum without harming the skin's natural balance.9
- Toner - Enhance your skin's clarity by using a toner designed for acne-prone skin, which removes any residues left by your cleanser. Select a formula that suits your skin's specific needs.
- Moisturizer - It's crucial to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin post-cleansing, but it's equally important to avoid introducing impurities that could clog pores. Opt for a light, oil-free face moisturizerthat doesn't contain pore-clogging ingredients. OS-01 FACE is a great one to try.9
- Sunscreen - Conclude your routine by shielding your skin from harmful UV rays that could exacerbate acne. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen suitable for all skin types that doesn’t cause irritation or breakouts, such as OS-01 SHIELD. Pro tip: Zinc oxide is a mineral SPF ingredient that is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and an astringent that can help control oil levels in the skin.
- Exfoliate - Employing physical and chemical exfoliation clears pores and prepares the skin for renewal, contributing to long-term skin health. However, excessive exfoliation can strip away essential oils from the skin barrier, leading to irritation. Limit exfoliation to three or four times weekly and postpone it if your skin is healing from a breakout.10
Gentle Skincare Routines
Combating your hormonal acne means managing the root causes but also proactively treating symptoms. The following six-step approach emphasizes cleansing and safeguarding the skin using non-comedogenic products to strengthen the skin's barrier.
- Cleanser - Begin with a mild, gentle exfoliating cleanser, like PREP, in the morning and evening to purify the skin and eliminate surplus sebum without harming the skin's natural balance.9
- Toner - Enhance your skin's clarity by using a toner designed for acne-prone skin, which removes any residues left by your cleanser. Select a formula that suits your skin's specific needs.
- Moisturizer - It's crucial to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin post-cleansing, but it's equally important to avoid introducing impurities that could clog pores. Opt for a light, oil-free face moisturizerthat doesn't contain pore-clogging ingredients. OS-01 FACE is a great one to try.9
- Sunscreen - Conclude your routine by shielding your skin from harmful UV rays that could exacerbate acne. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen suitable for all skin types that doesn’t cause irritation or breakouts, such as OS-01 SHIELD. Pro tip: Zinc oxide is a mineral SPF ingredient that is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and an astringent that can help control oil levels in the skin.
- Exfoliate - Employing physical and chemical exfoliation clears pores and prepares the skin for renewal, contributing to long-term skin health. However, excessive exfoliation can strip away essential oils from the skin barrier, leading to irritation. Limit exfoliation to three or four times weekly and postpone it if your skin is healing from a breakout.10
Key Takeaways:
- Hormonal acne is closely linked to fluctuations in hormones like insulin, estrogen, and testosterone. This can lead to overproduction of sebum and result in oily, acne-prone skin.
- Hormonal acne typically occurs on the jawline, chin, and sometimes neck and shoulders. It’s also known for causing painful, deep cystic bumps that can easily scar.
- Diet and stress play significant roles in triggering hormonal imbalances, which can exacerbate hormonal acne.
- Addressing hormonal acne requires a holistic approach that includes dietary changes, stress management, and a topical skin care treatment tailored to reducing sebum production and inflammation.
- Foods rich in fatty acids and antioxidants can help balance hormones and support skin health, while a gentle skincare routine using non-comedogenic products is crucial in managing symptoms and preventing breakouts.
Key Takeaways:
- Hormonal acne is closely linked to fluctuations in hormones like insulin, estrogen, and testosterone. This can lead to overproduction of sebum and result in oily, acne-prone skin.
- Hormonal acne typically occurs on the jawline, chin, and sometimes neck and shoulders. It’s also known for causing painful, deep cystic bumps that can easily scar.
- Diet and stress play significant roles in triggering hormonal imbalances, which can exacerbate hormonal acne.
- Addressing hormonal acne requires a holistic approach that includes dietary changes, stress management, and a topical skin care treatment tailored to reducing sebum production and inflammation.
- Foods rich in fatty acids and antioxidants can help balance hormones and support skin health, while a gentle skincare routine using non-comedogenic products is crucial in managing symptoms and preventing breakouts.
By Felip Gerdes: Felip is pre-law at UC San Diego with a passion for science and innovation! For more on Felip, check out his LinkedIn.
By Felip Gerdes: Felip is pre-law at UC San Diego with a passion for science and innovation! 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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