Hormonal Acne Treatment

Over 40 million individuals are impacted by acne, with the majority being women aged 25 years and older [1]. Acne among females is frequently linked to anxiety and depression, and it can persist from the teenage years or appear for the first time during adulthood. Its origins are attributed to genetic and hormonal factors, and continued treatment is necessary over an extended period, often lasting several years, due to the way it progresses clinically [2].

At My Concierge MD, we understand that acne can be a frustrating and sometimes debilitating condition. Whether you are dealing with occasional breakouts or severe, persistent acne, our team of medical professionals is here to help. We prescribe various acne treatments and customized plans for individual clients.

What is hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne is a type of acne that is triggered by hormonal imbalances in the body. Increased levels of androgen hormones such as testosterone can cause this. Androgens can stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more sebum, the oily substance that helps to keep the skin lubricated and hydrated.

Excessive sebum production can clog pores. This can cause adult acne. In addition to excess oil production, hormonal acne can also be characterized by deep, cystic acne lesions that are more difficult to treat. It’s important to work with a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of acne vulgaris, including any hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to the skin condition.

What triggers hormonal acne?

Hormonal imbalances that can trigger acne vulgaris may be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Puberty: Hormonal changes that occur during puberty can trigger the onset of acne.
2. Menstruation: Many women experience hormonal acne flare-ups around the time of their menstrual cycle, as hormonal fluctuations can trigger increased sebum production.
3. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also lead to the development of acne.
4. Menopause: Hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to a decrease in estrogen levels and an increase in androgen hormones, which can trigger acne.
5. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This is a hormonal disorder that can cause hormonal imbalances and lead to the development of acne.
6. Medications: There are a few medications that can cause hormonal acne. Some of these include, antidepressants, androgen blockers, and some types of contraceptives. Other medications that can cause hormonal acne include some blood pressure medications, nasal decongestants, and chemotherapy drugs. That’s why you should consult with your dermatologist and take medicine which is FDA approved.
7. Stress: Chronic stress can cause hormonal imbalances in the body, which can lead to the development of acne.

What are the symptoms of hormonal acne?

The symptoms of hormonal acne may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s unique skin type and physiology. Common symptoms of inflammatory acne may include:

1. Oily skin: Hormonal imbalances can stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more sebum, which can leave the skin feeling oily and greasy.
2. Clogged pores: Excessive sebum production can clog pores, leading to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
3. Inflammation: Hormonal acne can cause inflammation in the skin, leading to the development of red, swollen, and painful papules and pustules.
4. Deep cysts and nodules: In severe cases, hormonal acne can cause the development of deep, painful cysts and nodules that may be slow to heal and can leave scars.
5. Location: Hormonal acne typically appears on the lower part of the face, such as the chin, jawline, and neck, but may also appear on the chest and back. Sometimes, it can also have a drastic effect on the hair follicles.

How do I get rid of hormonal acne?

There are several strategies that may help reduce the severity and frequency of hormonal acne breakouts. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Follow a gentle skincare routine: Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or drying products that can irritate the clear skin and exacerbate acne. Use a gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturizer, and sunscreen daily.
2. Use topical acne treatments: Over-the-counter topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help reduce inflammation and unclog pores.
3. Consider prescription treatments: Benzoyl peroxide comes in cleansing liquid or bar, lotion, cream, and gel for use on the skin. Benzoyl peroxide usually is used one or two times daily. Start once daily to see how your skin reacts to this medication. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use benzoyl peroxide exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor [3].
4. Address underlying hormonal imbalances: If hormonal imbalances are identified as a root cause of hormonal acne, treatments such as anti-androgen medications may be recommended to help regulate hormone levels.
5. Practice stress-reduction techniques: Stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances and exacerbate acne. Consider incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your routine.
6. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help support overall hormonal balance and reduce the severity of hormonal acne.
7. Exfoliating: Exfoliating can be helpful for managing hormonal acne, but it’s important to do it properly to avoid making the condition worse. Hormonal acne is typically caused by an excess of sebum, or oil, in the skin, which can clog pores and lead to inflammation and breakouts.

What is the best treatment for hormonal acne?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease that affects the pilosebaceous units of the skin. It can have severe psychological effects and can leave the patient with severe skin scarring [4]. Some effective treatment options include:

1. Topical retinoids: Acne-focused dermatology expert groups have consistently recommended that most patients with acne be treated with a combination of topical retinoids and antimicrobial therapy [5].
2. Anti-androgen medications: These medications, such as spironolactone, can block the effects of androgens (male hormones) in the body and reduce oil production.
3. Antibiotics: Topical or oral antibiotics can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that contribute to acne.
4. Isotretinoin: This medication, also known as Accutane, is a powerful oral medication that is reserved for severe acne that has not responded to other treatments.
5. Chemical peels: Chemical peels can help exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

What are the benefits of hormonal acne treatment?

The benefits of hormonal acne treatment can include:

1. Reduced acne breakouts: Hormonal acne treatment can help reduce the number and severity of acne breakouts, resulting in clearer skin.
2. Improved skin texture: Treatment for hormonal acne can help improve the texture of the skin, reducing the appearance of acne scars and other blemishes.
3. Boosted confidence: Clearer skin can improve a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing them to feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.
4. Reduced risk of scarring: Treating hormonal acne can help prevent scarring, which can be a long-lasting and unwanted side effect of severe acne.
5. Prevention of future breakouts: Hormonal acne treatment can help prevent future acne breakouts, as well as prevent the formation of new acne lesions.
6. Improvement in overall skin health: Many hormonal acne treatments can also improve the overall health and appearance of the skin, including reducing oil production, improving skin hydration, and reducing inflammation.

Side effects of hormonal acne treatment

Some common side effects of hormonal acne treatment can include:

1. Dryness and irritation: Some topical treatments, such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, can cause skin dryness, redness, and irritation.
2. Photosensitivity: Some medications used to treat hormonal acne, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can increase sensitivity to sunlight, making the skin more prone to sunburns.
3. Changes in the menstrual cycle: Some hormonal treatments can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, including irregular bleeding and changes in flow.
4. Headaches: Some hormonal treatments, such as spironolactone, can cause headaches and dizziness.
5. Gastrointestinal upset: Oral medications used to treat hormonal acne, such as antibiotics, can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
6. Depression and mood changes: Some hormonal treatments, such as isotretinoin, have been associated with an increased risk of depression and other mood changes.

What skin care products can help with hormonal acne?

There are several skincare products that can help manage hormonal acne. These products can help control oil production, reduce inflammation, and prevent new breakouts. Here are some of the skincare products that can be helpful for hormonal acne:

• Cleansers: A gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser can help remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin without drying it out. Look for a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, which can help exfoliate and unclog pores.
• Toners: Toners can help to balance the skin’s pH levels and remove any residual dirt and oil. Look for a toner that contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which can help exfoliate the skin and prevent new breakouts.
• Moisturizers: A non-comedogenic moisturizer can help keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness, which can contribute to acne. Look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, which can help hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
• Sunscreens: Sunscreen is essential to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, which can cause inflammation and damage to the skin. Look for a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
• Spot treatments: A spot treatment can help to target specific acne lesions and reduce inflammation. Look for a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
• Clay masks: Clay masks can help absorb excess oil and unclog pores. Look for a clay mask that contains kaolin or bentonite clay.

Why do I have more acne when I’m on my period?

Acne outbreaks during the menstrual cycle are commonly referred to as hormonal acne because they are caused by fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens such as testosterone. Androgens can cause an increase in oil production in the skin, which can lead to clogged pores and acne.

During the menstrual cycle, androgen levels naturally increase, which can stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin and result in more oil production. This increased oil production, combined with changes in the skin’s natural shedding process, can lead to the formation of pimples and other types of acne.

Hormonal acne treatment near me

MyconciergeMD offers the best hormonal acne treatment near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.

References:

1. George R, Clarke S, Thiboutot D. Hormonal Therapy for Acne. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2008;27(3):188-196.

2. Schaefer B, Meindl E, Wagner S, Tilg H, Zoller H. Intravenous iron supplementation therapy. . Molecular Aspects of Medicine. 2020;75:100862. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2020.100862

‌3. Benzoyl Peroxide Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2015. Accessed February 21, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601026.html

4. Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J, Gerber M. Treatment Modalities for Acne. Molecules. 2016;21(8):1063. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21081063

5. Leyden J, Stein-Gold L, Weiss J. Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne. Dermatology and Therapy. 2017;7(3):293-304. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-017-0185-2