All about hormonal acne: Causes, symptoms and treatment strategies

Hormonal acne occurs primarily on the lower face, jawline, and chin. Deep, cystic lesions that can be painful. Whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules. (Image: Canva)

Hormonal acne is a type of acne that occurs due to fluctuations in hormone levels, especially androgens. This can lead to increased sebum production, clogged pores, and the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It is common in teenagers but can also affect adults, particularly women, due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Causes of hormonal acne

Hormonal acne is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations such as those occurring during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control pills. Androgenic hormones like testosterone can also contribute by increasing sebum production, says skin Dr Niharika Awasthi, senior consultant at Santosh Medical Institute, Kanpur.

Dr Awasthi says that lifestyle factors also play a significant role, including a diet high in glycemic index foods and dairy, which can spike insulin levels and worsen acne. Stress and lack of sleep are other key contributors, as they can disrupt hormone balance. Genetics also influence hormonal acne, if there’s a family history of acne, you’re more likely to experience it. Understanding these causes can help in managing and treating hormonal acne effectively.

Symptoms of hormonal acne

Occurs primarily on the lower face, jawline, and chin. Deep, cystic lesions that can be painful. Whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules.

Dietary changes to cure hormonal acne

Reduce sugar and refined carbs: High glycemic index foods can spike blood sugar levels and exacerbate acne, says Dr Awasthi.

Increase omega-3 fatty acids: Foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts can help reduce inflammation.

Eat more zinc-rich foods: Pumpkin seeds, lentils, and chickpeas are good sources of zinc, which can help reduce acne, says Dr Awasthi.

Limit dairy: Some studies suggest that dairy products, especially skim milk, can worsen acne.

Herbal remedies

Spearmint tea: Drinking spearmint tea twice a day has been shown to reduce androgen levels in some studies.

Green tea: Contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and sebum production.

Saw palmetto: This herb may help regulate hormone levels, though more research is needed.

Lifestyle changes

Manage stress: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels.

Regular exercise: Helps improve circulation and reduce stress, which can help with acne.

Adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help regulate hormones.

Skincare routine

Gentle cleansing: Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser to avoid irritating the skin.

Exfoliation: Use natural exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) found in fruit acids to help keep pores clear.

Moisturise: Use non-comedogenic moisturizers to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores.

Tea tree oil: Has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce acne-causing bacteria.

Supplements

Zinc: Helps reduce inflammation and bacteria associated with acne.

Vitamin D: A deficiency in vitamin D can exacerbate acne, so supplementation might be beneficial.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish oil supplements can help reduce inflammation.

If natural remedies are not effective, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, and it may take some time to see improvements. Patience and consistency are key when dealing with hormonal acne.