Hormonal acne is an ongoing concern for many individuals because it is a chronic condition, and getting rid of it is quite difficult. This type of acne is primarily driven by fluctuations in hormone levels and often coincides with each menstrual cycle.
Hormonal acne can be painful and tends to affect areas such as the jawline, lower face, or other parts of the body.
I still suffer from hormonal acne, even though I am in my late 20s. I had acne as a teenager and thought that it would go away as soon as I reached my 20s. Ironically, I suffer from more cystic acne in my 20s than I did in my teenage years, with much worse hyperpigmentation and scarring. It is difficult to deal with it and sometimes even the medication prescribed for acne can have more side effects, especially isotretinoin and antibiotic, which destroys our gut health.
But over the past year, through my own experience and research, I have been able to find the methods and remedies that have worked for me. I have learned that it’s just not external factors like pollution or using the wrong skincare products that contribute to this problem but also internal problems such as an unhealthy gut and underlying diseases like PCOD and PCOS can aggravate acne.
Who suffers more from hormonal acne?
Women in their early 20s and 30s, as well as those entering menopause, are particularly susceptible to experiencing period-related acne due to significant hormonal changes taking place in their bodies.
How to treat hormonal acne naturally at home?
So, here I am going to share few tips and tricks that have helped me in controlling period or hormonal acne and will help you to prevent acne before period naturally.
- Managing Stress: Excess cortisol in response to stress, which affects inflammation in the body and can trigger acne. Meditation, exercise, and yoga can help reduce stress, detoxify the body, improve sleep quality, and balance hormones. Sweating while exercising can also regulate sebum production.
- Maintain a Hormonal Acne Diet: Eat foods that are high in vitamin A, C, and fibre, such as kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, and citrus fruits. These foods have the potential to help in various ways, such as fighting infection, defending against oxidative stress, and speeding up the healing process.
- Spearmint Tea: Spearmint tea contains antioxidants and has anti-androgenic, which help balance male hormones (androgens), reduce inflammation, alleviate stress-related headaches, improve sleep quality, and thus aid in stress reduction and period acne.
- Eat foods with Omega-3 and zinc: Hormonal imbalances can sometimes cause inflammation in the body. Eating fruits such as avocados, blackberries and pomegranates, that are rich in zinc and foods such as flaxseed and chia seeds that are rich in Omega-3 can help reduce inflammation and prevent acne.
What is the best skin treatment for hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is often caused by an excess sebum, resulting in oily skin. To combat this, use facewash with salicylic acid or glycolic acid to keep pores clean and avoid clogged pores. Choose non-comedogenic gel formulations moisturizer and sunscreens in skincare products. These will not clog pores and will help maintain the skin barrier by providing adequate moisture.
Topical prescriptions like tretinoin or retinol can help control sebum production. However, start slowly and use them in moderation. These medications are potent and can make your skin sensitive. Also, avoid using them during pregnancy and ensure that you do not damage your skin barrier.
What is the best treatment for Hormonal acne?
Other treatments may include hormonal treatments, such as anti-androgen treatments, to address the underlying cause of hormonal acne.
Is vitamin C good for Hormonal acne?
Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants that help reduce body inflammation and combat hormonal acne. Skincare products containing vitamin C can also assist in reducing the appearance of acne scars.
What foods to avoid for Hormonal acne?
Foods that are typically processed and have a high glycaemic index should be avoided. These types of foods may include potato chips, dairy products like cheese, milk, and butter, white bread, chocolates, sweets, and carbonated drinks such as Coke and Sprite.
What is the best supplement for Hormonal acne?
One can take Omega-3, Zinc and Probiotic supplement to help control hormonal acne.
Conclusion
If your acne is severe, consider consulting a healthcare professional to explore treatment options for controlling hormonal acne and to investigate whether an underlying medical condition is contributing to the issue.
