If wishes were horses, no one would ever have to deal with acne. Hormonal acne has a special taste for female skin. It's incessant, pesky and could win an award for ruining killer outfits.
Just when you think puberty is out of the way, a bad case of hormonal acne shows up in your 20's, waiting for your period so that the pimples can line up along your jawline, between the eyes, forehead and everywhere else.
We get it. It sucks! It drains your self-esteem, plus, why does it have to wait for important events to show up where no one can miss it?
We're here to help you slay the hormonal acne monster-its 100 percent possible! But first, we'll explain exactly what it is and what causes it.
What is Hormonal Acne?
You've probably already guessed it right. The bad guy in the hormonal acne story is hormones. Hormonal acne is also called adult acne or acne vulgaris. It is a type of acne that is caused by hormonal changes -frequently caused by an excess of testosterone -and is common in our teenage years and 20's but can also occur later, including after menopause.
The Miami Skin Institute founder and renowned dermatologist S. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D attributes the underlying cause of hormonal acne to fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle.
This is how you Know your Acne is Hormonal
Now that you know what hormonal acne is, these are the signs you should look for to confirm your acne is not just about puberty hormones that followed you to your 20's, 30's and beyond.
- You're no longer in your teenage years. It's rather a rude awakening, but it's true, this is one of the first signs that you have hormonal acne.
- It shows up along your jawline and chin. Sadly, even dermatologists can't tell exactly why hormonal acne loves this area but generally, this acne forms due to much oil and sebum production which leads to clogged pores.
- Your breakouts are monthly. Since your hormones fluctuate each month, hormonal acne follows the same pattern. Also, it tends to show up in the same spot -blame it on enlarged pores caused by previous pimples.
- You're stressed out. We hate to break it to you but stress is not only the number one cause for most diseases but also a top cause for hormonal acne.
- You often get painful cysts and not blackheads or whiteheads. These cysts are usually an indication of hormonal acne and appear as tender bumps under the skin.
How to Treat Hormonal Acne
Maybe that list just confirmed that you have hormonal acne. But there's some good news for you too, just wait!
First, acne is common and is nothing to be ashamed of. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association it affects 50 million Americans and 85% of people between 12 and 24 will at least have minor acne.
You don't have to have bangs, or wear a mask all your life to hide it. There are many treatments to help you get youthful and clear skin. We've listed the best ones here.
OTC Cleansers
No skin regimen will help you if you can't at least keep your face clean. Cleansers clean better than regular soap and water. Look out for over the counter cleansers with salicylic acid, glycolic acid and probiotics for controlling your skin's PH to deter the formation of acne.
Retinoids
Most skin specialists will recommend using topical retinoids as a first step to clearing hormonal acne. Retinoids remove dead skin cells before they join together to block your pores and can be found in OTC retinol creams and prescription-only creams.
These retinoids come in the form of the chemicals retinol, retinoid esters, and Adapalene (Differin) for over-the-counter retinoids or retinoic acid and Isotretinoin (Accutane) for prescription-only retinoids.
Birth Control Pills
Wondering how to get rid of hormonal acne with minimal effort? Birth control pills are very effective. Many women can relate to having clear skin while on birth control pills only to get off of them and have a nasty breakout.
The FDA has approved some of them- like Ortho Tri-Cyclen and YAZ- for the treatment of hormonal acne. These pills contain Ethinyl estradiol and either the progestin norgestimate, norethindrone acetate, or drospirenone, which combine to change the levels and activity of acne-triggering hormones.
How to Treat Hormonal Acne Naturally
We want to help you fight acne naturally with Clearly Calendula Organic Teas which include the following tea remedies.
Green Tea
Green tea is a trusted non chemical skincare regimen that goes way back and there's science behind it. It contains catechins, which are plant-based compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties.
It's also rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol that improves acne and oily skin, lowers lipid levels, and is anti-androgenic, making it effective at reducing oil secretions in the skin. It also reduces inflammation in the body and skin.
Black Tea
Black tea contains similar chemical components like catechins and polyphenols, two antioxidants that fight acne and aging. Black tea also helps reduce the appearance of scars left by acne and is an excellent toner.
Spearmint
Spearmint has a milder mint taste than peppermint and is sweeter. When it comes to getting rid of your acne, spearmint has an anti-androgenic effect, which works against the androgens that cause hormonal acne.
Peppermint
Peppermint is minty and has cooling effects. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties help in getting rid of acne-causing bacteria from the skin and prevent pimples from forming in the future. It reduces skin oil production and is loaded with Vitamins D and E which increase skin cell turnover.
Herbal Blend (Roobois)
To crown it all is Rooibos, a herbal blend that contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and power antioxidants. It's also loaded with zinc. Alpha-hydroxy reduces aging signs and revitalizes the skin, while zinc restores broken skin, shields against UltraViolet rays, and is packed with anti-inflammatory properties, which help clear up persistent acne.
Get some BeauTeas
Your skin care journey begins with tea regimens from Beauteas. Sign up now for a chance to get one of the 25 Clearly Calendula set we're giving away on launch day to members of our mailing list family.
External Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/best-birth-control-for-acne#pills-approved-for-acne
https://www.everydayhealth.com/acne/birth-control-pill.aspx
https://miamiskinandlaser.com/2019/07/16/what-causes-hormonal-acne/