What Is the Best Treatment for Hormonal Acne?

There are several different varieties of acne that can occur among different groups of people, and one that primarily affects women at certain times of life is known as hormonal acne. Often affecting women during periods like puberty, pregnancy or menopause, when hormones are known to fluctuate heavily, hormonal acne can lead to bothersome skin breakouts - and women dealing with them often wonder how to treat these issues.

At Skintherapy Skincare & Acne Clinic, we're proud to offer a huge range of acne treatments from top estheticians for patients around Salt Lake City, Utah and nearby areas, including everything from online acne treatment options to hormonal acne treatment for women managing this condition. What is the best treatment for hormonal acne? The answer will vary based on the individual patient and several personal factors, and will be best when it involves a tailored treatment plan from an experienced acne clinic like ours. Let's dive into some of your top options here, plus how to choose the ideal approach for hormonal acne.

How Hormonal Fluctuations Impact the Skin

As many of our readers may be aware, hormones play a significant role in the health and appearance of our skin. Specifically, fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can lead to changes in oil production, inflammation levels, and cell turnover rate. These factors can all contribute to the development of acne, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

During these times of hormonal upheaval, many women experience an increase in breakouts or the onset of adult acne that can be difficult to manage. This is because hormonal imbalances can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than usual, leading to clogged pores and bacterial infections. Additionally, fluctuations in hormone levels can cause increased inflammation in the skin which further exacerbates acne issues.

Why a Tailored Treatment Plan is Ideal

If you or someone you know is experiencing hormonal acne issues, it's important to understand that a tailored treatment plan is crucial for managing and minimizing breakouts. While over-the-counter products may work for some people, they are not effective for everyone, especially when dealing with hormonal imbalances.

Furthermore, there are some forms of treatment that are not safe for use during pregnancy. This is where professional treatment comes into play; an esthetician or skincare professional can assess your specific skin concerns and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your acne.

Our next couple sections will look into some of the options that may be recommended.

Traditional Hormonal Acne Treatments

There are a few great options for hormonal acne that have been used for many years, including alternatives to Accutane (which we do not recommend) that are more sustainable and less disruptive to the body:

• Topical retinoids: Some of the most common topical retinoids include tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Tazorac). These work by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin cell turnover. They are often prescribed in combination with other acne treatments.
• Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient is commonly used in over-the-counter acne products and works by killing bacteria on the skin surface. It can also help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
• Oral contraceptives: For women, birth control pills can help balance hormone levels and regulate the menstrual cycle, which can improve hormonal acne. Some brands are specifically FDA-approved for treating acne, such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Estrostep.
• Anti-androgen drugs: These drugs, which include Spironolactone and others, decrease the male hormone androgen. Too much androgen can contribute to acne development.

Acne Treatment Procedures

In other cases, certain procedures may help with hormonal acne. These can include extractions, chemical peels, and light therapy. A professional skin care specialist or dermatologist can recommend the best procedure for each individual case.

Lifestyle Changes

There are also some lifestyle changes that can help manage hormonal acne. These include maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress levels, and getting enough sleep. Regular exercise can also help regulate hormone levels and improve overall skin health.

Makeup Routine

For women who wear makeup, incorporating certain products and techniques into their routine can also help manage hormonal acne. Choosing non-comedogenic or oil-free makeup products can prevent pores from getting clogged and aggravating acne. Using a gentle facial cleanser before applying makeup can also help keep pores clean.

Hormonal acne can be frustrating to deal with, but it is important to remember that it is treatable. By working with professionals to formulate a personalized treatment plan, plus incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine, you can effectively manage hormonal acne and achieve clear skin.

At Skintherapy Skincare & Acne Clinic, we're here to help with hormonal acne treatments for patients around Salt Lake City, Utah. Contact us today to learn about how our estheticians can assist you!