Hormonal acne: causes and treatments

Hormonal acne is a late acne modality that mainly affects women. It is estimated that 30% of women between the ages of 25 and 30 suffer from this type of problem. The percentage is 20% for women between the ages of 22 and 50.

Although it is not a serious pathology, Hormonal acne sometimes has an important impact on the image and psychological state of those affected. It can even deteriorate the quality of life. The triggers are many, but the hormonal factor is always present.

Normal acne, or "acne vulgaris," is a very common condition during adolescence. It is believed that up to 90% of people have suffered. Hormonal acne, on the other hand, is less frequent. But nevertheless, in the last decades its prevalence has increased worldwide.

What is hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne is the one that takes place in adulthood, after adolescence. Sometimes it reappears simply, after youth ages; and other times it continues or persists, after having suffered it in the adolescent stage.

This type of acne has some differences against acne vulgaris. The first is that the lesions are inflammatory and deep. In contrast, comedones are less abundant. Likewise, hormonal acne tends to leave scars more frequently, since mature skin is more prone to generate marks.

Another difference is the area in which it takes place. Juvenile acne mainly affects the so-called "T zone", consisting of the forehead, nose and chin. Hormonal acne is basically located in the neck and around the jaw and mouth. In both cases, it can eventually appear on any part of the body.

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Unlike teenage acne, hormonal acne is usually found more frequently in areas such as the neck and around the jaw and mouth.

Causes of hormonal acne

The causes of hormonal acne are varied, but in all cases they are related to hormones. In particular, it is associated with the increase in testosterone.

The above takes place for various reasons. The first one is irregular menstruation. This makes the skin produce more sebum, leading to the obstruction of the follicles and favoring the appearance of grains.

Something similar occurs when a woman has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This does not produce acne, but it does. Regular smoking is also related to the appearance of this type of acne., as well as the use of inappropriate cosmetics.

Stress is another factor that directly affects the appearance of hormonal acne. This is because it implies an increase in the hormone cortisol and this favors the increase in androgenic hormones. Pollution and poor diet can act as coadjuvants in this problem.

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Symptoms and manifestations

The most obvious symptom is the appearance of pimples, pimples and other skin lesions, in post-adolescent ages. This can happen at any age, but it is more frequent in the range of 24 to 35 years.

Unlike what happens in acne vulgaris, the lesions are usually notoriously painful. The inflammation is also more visible and takes place in the “U” zone, which had already been mentioned: jaw, neck and around the mouth.

Another aspect that defines it is the fact that It is resistant to many conventional remedies which are usually used for acne. As their cause is purely hormonal, they usually require more specialized treatment.

Lesions caused by hormonal acne tend to be more noticeable. In addition, they can cause pain and scars.

Available treatments

Hormonal acne needs a comprehensive treatment, which must be directed by the dermatologist. Most often, a topical treatment is ordered, supplemented with an oral treatment.. Topical treatment usually includes products with components such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and antibiotics.

Oral treatment is carried out to restore hormonal balance.. It usually includes birth control pills and spironolactone, which is a diuretic, in the case of women. For both sexes, isotretinoin (antibacterial and antiseptic) and dapsone (antibiotic) are used.

Currently, biophotonic therapy or "Kleresca". It consists of the application of a photoconverter gel that is crossed by a beam of light. This penetrates the dermis, eliminates bacteria and decreases sebum production. It also prevents the appearance of scars.

Do you have symptoms of hormonal acne? Are you worried about its consequences on skin health? If so, visit the dermatologist as soon as possible to receive an appropriate assessment and treatments.