Are you also one who is getting acne from time to time? As we all know we all get it from time to time but some acne disappears with treatment or some refuse to go away.
This acne that refuses to go away is more painful and looks red and angry. If this also happens to you then it’s highly like you are having hormonal acne.
Hormonal acne is directly connected with the fluctuation in the hormone levels in your body. Let’s dive into it and understand what exactly it is and how can you improve your condition
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What is Hormonal Acne
When your hormone levels fluctuate, then you will get hormonal acne. Hormonal acne is more common in adults than in teenagers.
Also As we compared to men, this is more common in women as multiple factors, such as the menstrual cycle and menopause, directly affect the hormone levels in women. If you are underlying medical conditions that may also cause hormonal acne.
The most common symptoms of acne include:
• Cysts
• Nodules
Both of them are commonly seen in adults. The other less common symptoms include:
• Papules
• Pustules
• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
These are commonly seen in teenagers. Cystic Acne is most common in adults. While regular acne blackheads and whiteheads are commonly seen in teenagers and are caused by hormonal factors, these are not considered as“hormonal acne.
Women may experience hormonal acne during their pregnancy or in their menopause period. The changes in the hormone levels make acne break out.
Apart from hormones, several other factors can cause hormonal acne.
What Are The Causes Of Hormonal Acne?
Stress
When you are stressed, your body increases the production of androgens which is a group of hormones. These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands and your hair follicles, which causes hormonal acne.
The Products You Use On Your Hair And Skin
The chemicals in these products may affect your skin pores and cause acne. So, before you buy any hair care or skincare product, make sure that they are non-comedogenic and oil-free.
Side Effects Of Certain Medication
Certain medicines might trigger acne so if you think you feel that the medicines are causing acne, consult with your doctor immediately. If they suggest you not to change medicine then, consult with a dermatologist to control your acne.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Underlying medical conditions (such as PCOS) may also be the one reason to trigger acne. Definitely, Diagnosing and treatment can clear your acne and make your face acne free
You can also follow natural remedies to improve your condition.
Natural Treatment For Hormonal Acne
Green Tea
Green tea is known for decreasing inflammation in the body which contains polyphenols. It helps to reduce sebum production and treat acne.
Self-care is equally important for improving acne. If you do not take care of your skin properly and neglect it, no medication or any other remedies can help.
Here are some tips you can apply
• You can use a gentle cleanser to clean your skin twice daily. Don’t overdo it as it can irritate your skin further.
• You can always use warm water to clean your face or the affected area. Avoid hot water.
• You can avoid using scrubs on your face as the friction can worsen your inflammation.
• You have to avoid using makeup on your skin. However, if you are applying makeup, look for those products which don’t cause acne. Also, you have to avoid using too much of the product.
Your diet is also connected to your acne condition. Though diet may not cause hormonal acne, it can definitely aggravate it.
Dietary fat and carbohydrates can increase your sebum production which will cause acne on your face. If you will follow a low glycemic diet then there is a very less chance to suffer from acne. Here is a list of foods you should avoid preventing your acne from getting worse.
Hormonal Acne: Foods To Avoid
Refined Grains
It was found that people who consumed refined carbohydrates suffered from acne compared to those who did not consume refined carbohydrates.
Consuming more sugar also exposes you to the risk of causing acne. So you can avoid these foods to get rid of acne:
• Pasta (made with white flour)
• Cereals
• Bread (made with white flour)
• Aerated drinks, soda, and any sugary drink
• Sweeteners
Dairy
The first thing is there’s a link between milk and acne. While milk may not cause acne, it can aggravate your existing acne.
Milk also increases insulin levels in your body. This can aggravate your acne. You can avoid milk and other products if you are facing acne problems.
Fast Foods
Fast food is loaded with weird fillers, cheap oils, and highly inflammatory sugars that can cause hormonal acne.
Highly intake of high calories and fat will affect the hormone and cause hormonal acne so slowly eliminating fast food from your diet will help you to get rid of hormonal acne
Chocolates
Chocolates contain sugar which directly affects insulin level. Consuming dark chocolates regularly can definitely cause acne flare-ups so limit the number of chocolates you intake so that you can get rid of hormonal acne.
Caring for acne doesn’t stop here. Skincare requires commitment. Once your acne is gone, it is important to stick to a healthy lifestyle and follow a healthy skincare routine to prevent its recurrence.
Also Read: Hormonal Acne: Traditional Treatments, Natural Remedies, and More