Hormonal acne is also referred to as acne rosacea. Another popular term for this skin condition is cystic acne. It can be commonly called hormonal acne due to how the condition develops in response to hormonal fluctuations, specifically a rise in testosterone and androgens, including a rise during puberty. Other hormones that can cause hormonal acne include insulin, estrogen, and progesterone.
There is no one major cause of hormonal acne, but there are many contributing factors. Puberty is one of the most common times that the condition can develop. Testosterone and androgen levels peak during puberty and then fall. Other factors that can increase hormonal acne include body weight gain, puberty, pregnancy, and use of oral contraceptives.
As women enter menopause, their hormonal breakouts tend to become more frequent. However, hormonal acne can also occur during the post-menopause period. Post menopause can also be a time when birth control pills are taken. And as many teenagers find themselves going through puberty at a time when hormonal fluctuations are at an all-time high, hormonal breakouts can be common.
The reasons for hormonal acne being more likely during puberty are varied. Many experts believe that this occurs when hormonal fluctuations cause increased production of sebum, which oily substance that our skin produces. When oil and bacteria build up in clogged pores, they create the perfect environment for bacteria to infect the surface of our skin.
For most teenagers, the best way to prevent hormonal acne from occurring is through consistent use of a spot treatment containing either benzoyl peroxide or resorcinol. This oral medication helps to reduce the buildup of dead skin cells and oil on the face. While it doesn’t get rid of the bacteria that are responsible for the blemishes, these oral medications can help to limit the amount of oil and dirt that collects underneath the surface of the epidermis. In addition, by keeping clogged pores unclogged, oral contraceptives can help to prevent new blemishes from developing.
While over the counter treatments are great for those who only have mild problems, more serious hormonal acne may require one major step. There is one major hormonal imbalance that many teenagers face during puberty: testosterone. Because testosterone is naturally produced in the body, one of the common side effects of its production is acne. Since testosterone is produced by both the male and female bodies, most doctors will treat a hormonal acne problem by changing the wearer’s hormone levels.