Contributors to Hormonal Acne
If you have acne that appears along with your monthly hormonal shifts, you may have hormonal acne. This type of acne often appears on the chin or jaw area, and it can be not only unattractive but also painful. So, what is hormonal acne and what are the contributors? And, most importantly, can it be treated?
Acne Caused by Hormonal Changes
Some of us know all too well what acne entails. Many experience the agony of acne during the teenage years when the breakouts often begin. Acne is technically a breakout caused by overstimulated sebaceous glands in the skin. The pores overproduce oil, which causes eruptions of inflamed areas and makes you want to run for cover!
Hormonal acne is often identified as acne that appears when hormones change. These moments can include:
- Monthly hormones
- Pregnancy
- Perimenopause
- Conditions that change hormones
- Stress, which can stimulate hormones
How to Know if Your Acne is Hormonal
If acne follows a pattern along with your monthly menstrual cycle or stressful times in your life, it may be hormonal acne. The condition may also accompany pregnancy or perimenopause, so even if you think you’re well past the age when zits can appear, be prepared!
In addition to showing up at the typical times when hormones change, one of the hallmarks of hormonal acne is that it appears on the chin or jaw area. Left untreated, it can cause scarring and last for weeks or months.
Treating Hormonal Acne
While there isn’t a quick fix for hormonal acne, there are treatment options, and they vary for each person and the severity of the acne. If you think you have hormonal acne, Dr. Stemmerman will perform a complete exam and determine if hormonal testing is an appropriate step.
Hormonal testing is valuable in determining the state of the many hormones that course throughout your body. If there is another condition that is causing a hormonal imbalance, it is important to diagnose it and treat that first to prevent ongoing breakouts. As a medical cosmetic provider, Dr. Stemmerman has the knowledge and 15 years of experience to diagnose medical conditions that can be the cause of hormonal acne.
To address the unpleasant appearance of acne, topical products can be prescribed. This can include a variety of strengths of antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoid products. Daily cleansing with the right products also helps improve acne. The goal will be to minimize the acne and prevent acne scars.
You don’t have to suffer with the embarrassment and painful bumps from acne of any kind. There is hope for your acne! Seeking treatment that identifies the cause of the acne can help you have clear skin throughout your life. Make an appointment at Infinity Medical Clinic to learn more.
