Fluctuating hormones that produce acne exactly describe hormonal acne. Adults of all ages can also be affected even when hormonal fluctuations are typically associated with puberty.
Menopause and menstruation are some of the factors that cause hormonal acne, meaning that it’s fairly common with women. It has been found that hormonal acne affects almost 50 percent of women with ages ranging from 20 to 29. 25 percent of older women aged from 40 to 49 can also be affected by hormonal acne.
Experts in Brisbane have mixed opinions concerning hormonal acne. While the experts do not generally see adult acne as caused by hormonal fluctuations, it can be a contributing factor.
This challenges medical experts to come up with effective hormonal acne treatment, Brisbane.
Common Characteristics of Hormonal Acne
The T-zone during puberty to include the chin, forehead, and nose are commonly affected by hormonal acne. The typical areas for hormonal adult acne to manifest are around the jawline and the bottom of the cheeks.
Cysts, blackheads, small pimples, or whiteheads are some forms of hormonal acne affecting some people. Hormonal fluctuations that cause hormonal acne include:
- High androgen levels
- Menstruation
- Menopause
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Menopausal acne can still be experienced by women using HRT or hormone replacement therapies to ease their symptoms. The skin breakouts are caused by the HRTs as it replaces the loss of progesterone and estrogens of a woman in menopause. It’s best for a menopausal woman experiencing hormonal acne to consult with her doctor for the right treatment.
Hormonal Acne treatment using traditional methods
OTC or over-the-counter prescriptions for acne may not always successfully do away with acne. This is because cystic bumps are often the typical forms of hormonal acne. Most topical solutions won’t be able to reach the deep-seated bumps under the skin.
Creating a balance to clear up the skin needs some inside out solution provided by oral medications.
Anti-androgen medications
Decreasing the levels of androgen or the male hormone is the main function of anti-androgen drugs. Androgen is a natural hormone for both men and women. However, acne issues start to happen with women experiencing high levels of androgen. Stabilising the hormone levels by preventing a woman’s body from producing too much androgen is helped by anti-androgen medications.
Oral contraceptives
The component ethinylestradiol in oral contraceptives can be a great specific treatment for hormonal acne. An oral contraceptive that contains ethinylestradiol and one of the following components such as norethindrone, or drospirenone, or norgestimate has proven effective against hormonal acne.
However, women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, and high blood pressure should not consider oral contraceptives an option for hormonal acne. Women who smoke are also advised to avoid using oral contraceptives as a treatment for acne.
Retinoids
Retinoids are topical solutions that can be added to the regimen of taking oral treatments for hormonal acne. It is an over-the-counter topical solution that is available in the form of lotions, creams, and gels.
However, the risk of sunburn increases with the use of retinoids. The application of a good sunscreen product can help from getting sunburned.
An appropriate skin care regimen should be practiced to avoid or quickly clear up hormonal acne. This includes washing the face in the morning and evening. It’s also best to sparingly apply any acne product to prevent skin irritation. Signup for specialised acne treatment in Brisbane by Herstellen.