Get to know "hormonal acne," along with appropriate treatment and prevention methods.
Did you know? Mood swings caused by hormonal imbalances can lead to hormonal acne, a type of acne found in people of all ages and in both men and women. Besides hormones stimulating the sebaceous glands, accumulated stress also contributes to this type of acne. Therefore, this article from Romrawin Clinic would like to recommend some approaches...Treating acneLet's talk about hormones and self-care methods to prevent acne in the long term.
What is hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is... Inflammatory acneHormonal acne is caused by changes in hormone levels in the body, which occur repeatedly at the same times, such as before and after each menstrual cycle, during periods of accumulated stress, and during pregnancy. Besides causing mood swings, hormonal acne also stimulates the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands under the skin, leading to inflammation. Most often, hormonal acne appears as red, raised bumps similar to regular acne.Acne breakoutOr cystic acne, which is painful and irritating to the skin when touched.
For women, it might be called...AcneThis is called 'menstrual acne' because it's hormonal acne that always appears during menstruation, usually on the face in the T-zone area.I have pimples on my forehead.Or hormonal acne on the chin. Some people may also experience acne on their back. If left untreated, acne can become more inflamed and spread to other areas.
How are hormones related to acne?
When hormone levels are imbalanced or changing, the body's hormones are stimulated to produce more androgens. When androgen levels are higher than other hormones, it further stimulates the production of sebum, or oil, in the skin. If pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and dirt, it can lead to inflammation or bacterial infection, ultimately resulting in hormonal acne.
Furthermore, prolonged stress also affects hormonal changes in the body because it stimulates the release of cortisol, which causes the sebaceous glands to increase oil production.Oily skin This is the main reason why hormonal acne occurs.
Types of hormonal acne.
How many types of hormonal acne are there? What do hormonal acne look like? Generally, acne caused by hormones can be small or large, appearing on the face, and some people may also experience hormonal acne on their backs. It can be divided into three types as follows:
100%
100% (Comedones) are one of the most common types of hormonal acne. They are caused by oil and dirt buildup on the skin, such as dust, makeup, sweat, or dead skin cells, clogging the pores. This type of hormonal acne appears as hard, raised bumps. If small, they may resemble...สิวผดThat's right. It won't hurt to the touch, but you'll feel that the skin isn't smooth, and this will be even more noticeable if...Acne on the chinหรือAcne on my cheeksYes
Furthermore, hormonal acne, such as clogged pores, can be categorized into two types based on the appearance of the pimples:
- Blackhead comedones It's also called...blackheads Blackheads are a noticeable sign of clogged pores, clearly visible if you have acne on your face. They are caused by blockages being exposed to air, leading to a reaction that turns the blackheads black. If left untreated, this can lead to...Large poresokay
- Whitehead comedones It has the following characteristics:whiteheads Whiteheads are caused by bacterial blockage in the pores. They are commonly found on hormonal acne areas like the forehead and cheeks. If left untreated, this type of acne can develop into inflamed acne.
Inflamed, raised red acne
Inflammatory acne is a type of hormonal acne caused by several factors, including the bacteria P.acnes and clogged pores that trigger inflammation of the skin. One of the major causes is hormonal imbalances in the body; hormonal imbalances can lead to this type of acne. Typically, inflammatory acne appears as small, red bumps about 0.5 millimeters in size, or it may be a small or large pustule.
When touched, this type of hormonal acne will feel slightly painful or irritating. Therefore, it's best to avoid squeezing them yourself, as this can cause more inflammation and may spread to other areas, and also increases the risk of further complications.รอยแดงศ This means I need to treat the acne scars by...Laser treatment for acne scarsIn addition,
pustules
pustules Pustules are a type of hormonal acne characterized by clearly visible white or yellowish-white pus-filled bumps. The skin around the pimple is swollen and red, and it may be slightly painful to the touch. The pus is caused by bacterial infection and consists of white blood cells and dead tissue. Additionally, pustules can result from clogged pores or from repeatedly touching, pressing, squeezing, or picking at the face, which causes dirt to accumulate in the pores and triggers inflammation, leading to the formation of pustules.
Cystic acne
Hormonal acne, for example...Cystic acne Nodulocystic acne is another type of inflammatory acne that is easily visible because it involves severe inflammation and results in large pimples. They are more painful to the touch.Acne without a head (cystic acne) Acne can be caused by hormonal imbalances, leading to excessive sebum production and the formation of large, inflamed pimples.
This type of hormonal acne cannot be treated by squeezing it like regular acne, as this may worsen the inflammation and leave red marks.dark spots from acneYes, you can recover after treatment.
What causes hormonal acne?
Changes in hormone levels in the body can certainly lead to hormonal acne, which can affect both men and women. Hormone imbalances that cause hormonal acne may be due to the following reasons:
- Menstrual period For women, the week before menstruation, the body produces more hormones than usual, stimulating increased sebum production. This also affects mood swings and increases the risk of accumulated stress, making hormonal acne more likely.
- heredity The severity of acne can be partly related to genetics. If family members have a history of acne or severe acne, there is a higher tendency to develop hormonal acne as well.
- Accumulated stress Or, anxiety can affect changes in several hormones in the body, leading to insufficient sleep and dysfunction in the digestive and excretory systems.
- Pregnancy This is a period when hormonal acne is more likely to occur because of significant changes in hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone.
- Eating Consuming foods high in fat or saturated fats, such as animal fats, lard, or butter, can contribute to skin inflammation and lead to acne.
- Maintaining cleanliness. If you don't use a facial cleanser properly or wash your face incorrectly, dirt and excess oil can remain on your face, increasing the chances of acne.
Where exactly does hormonal acne occur?
The severity of hormonal acne depends on hormone levels, lifestyle, and individual skincare routines. The most common locations for hormonal acne are as follows:
- สิวที่แ้ม This is an area where hormonal acne is clearly visible and can occur on both the upper and lower cheeks.
- สิวที่หลัง Stress and insufficient sleep can contribute to back acne because the back is an area with a relatively high concentration of sebaceous glands.
- สิวขี Acne can be a warning sign of hormonal changes in the body, appearing around the lips.
- Acne on the chin The chin is an area where hormonal acne is prone to occurring. Additionally, this area is frequently touched, making it easy for dirt to accumulate in the pores.
- Acne appears along the jawline. Hormonal imbalances can cause acne along the jawline or jaw area. Some individuals may also experience...Acne is appearing on my neck.join
The difference between hormonal acne and regular acne.
The main difference lies in the cause of acne. Hormonal acne is primarily caused by changes in hormone levels in the body, where hormones are produced in higher-than-normal amounts at certain times. Lifestyle factors that affect hormone levels, such as stress and insufficient sleep, also contribute. Hormonal acne tends to recur in the same areas, such as the chin, cheeks, mouth, or back. In contrast, general acne can have multiple causes, including bacterial infections, dirt buildup on the skin, or clogged pores, and can appear anywhere on the face and body.
How can hormonal acne be treated?
Hormonal acne can be treated in various ways, depending on the type, characteristics, inflammation, and individual skin condition. Treatment should be under the care of a dermatologist to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan and methods. Some treatments for hormonal acne include:
Popping hormonal acne
Hormonal acne, such as clogged pores or inflammatory acne, can be treated with comedone extraction. This involves using a medical instrument (comedone extraction) to gently apply pressure to push the blackhead or blockage out of the pore. This makes the acne easier and faster to remove. This method is also effective for both men and women. However, comedone extraction should not be attempted at home, as incorrect technique can worsen inflammation and spread bacteria from the pus.
Using medication to treat hormonal acne.
Acne treatments for hormonal acne come in both topical and oral forms. These medications, similar to those used for inflammatory acne, help reduce inflammation and unclog pores, promoting faster healing of hormonal acne. Examples include Doxycycline, Minocycline, and topical antibiotics. While over-the-counter medications are available, some require prescription from a doctor or pharmacist.
Using birth control pills to treat hormonal acne.
Oral contraceptives are a treatment for hormonal acne in women that helps balance hormones, reducing acne breakouts and maintaining hormonal levels. However, each type of contraceptive has different ingredients, dosages, and uses. Furthermore, some individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, blood clots, and heart disease, should not use oral contraceptives. Therefore, those considering this method for hormonal acne treatment should always consult a doctor before taking them.
Injections for hormonal acne.
Cortisone injections are suitable for those with severe and large inflammatory acne, such as cystic acne, or those who...chronic acneFor pimples that cannot be treated by other methods, corticosteroids are injected directly into the pimple to reduce swelling, redness, and inflammation, causing the pimple to subside quickly within 2-3 days after injection. In addition, even large clogged pores can be dissolved with these injections. However, this method should not be done frequently as it may cause acne scars.
Laser treatment for hormonal acne.
theLaser treatment for hormonal acne.Laser treatment is a popular method for treating acne nowadays. Dual Yellow Laser Because it can effectively treat hormonal acne and is less likely to leave acne scars than other treatment methods.Laser acneThis procedure involves using a laser to open up the pimple, after which the pus or blockage is gently squeezed out from the hair follicle. However, different types of laser treatments for hormonal acne have different approaches, depending on the individual.sensitive skinYou should discuss the treatment method with a doctor who has experience with laser treatments.
Light therapy can reduce hormonal acne.
Light therapy for hormonal acne is considered one of the effective acne treatments that kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. It uses visible light wavelengths, such as blue and red light, directed at the skin. Blue light kills bacteria that cause acne inflammation, while red light smooths the skin and stimulates collagen production. Besides effectively managing acne, it also helps restore skin health and reduce the likelihood of hormonal acne. However, it should be used in conjunction with medication for hormonal acne.
Managing and preventing hormonal acne.
One way to reduce hormonal acne is to learn how to properly care for yourself and prevent acne. This can help reduce the chances of developing hormonal acne and other types of acne in the long term. You can follow these recommendations:
- Avoid eating high-fat foods, such as fried or greasy foods, to reduce the stimulation of oil production on the skin, which is a major cause of hormonal acne.
- You shouldn't scrub or exfoliate your face or skin regularly when you have acne, because in addition to making your skin thinner or drier, it can irritate the acne and make it more prone to inflammation.
- During hormonal acne breakouts, choose a gentle facial cleanser and avoid oil-based products, as these may increase skin oiliness.
- You should not touch, grab, pick, or squeeze pimples on your face because it will leave dirt from your hands on your skin, increasing the risk of clogged pores.
- Cleanse your face thoroughly by first using a cleansing product to remove makeup. Then, gently cleanse with a facial foam to remove dirt and prevent clogged pores.
- Reduce stress by finding relaxing activities such as hobbies, exercise, or yoga to relieve anxiety and stabilize hormone levels.
In summary, what causes hormonal acne? How to treat it for smooth skin without scarring?
Hormonal acne is caused by changes in hormone levels in the body, especially during periods of hormonal imbalance, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or periods of accumulated stress. This type of acne is commonly found on the forehead, chin, cheeks, and back. Hormonal acne comes in various types, so those with it should treat it correctly and appropriately for their skin type to achieve smooth skin without scarring.
If you are interested in treating hormonal acne, Romrawin Clinic offers laser acne treatment services from a team of specialized dermatologists with experience in laser acne treatment using state-of-the-art equipment. We also provide consultations on hormonal acne and recommend treatment plans suitable for your skin.