Having one pimple is already a nightmare, what more if it’s all over your face, right? Acne is really an uncomfortable skin problem to have since it takes your skin confidence away.
However, you are not alone since anyone can get acne and there’s an estimated 80 percent of people suffer from this skin condition between ages 11 and 30.
So, you see that you are not alone in fighting the battle against this skin condition. Thus, if you are one of the sufferers, what you should do now is to be informed and knowledgeable about the things that you need to know about acne. Suffering from hormonal acne? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Acne?
Acne is a condition of the skin which is caused by the excess sebum in the body. The sebum is actually an oil that stops the skin from being dried out which clumps together with the dead skin cells in a pore. However, if it is clogged out, then a zit or an acne lesion will form.
The lesion formed by acne in the skin will now cause comedones, which are skin-colored small bumps that can be open or closed plugs that are formed at the base of the hairs. There are also other types of lesions included, namely: papules, pustules, and nodules. These four types of lesions can be increased in size and severity which is formed through bacteria that later causes inflammation of the skin.
What Does Hormonal Acne Means?
Hormonal acne is as its name suggests, all about hormones. Your acne is triggered and tied to the fluctuations in your hormones, and if you are a woman, you will undoubtedly be frustrated by it since your hormones fluctuate every now and then due to either menstruation or menopause.
Acne isn’t exclusive to women, and it is rather rampant during puberty since it is the time of an individual’s hormonal and body transitions. However, it is especially common in women since some factors contribute to this skin condition (menstruation and menopause).
According to a survey, it is estimated that 50 percent of women between ages 20 to 29 have acne. While there is about 25 percent of women ages 40 to 49 that are affected by the said condition.
Characteristics of Hormonal Acne
So, how can you consider perceive acne as hormonal? Well, first off, hormonal acne frequently appears in the T-zone area of your face which includes your forehead, nose, the chin. Then for adults, acne typically forms on the lower part of your face like around the jawline or the bottom of your cheeks.
On the other hand, there are some people wherein hormonal acne takes the form of whiteheads, blackheads, or small pimples that come to a head or cysts.
Cysts, are tender to the touch and are inflamed which is formed deep under the skin and can’t be seen with a head on the surface.
The cause of hormonal acne is the influxes of hormones from either of the following:
- Menstruation
- Menopause
- PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Increased androgen level
These issues cause hormonal fluctuations which aggravate acne and increase overall skin inflammation which will also increase sebum production in pores, clog the skin’s cells in hair follicles, and produces acne-causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acne.
Treatments for Hormonal Acne
If your hormonal acne is mild, then over-the-counter products or medications might suffice. However, because hormonal acne typically takes the form of cystic bumps and is formed deep under the skin, it will require medications that could fight it off.
Oral medications are one of the actions that your doctor might prescribe you as a way to balance out your hormones and clear up your skin. Common options would include oral contraceptives and anti-androgen drugs.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives as acne treatment usually contain Ethinyl estradiol like Jolessa added by any of these ingredients like drospirenone, norgestimate, or norethindrone. The medication Jolessa might be prescribed to you by the doctor, and it can be bought with Jolessa coupon from some local pharmacies.
Anti-androgen Drugs
This type of medication works by decreasing the male hormone androgen. Both men and women have natural levels of this hormone wherein if it is produced excessively, it can contribute to acne issues by interfering with the hair follicles that regulate one’s skin cells while increasing oil production.
Takeaway
Hormonal acne is experienced by many so do not be disheartened if you are suffering from this skin condition. What you need to do is to fight it head-on by visiting a dermatologist and following the instructions given to you. Lastly, your lifestyle will also help contribute to the factors of either worsening or healing your skin so you should watch out for what you eat or do.
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