Acne makes life embarrassing for at least 85% of teens, but it’s also a common problem for adults, especially women. Half of women in their 20’s, one-third in their 30’s, and one-fourth of those in their 40’s struggle with acne.
You may be surprised to learn that hormones are the primary culprit in nearly all cases.
Yes, skin care and other issues, like taking corticosteroids, have a role. However, hormones control oil production, and excessive oil leads to acne.
If you struggle with acne, you can depend on the Allure Dermatology team to determine the cause and provide customized care that restores a clear, beautiful complexion.
Acne develops when sebum (oil produced by glands in the follicle) and dead cells clog a hair follicle. As the buildup blocks the follicle’s opening, newly produced sebum gets trapped under the surface.
The problem worsens when bacteria that usually live on your skin get caught in the mix. Bacteria lead to inflammatory acne and painful cysts.
Hormones that increase oil production are the top cause of acne. Oil-influencing hormones are always present in men and women, but they only lead to acne when their levels rise above normal.
Let’s explore the primary hormones associated with acne and how they cause flare-ups.
Androgen is a catch-all term for a group of hormones, including testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which the body turns into testosterone.
Androgens are best known as male hormones because they produce male characteristics and support men’s reproductive health.
However, women also need androgens. Androgens support women’s ovaries, help produce estrogen, and keep their hearts, muscles, and bones healthy.
How are androgens connected to acne? They’re the chief regulators of sebum production.
The dramatic rise in androgens at puberty and the accompanying excessive oil production are the primary reasons teens struggle with acne.
When adult women experience an acne breakout, it’s often due to a drop in estrogen accompanied by an increase in androgens. The rise in androgens triggers an increase in oil production.
Monthly menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and starting or stopping birth control pills cause estrogen fluctuations. Acne commonly develops in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) because high androgen levels cause the condition.
Ongoing stress raises your androgen levels. Anxiety and stress also activate the release of cortisol, a hormone that energizes your body to deal with stress. It also boosts oil production.
Insulin may contribute to acne because it increases the production of androgens. However, this should only be a concern if you have high insulin levels due to insulin resistance or diabetes.
Over-the-counter acne treatments and regular gentle cleansing may be enough to heal and control your acne.
If the lesions don’t improve in a few weeks or inflammation develops, you should seek help from a professional dermatologist. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of developing acne scars.
We offer numerous prescription treatments (topical and medications) and specialized skin care to give you a beautiful complexion.
When needed for ongoing hormonal imbalances, we prescribe therapies to restore balance, such as birth control pills. If we suspect an underlying health condition, such as PCOS or insulin resistance, we may recommend seeing a metabolic specialist.
Don’t let acne affect your appearance, confidence, and self-esteem. Call Allure Dermatology or use online booking to schedule a skin consultation and get expert care for hormone-related acne.
