Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
Reading time: four minutes.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
When dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria clog the hair follicles, it can lead to various types of acne, such as inflammatory, cystic, and even severe acne.
But did you know that hormonal fluctuation can also play a significant role in causing acne breakouts? At Bruice MD, we believe in treating acne from the inside out by balancing hormones and addressing lifestyle factors.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to help hormonal acne with a holistic approach.
Table of Contents
What Is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is a common skin condition influenced by hormonal fluctuation.
It often shows up as cystic acne or inflammatory acne, particularly around the jawline, chin, and cheeks. The main culprits are hormone imbalances, including elevated androgen, testosterone, and estrogen levels.
These hormones increase oil production in your sebaceous glands, leading to clogged hair follicles, excess oil production, and painful breakouts.
Signs of Hormonal Acne
Here’s how you can tell if your acne is hormone-related:
- Deep, cystic pimples
- Flare-ups during your menstrual cycle
- Breakouts on the jawline and chin
- Acne symptoms that worsen with stress
Common Triggers
Several factors can cause hormonal acne, including:
- Hormonal imbalances (high testosterone and androgen levels)
- Stress (increased cortisol levels)
- Diet (high sugar intake affecting blood sugar levels)
- Weight gain (impacting hormone regulation)
A Holistic Approach to Managing Hormonal Acne
Treating hormonal acne requires more than just skincare products.
A holistic approach that considers your overall health and lifestyle will have more significant benefits.
Diet and Nutrition
What you eat can impact your skin health.
Here’s how to help hormonal acne through dietary changes:
- Limit sugar and refined carbs to stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Increase Omega-3 intake from sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
- Avoid dairy and high-sugar foods, which may spike hormone levels and trigger breakouts.
- Incorporate a diet rich in antioxidants to reduce inflammation.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can lead to increased cortisol levels, which worsen hormonal acne.
Try these techniques to keep stress in check:
- Regular exercise, like strength training or yoga
- Deep breathing exercises and meditation
- Adequate sleep to help regulate your circadian rhythm
Balance Your Hormones
Hormonal imbalance is a significant cause of adult acne.
We offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) as a tailored treatment option. Targeting the root cause, we help regulate hormone levels, reduce severe acne, and prevent future breakouts.
What Is BHRT?
Bioidentical hormone therapy uses hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by your body.
Pellet therapy is a specialized form of BHRT that uses tiny, biodegradable hormone pellets. These pellets are inserted just under the skin, typically in the hip or buttocks.
Dr. Bruice tailors the dosage based on your specific hormone levels. After insertion, a follow-up blood test is conducted to fine-tune the treatment if needed. Pellets typically last up to 6 months before a new dose is required.
The benefits of hormone therapy treatment include:
- Reduction in acne breakouts
- Balanced hormone levels
- Improved overall health and well-being
Other Hormonal Acne Treatments
Aside from BHRT, other treatments can help manage hormonal acne:
- Topical treatments: Prescription medications containing topical retinoids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
- Oral medication: Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to control bacteria and inflammation.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels can exfoliate dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Light therapy: LED light therapy can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Natural remedies: Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and green tea extract have anti-inflammatory properties that may help manage hormonal acne.
Build a Skincare Routine
Taking care of your skin is essential.
Here’s how to create a skincare routine that helps manage hormonal acne:
- Cleanse twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil.
- Exfoliate weekly using salicylic acid to clear clogged pores and reduce dead skin cells.
- Moisturize to maintain the skin barrier, even if you have oily skin.
- Apply sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage and prevent acne scars from darkening.
Create Your Treatment Plan
A holistic approach to managing hormonal acne could include:
- Addressing hormone imbalances through BHRT or other treatments
- Lifestyle changes such as diet modifications and stress management techniques
- Topical treatments and skincare routine tailored for your skin type
- Regular follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan
Take Control of Your Acne
If you’re struggling with symptoms of hormonal acne or other hormone-related issues, now is the time to take control.
Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD, is an expert in hormone therapy and can help you develop a personalized treatment plan to manage hormonal acne.
Schedule a consultation at our hormone clinic today and discover a safe, effective path to clearer skin and a better quality of life.
Contact Us:
- Denver Office: Call (303) 957-6686 or complete our online inquiry form.
- St. Louis Office: Call (314) 222-7567 or complete the online inquiry form.
Take the first step towards balanced hormones and improved well-being!
Additional Resources
Customized BHRT Plans: A Personalized Approach to Hormonal Health
Understanding Menopausal Acne: Causes and Treatments