Adult Acne - Understanding How Hormones Contribute To Adult Acne

© Michelle Howard Smith - All Rights Reserved

Acne is a common problem among teenagers but it’s also a problem that some adults have to battle.  While acne can be caused by sensitive skin problems, diet and other factors, it’s sometimes the result of hormones out of control.  Understanding how hormones play a role in adult acne can help you to better deal with them.
 
Adult acne is more common than you think and affects men and women alike but more commonly women.  As a teen, I never really had problems with acne. I ate whatever I wanted and had very little stress in my life.  As I became an adult I found myself facing frequent acne breakouts. Why women do you wonder?  Well, us women have more hormonal changes going on in our bodies than men so this article is really more focused on women.

Understanding Hormones

Everyone possesses hormones.  Our hormones regulate certain bodily functions and play an important role in development and puberty. Hormones influence some of the characteristics that transform young boys and girls into full grown men and women.

Hormones in women bring on the menstrual cycle, the process that enables a woman to bear children.  Two of a woman’s main hormones, progesterone and estrogen contribute to the menstrual cycle and the symptoms experienced during that time.

How Hormones Contribute to Acne

Normally, sebaceous glands (oil glands) produce an oily substance called sebum when clogged with dirt and oils can cause infection, or an acne breakout.  When you sweat, the oils come out of your skin and your skin needs to be cleansed thoroughly with warm water, enabling the pores to open so you can cleanse thoroughly.

During the monthly menstrual cycle, a female’s hormones can cause extra oil production which can lead to clogged pores causing what’s commonly called whiteheads.  Whiteheads are filled with excess oil that have been trapped in the pores, causing annoying and often embarrassing acne.

Unfortunately, even after the menstrual years are completed, post-menopausal women can have hormonal problems. During the post menopause phase, the levels of female estrogen and progesterone hormones are reduced, causing the hormones in the adrenal glands and the reproductive organs to be higher.  This is the testosterone hormone which can now cause hair growth on the face which if not cleansed properly can cause infected hair follicles leading to, guess what? More adult acne!

Treating Adult Acne

Many times if you go to a dermatologist for adult acne, the doctor will prescribe over the counter medicines that become part of your cleansing routine.  If these meds don’t work, as an alternative oral medication is often prescribed.  Some doctors even prescribe birth control pills to get the hormone levels stable so acne doesn’t progress.  The problem I have with this is you are combating one problem but potentially causing another problem…chemical overload in your bodily systems.  While medication may be effective at treating adult acne, proper, regular skin cleansing with natural skin care products can also be effective.  Doing a regular facial mask and exfoliating, is effective at decongesting the skin's pores.  Clean pores equal greatly minimized chances of an acne outbreak.

While hormones are normal and helpful for bodily functions to perform properly, they can also contribute to adult acne which is a real pain.  If you notice adult acne becoming a problem during your menstrual cycle or other regular intervals, you should consult a dermatologist or alternative skin care practitioner (for alternatives to chemical treatment). I suggest the latter.