Hormonal Acne
Daily skin detox with soft and deep cleansing
Hormonal acne is acne that is triggered by fluctuating hormone levels. Specifically, this type of acne is caused by spikes in male hormones called androgens. Testosterone is perhaps the most well-known androgen. While these hormones are often referred to as “male sex hormones”, both men and women produce androgens like testosterone. In women, levels of androgens change over the course of the menstrual cycle, causing more outbreaks during certain times of the month.
Hormonal acne often begins during puberty. Girls tend to develop acne first, while boys will often develop more severe acne due to naturally higher levels of androgens. Teens aren’t the only ones who battle this kind of acne, however. Adult hormonal acne is on the rise, most often affecting women between the ages of 20 and 49. In fact, an estimated 50 percent of women aged 20 to 29 still struggle with acne.
How to spot hormonal acne
The tell-tale sign of hormonal acne is the location of cysts—more commonly known as pimples—on the face. In adults, hormonal acne typically affects the chin and mouth regions. It is not uncommon for women to experience hormonal acne after ovulation and during menopause when levels of female sex hormones like estrogen naturally drop.
In teens and adolescents, hormonal acne tends to most affect the “T zone” which consists of the chin, mouth, nose, and forehead. Acne worsened by hormonal fluctuations can also affect the cheeks and jawline. In youngsters, this type of acne corresponds to rapid hormonal changes during puberty. In many cases, this acne gradually becomes less severe with age.
PROBIOTICS FOR HORMONAL ACNE
Wondering how probiotics might help hormonal acne? It’s simple. Due to the high levels of androgens, oil glands in the skin become hyperactive. They begin to secrete too much oil which clogs pores and traps bacteria in the skin. The proper term for this oil is sebum.
There is one primary type of bacteria associated with acne: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). While P. acnes is found on the healthy skin, levels of this bacteria become overgrown with acne. The bacteria take over, disrupting the balance of the skin microbiome and causing inflammation.
The “skin microbiome” is the term for the vast ecosystem of microbes that live on the surface of the skin. Probiotic skincare products like Probiotic Action® helps hormonal acne by reintroducing beneficial bacteria to the skin. These beneficial bacteria then compete with P. acnes and other inflammatory microbes over food sources on the skin and in pores.
The result? Reduced levels of P. acnes and improved levels of healthy, natural bacteria.
