Understand the causes of hormonal acne and which treatments are effective

They usually appear in early adolescence, are undesirable, sometimes painful, and almost always appear at the wrong time. But what makes the famous “pimples” continue to appear in adult life? We invited dermatologists Graziele Morais (CRM-SP 184839 | RQE 85647) and Laís Mutti (CRM-SP 144165 | RQE 42932) to clarify the various doubts about hormonal acne. Check out!

What is hormonal acne?

According to Dr. Graziele Morais, the term “hormonal acne” refers to different types of acne that are directly or indirectly related to hormonal fluctuations. However, she explains that the term is used in a layman’s way. “The presence of acne is related, among other factors, to the activity of the sebaceous glands and production of oil, and this characteristic is related to the action of hormones, especially androgens (such as testosterone) in the skin”, says the doctor.

In addition, according to Dr. Laís Mutti, only 30% of patients who present acne after the age of 25 have some hormonal disorder detectable in a blood test, for example, but she emphasizes that this “does not mean that hormones are not important in the pathophysiology of acne”. The dermatologist also explains that all types of acne can have a hormonal influence, since the activity of the sebaceous gland depends on the relationship of hormones: estrogen, which inhibits the gland’s function, and androgen, which stimulates its growth and function.

Among the causes of the emergence of hormonal acne, both specialists point to the natural fluctuations of hormone production during the phases of life, such as puberty, menstrual period, pregnancy and menopause; a diet with a high glycemic index, with carbohydrates, sugars and dairy products; sleep deprivation; stress and smoking. “The skin reflects our state of mind and balance. In my opinion, a healthy diet, a well-functioning intestine, adequate sleep, water intake, physical activity and stress control do influence acne control” points out dermatologist Graziele.

Types of hormonal acne

As stated by doctors earlier, when we talk about hormonal acne, we are talking about more than one type of acne. That’s why we asked the doctors to briefly explain each type. See below!

• Acne Vulgar: this type of acne, according to dermatologist Graziele, affects teenagers, due to the increase in the production of androgen and estrogen hormones in this age group;
• Adult Women’s Acne: in these cases, what occurs are hormonal fluctuations related to the body of an adult woman, which can be due either to hormonal changes in the skin, or to hormonal disorders that should be investigated by a specialist doctor. In addition, acne can worsen in premenstrual periods and even in menopause;
• Acne Gravidarum: this type of acne is linked to hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy, which make the activity of the sebaceous glands more active, causing inflammation;
• Acne related to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: in these cases, acne is caused by an increase in androgen hormones, resulting from the syndrome that, as previously mentioned by Dr. Laís, stimulate the function and growth of the sebaceous glands.

Experts also say that, because it covers several types, hormonal acne is common. However, Laís explains the confusion that can occur with the term: “Acne associated with hormones in its etiopathogenesis is common! Genetic and hormonal factors are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of adult female acne. Acne with detectable hormonal changes, no”.

Hormonal acne symptoms

When we talk about symptoms, we talk about changes that arise in the body or organism, whether or not resulting from a disease. In this sense, dermatologist Graziele explains that acne, as a body change, causes the following signs:

• Comedones, or “blackheads” as they are commonly known, which can be white or black when oxidized;
• Inflammatory papules, which are small, red, inflamed bumps on the skin
• Pustules, when there is pus in the inflammations;
• Cysts and nodules in more severe cases.

In addition, Dr. Laís says that “the first studies showed that acne lesions in adult women were mainly located in the lower part of the face, including the mandibular, periodal and chin regions, with a U-shaped presentation, in addition to the anterior cervical region” . However, the dermatologist says that recently, this presentation has been questioned.

With this information, it is understood that this type of acne is a symptom in itself, derived from hormonal changes that, as experts said, may or may not be linked to pathological hormonal disorders. To investigate its causes and perform a good treatment, seek a dermatologist.

What to do to treat hormonal acne

Now that you know a little more about the causes of hormonal acne, you also need to understand how to treat it to prevent its appearance and to prevent blemishes or scars. About this, Dr. Laís comments that the treatment of this type of acne is challenging, as it tends to return at certain times. Dr. Graziele points out that it is necessary to have patience, because in addition to slow responses, acne can oscillate between improvement and worsening during treatment.

Graziele also states that the treatment involves an evaluation of acne and its severity, in addition to laboratory tests to investigate pathological hormonal disorders, and that, because of this, it often needs to be multidisciplinary, with a dermatologist, gynecologist and nutrologist, as it has different causes. .

Both experts agree that hormonal acne home treatments are not effective, and point out that this type of treatment can cause or worsen scars and blemishes. However, dermatologists told about some special care that you need to have with acne-prone skin.

• Skin care routine: one of the main care for acne-prone skin is hygiene. The famous “skincare”, if done correctly and with the use of specific products for your skin type, can help in cleaning, moisturizing and caring for the skin of the face. According to Dr. Graziele “from the soap in use, the sunscreen… must be suitable for this type of skin so as not to worsen acne”. In this type of treatment, products such as facial soaps, hyaluronic acid, a good facial moisturizer and sunscreen are indispensable;
• Drug treatment: topical or oral, drugs are usually part of this treatment. According to Laís, depending on the cause and degree of acne, medications such as antibiotics, some types of contraceptives, isotretinoin (commonly known as Roaccutane) and even hormone treatment may be indicated by the dermatologist;
• Dermatological treatment: in some cases, a skin cleaning with extraction of comedones and/or drainage of pustules may be indicated by the dermatologist, in addition to laser and other aesthetic procedures for the treatment of scars and stains.

The doctors also say that a good diet, water intake, physical exercise, hygiene and correct skin protection are essential to improve and prevent acne. Both also emphasize the importance of not picking or squeezing pimples to avoid scarring.

Taking care of the skin is a task that requires a lot of attention, affection and care. Speaking of which, how about learning some great skincare tips to get this self-care process started? Check out the article by clicking on the link!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.