Acne is a problem most commonly seen in young adults and teenagers going through puberty. Perhaps this is why hormonal acne is most commonly associated with this age bracket. However, this kind of acne can affect people of all ages, and it is more likely to flair up when a person's hormones are particularly active. Women, in fact, are most likely to be affected by the condition. There is no way to get rid of hormonal acne for good, but being aware of the warning signs can allow you to take steps to prevent a nasty breakout.

Getting Technical

If you want to get down to the root causes of hormonal acne, look at the specifics. The hormones that provoke acne flair ups are known as androgens. When these hormones are produced, they activate sebaceous glands, which then expand. Hormonal acne is, in simplest terms, over stimulated sebaceous glands. These glands produce the oily substance sebum, which collects and joins together with dead skin cells. The build up of sebum and dead skin is what we call a pimple.

Life Cycles

There are certain periods in one's life when hormonal acne is more likely to be an issue. Obviously, the teen years are the primary time period. Women are also prone to hormonal acne when they are experiencing hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menstruation, or ovarian related sickness. For anyone, stress can be a major factor affecting the development of hormonal acne.

A Sign Of Warning

What can you look for as a key sign indicating that the acne you are experiencing could be caused by your hormones? Typically, this specific kind of acne is accompanied by other effects, including excessive hair growth, obesity, irregular menstruation, deepening of the voice, or infertility.

A Frustrating Process

Perhaps the most frustrating part of hormonal acne, for teens, women, as well as the few men who experience it, is that the condition does not often respond well to traditional treatments. Through other forms of acne can be treated with antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids, hormonal acne is a special case.

Recently, researchers have found that hormone therapy treatment can serve as a treatment for this type of acne. Because women with hormonal acne typically have increased hormone levels, hormone therapy is often the solution to the problem.

Stress Less

The simplest solution of all to the problem of hormonal acne is to stop stressing—it only leads to active hormones! 

Tags: hormonal acne, acne