Acne makes us self-conscious at any age, but it can be even more so if you feel this issue isn’t going away, no matter how strict you are with your face washing regimen. If this is the case, you might want to consider the possibility that your acne may be hormonal.
At Colorado Skin Care, we offer a plethora of treatments for acne, such as prescription-strength creams and medications, as well as procedures like laser therapy. Whatever the cause, we’re confident that our provider, Kimberly Stone, MD, and the rest of our staff can help you manage this condition and start to feel like yourself again.
Acne can be caused by a number of different issues, such as bacteria, dead skin cells, and poor diet. But certain signs can point to acne as a hormonal symptom. The sebaceous glands, which are most plentiful on the face, back, chest, and top of the head, are controlled by the ratio of estrogen and androgen, two hormones that occur naturally in the body.
The levels of these hormones naturally fluctuate, but when the production of androgen is higher than the production of estrogen, it can create a hormonal imbalance that results in acne.
Still, you can’t just look at your body and know that your hormonal balance is off. Instead, you’ll need to do some sleuthing to determine if this might be a possibility. Then, it may be a matter of seeking bloodwork to back up your hunch before you start treatment.
Acne can occur almost anywhere. Some people get it on their faces, while others may see it crop up on their chests or backs. But there are some telltale locations where acne sprouts when it's caused by a hormonal imbalance. These include on the chin, around the jaw, and on the cheeks. If you have acne on your forehead, it might be hormonal, but it’s probably not.
People often assume acne is all the same — until they experience it. If you’ve had acne, you know the difference between whiteheads and blackheads. When your acne is hormonal, however, it’s common to experience different types of pustules.
Hormonal acne is usually painful. The pustules might be hard or soft, but they’re also very difficult to get rid of. People who try to pop them often find out it’s likely to create scarring, and the problem will probably just come back.
If you notice yourself experiencing acne around the same time every month, or if you see it disappearing for a while and then reappearing, it’s likely it’s hormonal. It could be fluctuating with your menstrual cycle, which is why you see it go away and then crop back up suddenly. If you haven’t already, try keeping a log of when your acne occurs.
Certain events in your life can actually trigger unwanted acne. For example, if you’re pregnant, your body’s hormones are changing. This could be a reason you’re experiencing a sudden occurrence of acne. Changing hormonal birth control, receiving infertility treatment, or going through menopause can all be triggers for hormonal acne as well.
It’s important to understand that stress doesn’t directly trigger acne, but it can cause hormonal imbalances that then will cause it. If none of the other conditions seem to apply, it’s possible that an influx of stress could be wreaking havoc on your hormones, which your body is showing through acne.
Certainly! There are, of course, home remedies and over-the-counter options for acne, but when you’re dealing with hormonal imbalances, the problem will likely recur. Here at Colorado Skin Care, we deal with hormonal acne on every level to ensure you can get back to clearer skin.
If you’re in the greater Denver area, make an appointment today to visit our Englewood, Colorado, office. You can set one up online, or give us a call at 303-740-4883. You’ll be glad you did.