What are the 3 main factors in hormonal acne?

What are the 3 main factors in hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne is a common skin condition that mainly affects teenagers and young adults, but can also affect adults of any age. It is often associated with hormonal imbalances, but several factors contribute to its appearance.

 

How to recognize hormonal acne?

1. Location of lesions

  • Lower face area: Hormonal acne often appears on the lower part of the face, particularly on the chin, jawline and neck. These areas are more likely to be affected by hormonal fluctuations.
  • Around the jawline: Skin rashes that develop along the jawline are particularly indicative of hormonal acne.

2. Type of lesion

  • Deep lesions: Hormonal acne often manifests as nodules or cysts, which are deep, painful, inflamed lesions. These lesions are deeper than comedones and can leave scars.
  • Periodic eruptions: Skin eruptions linked to hormonal imbalances tend to appear cyclically, often in conjunction with the menstrual cycle in women, or during major hormonal changes such as pregnancy or contraceptive use.

3. Medical assessment

  • Consulting a dermatologist: If you suspect that your acne is hormonal, it's important to consult a dermatologist. A professional can assess your condition, perform hormonal tests if necessary, and recommend suitable treatments, such as oral contraceptives or hormonal medications.
  • Hormone check-up: Sometimes, blood tests can be performed to assess hormone levels and identify imbalances that may be contributing to acne.

 

The 3 main factors in hormonal acne

1. Excessive sebum secretion by the sebaceous glands

The sebaceous glands, located in the dermis, are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oil that helps maintain the hydrolipidic film of the skin. This protective layer helps maintain an effective barrier function and protects against external aggressors such as UV rays and pollution. However, hormonal imbalance can lead to an overproduction of sebum, which can clog pores and create an environment conducive to the development of acne. Oily skin is particularly prone to this phenomenon, as it produces more sebum than normal or dry skin.

2. Pore clogging and blackhead formation

Excess sebum can mix with dead skin cells and other impurities on the skin's surface, forming a thick, pore-clogging substance. This obstruction prevents sebum from draining properly, leading to a build-up of sebum and bacteria in the hair follicles. This phenomenon is often the cause of blackheads and pimples. In addition to the sebaceous glands, hair follicles play a crucial role in this dynamic, as they are the conduits through which sebum is normally released.

3. Hormonal imbalance and the influence of androgens

Hormones, particularly androgens such as testosterone, play a major role in regulating sebum secretion. A hormonal imbalance, often observed during adolescence, menstrual cycles or endocrine disorders, can lead to an increase in sebum production. This imbalance stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, exacerbating acne problems. Hormonal variations, such as those associated with pregnancy or stopping the contraceptive pill, can also influence sebum secretion and contribute to the appearance of hormonal acne.

How to get rid of hormonal acne?

To treat hormonal acne, it's crucial to use cosmetic ingredients that target both the underlying causes and visible symptoms. Here's a list of effective ingredients to help manage hormonal acne:

1. Salicylic acid

  • Properties: Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates pores to help dissolve impurities and accumulated sebum. It also gently exfoliates the skin, reducing the risk of clogged pores.
  • Use: Used in cleansers, toners and spot treatments.

2. Benzoyl peroxide

  • Properties: Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful antibacterial that helps kill acne-causing bacteria. It also helps reduce inflammation and dry out acne lesions.
  • Use: Present in local treatments, gels and creams.

3. Retinoids

  • Properties: Retinoids, such as retinol or tazarotene, help accelerate cell renewal, prevent clogged pores and reduce inflammation. They also promote skin regeneration.
  • Use: Available as creams, gels or topical treatments prescribed by a dermatologist.

4. Azelaic acid

  • Properties: Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps reduce redness, diminish blackheads and improve the skin's overall appearance.
  • Use: Used in creams and gels, often recommended for sensitive skin or skin prone to rosacea.

5. Niacinamide

  • Properties: Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, reduces inflammation, regulates sebum production and improves the skin's barrier function. It also helps reduce post-acne marks.
  • Use: Found in serums, creams and lotions.

6. Hyaluronic Acid

  • Properties: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful moisturizer that helps maintain skin hydration without clogging pores. It can be particularly beneficial for balancing hydration in the event of aggressive treatment.
  • Use: Present in moisturizing serums and creams.

7. Green tea extract

  • Properties: Green tea extract contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
  • Use: Available in toners, creams and masks.

8. Sulfur

  • Properties: Sulfur has antibacterial and exfoliating properties. It helps reduce inflammation and dry out acne lesions.
  • Use: Found in masks and local treatments.

9. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)

  • Properties: AHAs, like glycolic acid or lactic acid, help exfoliate the skin's surface, promote cell renewal and improve the appearance of acne scars.
  • Use: Found in exfoliants, serums and creams.

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