Hormonal acne is a common skin condition that primarily affects adolescents and young adults, but can also affect adults of any age. It is often associated with hormonal imbalances, but several factors contribute to its occurrence.
How to recognize hormonal acne?
1. Location of lesions
- Lower Face Area: Hormonal acne often appears in the lower part of the face, especially the chin, jawline, and neck. These areas are more likely to be affected by hormonal fluctuations.
- Around the jawline: Breakouts that develop along the jawline are particularly indicative of hormonal acne.
2. Type of lesions
- Deep lesions: Hormonal acne often manifests as nodules or cysts, which are deep, painful, and inflamed lesions. These lesions are deeper than comedones and can leave scars.
- Periodic breakouts: Skin breakouts related to hormonal imbalances tend to appear cyclically, often in relation to the menstrual cycle in women, or during major hormonal changes such as pregnancy or use of contraceptives.
3. Medical assessment
- Consult a dermatologist: If you suspect that your acne is hormonal, it is important to consult a dermatologist. A professional can evaluate your condition, perform hormonal tests if necessary, and recommend appropriate treatments, such as oral contraceptives or hormonal medications.
- Hormonal assessment: Sometimes blood tests may be done to assess hormone levels and identify imbalances that might be contributing to acne.
The 3 Main Factors of Hormonal Acne
1. Excessive secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands
The sebaceous glands, located in the dermis, are responsible for the production of sebum, a natural oil that helps maintain the skin's hydrolipidic film . This protective layer helps maintain an effective barrier function and protects against external aggressions such as UV rays and pollution. However, a 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. Clogged pores and blackhead formation
Excess sebum can mix with dead skin cells and other impurities on the skin's surface, forming a thick substance that clogs pores. This obstruction prevents sebum from draining properly, causing sebum and bacteria to build up in 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 influence of androgens
Hormones, particularly androgens such as testosterone, play a major role in regulating sebum secretion . Hormonal imbalances, often seen during adolescence, menstrual cycles, or endocrine disorders, can lead to increased sebum production. This imbalance stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, exacerbating acne problems. Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy or stopping the birth control pill, can also influence sebum secretion and contribute to the onset of hormonal acne.
How to get rid of hormonal acne?
To treat hormonal acne, it is crucial to use cosmetic ingredients that target both the underlying causes and visible symptoms. Here is 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 built-up oil. 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 speed up cell turnover, prevent pore clogging, 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 overall appearance of the skin.
- Use: Used in creams and gels, often recommended for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
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 especially beneficial for balancing moisture during aggressive treatments.
- 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 topical treatments.
9. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
- Properties: AHAs, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, help exfoliate the skin's surface, promote cell turnover and improve the appearance of acne scars.
- Use: Present in exfoliants, serums and creams.