December 12, 2018
Hormonal acne is an ugly, sometimes painful skin condition which many of us know far too well.
But why do these flare-ups happen? It seems that for some, the presence of adult acne even exceeds what they experienced during their teen years, so what has changed?
In this post, we will explore the answers to these questions, along with some suggestions for natural acne treatment.
By helping you overcome the condition known of as acne vulgaris caused by hormonal fluctuation, you can better avoid the scarring and possible psychological damage which the condition can cause.
When your hormones are out of balance, many things happen, most of which are not good for your health. This includes your skin’s health, which is important considering that your skin is your body’s largest organ. (1)
However, your skin is also sensitive to excessive production of androgens, AKA your body’s male hormones, and testosterone, in particular. While both men and women produce testosterone, women don’t produce as much of it as men, which is why women typically don’t display male features such as deep voice or body hair.
Likewise, men also produce female hormones such as estrogen, though in much smaller amounts than women.
However, androgenic steroids such as testosterone increase the skin’s secretion of an oil called sebum, which is responsible, amongst other things, for cleansing pores of dead skin cells. Unfortunately, in excessive amounts it causes skin cells to become sticky and clog skin pores, which then become inflamed and infected as bacteria collects along with excess oil and skin cells.
Altogether, this combination becomes what is known of as an outbreak of cystic acne.
Hormonal outbreaks are most commonly associated with teenagers who often experience this condition as they go through puberty. This is because extra androgens are necessary for the growth and development of male organs and traits in boys, as well as he development of muscle and bone strength in girls.
However, women of menstrual age or who are experiencing menopause are also commonly afflicted with hormonal acne. In fact, studies document that of acne sufferers over age 20, 50% of them are women between the ages of 20-29, along with over 25% of women between the ages of 40-49. (2)
This includes monthly outbreaks due to hormone fluctuations caused by menstruation, as well as the reduction in female hormones caused by menopause which then leaves an imbalance of male hormones. Usually when this occurs, androgen levels stay the same despite a decrease in the production of female hormones, thus causing a higher ratio of androgens in the system.
Other causes of hormone imbalance can include stress, endocrine disruptors such as soy, phthalates, or other chemicals commonly found in modern plastics, paper and foods; as well as an underproducing thyroid gland, which can be caused by a diet containing too little iodine.
It should also be noted that at any age, those who abuse anabolic steroids are often afflicted with hormonal acne as a result. These can include athletes seeking a competitive advantage, as well as men looking for increased youth or sex drive.
While androgens have the most notable and direct effect on breakouts, other hormones also play roles in the presence of adult breakouts:
While there are other associations with hormone imbalance and cystic outbreaks, these are some of the main hormonal causes and influencers.
When it comes to relieving the occurrence of your outbreaks, there are some natural acne treatments you can use:
Finally
Outbreaks of hormonal acne are never fun, although there are measures you can take to improve your skin’s health while reducing their occurrence.
By maintaining a healthy diet which includes probiotics, de-stressing, getting regular exercise, and restoring your hormones with bioidentical hormone therapy, you can better enjoy healthy, glowing acne-free skin.
And, while you’re at it, many of the above natural acne treatments can also improve your heart health, immune health, BMI management and many other aspects of your health and well-being.
So, what are you waiting for? Getting rid of your outbreaks will leave a healthier, more confident you, which is something you can’t put a price on.
Be well!
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Since 1989, Hotze Health & Wellness Center has helped over 33,000 patients get their lives back using bioidentical hormones that restore hormones to optimal levels, strengthen immune systems, and increase energy levels. Our treatment regimen addresses the root cause of hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, menopause, perimenopause, low testosterone, allergies, and candida.
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At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, our doctors are changing the way women and men are treated through the use of bioidentical hormones. Our natural treatments have helped over 33,000 individuals with hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, menopause, perimenopause, low testosterone, allergies, candida, detoxification and nutritional deficiencies.
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