Hormonal fluctuations can trigger an acne breakout at any time and just about any stage in your life.
But, you don’t need to be going through a major life transition to experiencehormonal acne.
It can also appear month after month with your menstrual cycle or surge with lifestyle changes.
Stocksy
Their answers, below.
Meet the Experts
What Is Hormonal Acne?
What Does Hormonal Acne Look Like?
“Hormonal acne is almost always cystic and inflammatory in nature, says Dr. Love.
Besides your menstrual cycle, there are a few other instances that can trigger hormonal acne.
Pregnancy and the fluctuating hormones that come along with it, for one.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another culprit.
It requires some lifestyle changes.
Ahead, dermatologists share their best tips for how to help treat hormonal acne.
We recommend Everlywell’s Women’s Health Test, an at-home hormone level test to monitor any hormone imbalances.
Dr. Zeichner recommends using benzoyl peroxide in concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 percent for maximum benefits.
“Studies have shown that dairy can worsen acne,” says dermatologist, Jeremy Fenton, MD.
The worst culprit, believe it or not, isskim milk and fat-free dairy.Dr.
Foods high in sugar are another culprit to blame.
“I would recommend avoiding refined flour, sweets, and processed carbohydrates,” says Dr. Fenton.
Exfoliate With Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acidis a game-changer for maintaining squeaky-clean pores.
The best concentration of salicylic acid is up to two percent when you’re choosing an over-the-counter product.
Limit Stress to Reduce Inflammation
Ever heard of a stress zit?
Being on edge is not only bad for your mindset but also aggravates your skin.
“Inflammation is a major part of acnethat’s what leads to those large and deep red cystic pimples.
Anything it’s possible for you to do to reduce inflammation will be helpful for your acne.”
But there’s more to gut health than avoiding inflammatory or acne-causing foods.
Snyder suggests incorporating a quality probiotic to restore gut health.
Birth control pills help regulate your hormones and decrease testosterone levels, which can mean fewer hormone-induced breakouts.
Another option is the aforementioned Spironolactone.
(Again, hormonal acne has a cyclical pattern.)
Additionally, Dr. Fenton recommends using an OTC acne wash and non-comedogenic moisturizer regularly.
Additionally, it helps keep skin bump-free thanks to its anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating benefits.
We recommend the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro mask and using it for three minutes a day.
If over-the-counter skincare solutions aren’t cutting it, consider dialing up the percentage with a professional treatment.
“Most studies have been performed with oral zinc supplements, but topical zinc is likely also helpful.”
They can also provide in-office extractions orsteroid injectionsto decrease inflammation quickly.
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