Hormonal acne explained in under 3 minutes | Dermatologist reviews

Hormonal acne hormonal acne is very common in effects approximately 15% of women.

So what is the difference between normal acne and hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne as the name suggests has a significant hormonal component (technically there is a hormonal drive with normal acne however this import is not the primary source of the problem).

Hormonal acne can occur in one of two scenarios. Normal hormone levels on the background of a sensitive sebaceous or oil gland or rarely increase levels of certain hormones including testosterone, prolactin, 17 hydroxy progesterone and DHEASs. The secondary rise in androgens is much rarer compare to normal hormonal levels. Hence it can be said that hormonal acne is an intracrine disorder we are by sebaceous glands are sensitive to normal hormones.

How does hormonal acne present?

Hormonal acne typically occurs in females over the age of 20 sometimes lingering on to the mid 40s. This type of acne is deep, often affect the chin and jaw line area, and fluctuates with the menstrual cycle. Acne is also modulated by food in not uncommonly stress.

What is the significance of hormonal acne?

This type of acne has one of the highest scarring rate due to the fact that lesions are deep and picking is not uncommon. Unlike normal teenage acne, hormonal acne has not got a head – it's more resistant to certain treatments such as exfoliation.

How can we treat hormonal acne?

The best solution is to see a dermatologist early. They can undertake investigations to exclude hormonal causes and will give you a choice of either an anti-hormone medication such spironolactone or cyperterone acetate. They also would consider the use of oral isotretinoin if your acne is recalcitrant and resistant to normal medication.

What can you try at home?

Rarey, hormonal acne can be treated with DIY treatments including the use of salicylic acid wash twice a day. You can trial retinol 1% at night, benzoyl peroxide between 3 to 5% should be used on spots. This may have a drying affect however BPO does not treat the fundamental cause of this acne. Pimple patches are invaluable in the treatment of hormonal acne is this patch will give feedback to the patients in order to stop picking. Do not underestimate the importance of an anti-acne diet as this can be marginally effective.

What other options are there?

Clinical strength BHA salicylic acid peels or retinoid peels can be effective. Phototherapy namely light treatment especially in the blue and red light spectrum can help some cases. BBL Forever Clear or vascular lasers may provide additional help in reducing lesions. Our suggestion is that you try these home remedies for a definitive period of 4 to 8 weeks. If you're still struggling with acne, consider seeing a dermatologist for early and effective management. Cutis Dermatology runs an acne clinic, our specialists use pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment such as peels and light therapy.

Dr Davin lim, Dermatologist
Brisbane Australia
Cutis Dermatology

Disclaimer: I do not treat acne. My work is complex procedural only.

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[jenzhao]

So unhelpful. Basically his takeaway = go see dermatologist. I’ve literally gone to see 10+ derms and they’re all totally unhelpful. They just rush through the meeting without treating the underlying cause, throw a bunch of medications at you, ask you to book follow ups so they make more money. Their goal is not to treat your acne and make it go away, since then, then lose business and money. Their goal is to ensure that you don’t treat the underlying hormonal acne, so you keep getting you to come back and they can make more money.

[sarahusman]

I love how Dr. Lim do not use approach of other Derm doctors and tell you to use this and that. He has actually looked into hormonal acne and diet part of it. Thank you for being this great.

[lotetree]

So This may be the reason “overtly sensitive oil glands to normal hormones “ of my acne 😔. I see friends and family members having same hormonal issues like mine but very clean and clear skin. Very informative video short and easy to understand.

[ivonmartinez]

I’m currently struggling with hormonal and cystic acne on my jawline and is slowly going down my neck and I went to go see a dermatologist and all she told me was that it was indeed hormonal acne and that she can’t control it 🙃

[MT-yxcu]

I didn't know high prolactin could cause acne. My prolactin has been high for YEARS as I have struggled with hormonal acne and no one ever mentioned it possibly being the cause-my dermatologist nor my gynecologist. All my other hormone levels are normal. They just told me to take BC and antibiotics. It would be great if you could do a detailed video on the effects of high prolactin.

[roxxagape]

I'm a 50 yrs old lady, pre- menopause...I was getting acne, my face was terrible, I went to 2 dermatologist, nothing worked for me. The last Dr. Was honest, and said there is nothing he can do for me, due to my age could be, probably was hormonal problem, I went to my Gynecology, she was good, put me on birth control pills, I saw the difference in two weeks. I learned to that teenagers acne and adult pre menopause acne is totally different!!!

[jaysonleroux]

I’m a 17 year old male. I’ve struggled with acne since around the age of 13, very predictable age, but it’s always been fairly manageable. It has been painful and inflamed in the past but in the last few months it’s been worse than ever. So painful, swollen and irritated. My acne has always been on my chin and around my mouth. I’m trying to figure out what’s causing it to worsen and how I can treat it. I’m wondering if it is hormonal? Can males get hormonal acne?

[beetledune]

My experience was, i had jawline acne, its itchy and flammed, i went to beauty spa and did facial for acne.my acne 90% gone.now its my 2nd treatment(facial) my jawline acne almost gone.so people maybe u need to pamper youself a bit and see if that works for u, if not seek dermatologist for consultations.my case, i no need see dermatologist.

[limitlessvictoria]

TRY MAGNESIUM IF U CAN- I USE THE CALM BRAND. 2 TEASPOONS EVERY NIGHT AND I HAVENT GOTTEN ACNE AGAIN! I used to get it about a week before my period and guys it works. magnesium is just like another vitamin

[Liz-cmc]

I'm 55 and getting acne. I'm sure it's a part of menopause. Which sucks.

[barbarafatelier]

I'm in a low-carb diet now and as soon as possible I'm going to start a meat-based keto diet (maybe in 2 weeks). My doctor says it's the only way to get rid of my acne.

[suesweeney]

I am 64 and get spots only on my chin and nose and always in the same spot...frustrating

[bluesummers]

If hormone levels don’t matter, than what makes the oil glands stop being sensitive to them? At some point all acne stops. Which of the 2 has the most influence on this?

[lorikraus]

I’m 64 years old and my face is a mess. Acne and ingrown hairs. Very painful so I’ve scarred my skin up pretty badly in trying to get rid of them using a pair of tweezers. It’s like needles in my face and removing them eases the pain. I’ve used many different products which none seem to work well, Retin-A, chemical peels, maderma gel, and of course I make sure my Face is well cleaned upon waking and before going to bed. I’m at a total loss as to what to try next. I also have hyperpigmentation causing horrible brown spots on my face….

[bhartisharmasharma]

Can you please suggest a good retinol cream for hormonal acne?

[ebishrimpy]

I have PCOS and hormonal acne and it went away with the use of oral contraceptives. When I stop the pills, the acne comes back.

[AlejandraRamirez-hrnb]

Spironolactone gave me really bad side effects twice.... what other medication you recommend ? Thank you

[NevadaGibson]

Right when I was about to turn 25 i started getting hormonal jawline acne. Nothing has cured it. I may have to do a more strict diet EVEN THO i am already vegan (no dairy) and make most of my food (80% of my diet is not processed food). I’ve done facials which seems to “manage” it the best but no cure. I fucking HATE it! Why!!!! I feel like I’ve watched so many videos and tried everything but still no permanent results. I’ve gone to the dermatologist and all they want to do is prescribe me shit. When I was previously taking their prescriptions it didn’t work either!! I’m going on 3 years with this awful cystic jawline acne and it’s so annoying because before my skin was clear as can be NATURALLY! I used to wash my face with bath and body works HAND SOAP. Lord send a miracle 🙏🏽

[WorldIsMine]

Nobody talks about male hormonal acne! They only talk about women!!!

[naufal]

i went to a dermatologist and she said its due to hormone, i have zero acne on my jawline its always clean, but it's all over my cheek and forehead.. is that considered as hormonal acne?