Hormonal acne is typically associated with puberty, but can affect adults of any age. Treatments may include topical medications, oral medications, and natural remedies.
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that may cause oily skin, spots, and pimples to develop on your face and upper body.
Research suggests that up to
Adults may also experience acne due to hormonal changes caused by:
- menstruation
- menopause
- polycystic ovarian syndrome
- stress
Keep reading to learn more about how to treat hormonal acne.
What are the different types of hormonal acne?
Treatment for hormonal acne may depend on the type of acne you have and the severity of symptoms. The different types of acne
Unless your hormonal acne is mild, over-the-counter (OTC) products usually aren’t successful.
This is because hormonal acne typically takes the form of cystic bumps. These bumps form deep under the skin, out of reach of most topical medications.
Oral medications can work from the inside out to balance your hormones and clear up the skin. Common options include oral contraceptives and anti-androgen drugs.
Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives specifically used for acne treatment contain ethinylestradiol plus one of the following:
- drospirenone
- norgestimate
- norethindrone
Together, these ingredients target the hormones that can contribute to acne. This can be especially helpful during peaks in hormones, such as during ovulation.
Oral contraceptives may not be an option for you if you have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, or breast cancer. You also shouldn’t take these if you smoke.
Anti-androgen drugs
Anti-androgen drugs work by decreasing the male hormone androgen. Both men and women have natural levels of this hormone. Too much androgen, though, can contribute to acne issues by interfering with hair follicles that regulate skin cells and increasing oil production.
Although spironolactone (Aldactone) is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, it has anti-androgen effects. In other words, it can prevent your body from producing more androgen and allow your hormone levels to stabilize.
Retinoids
If your hormonal acne is mild, you may be able to use topical retinoids. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A.
Many retinoid creams, gels, and lotions are available over the counter. But you may want to see your doctor about a prescription-strength formulation. A prescribed product is often the most effective way to keep your skin consistently clear.
If you add a topical retinoid to your regimen, it’s important to apply sunscreen daily. Retinoids can increase your risk of sunburn.
In some cases, plant-based treatment options may be used to clear up mild hormonal acne.
Natural treatments are usually free of the side effects sometimes caused by prescription options. But they may not be as effective. Research on natural options is lacking, and at this time nothing has been proven to produce results. Talk with your doctor about potential risks and to ensure the treatment won’t interact with any medications you’re taking.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil works by decreasing inflammation that can contribute to acne. One
Tea tree oil is available in many of skin care products, such as cleansers and toners. You can also use tea tree essential oil as a spot treatment.
You should always dilute tea tree essential oil with a carrier oil before use. Popular carrier oils include coconut, jojoba, and olive. The general rule is to add about 12 drops of carrier oil to every one to two drops of essential oil.
It’s also important to do a skin patch test before using diluted tea tree essential oil. To do this, apply the diluted oil to the inside of your forearm. If you don’t experience any irritation or inflammation within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere.
Alpha hydroxy acid
Green tea
Green tea is known for decreasing inflammation in the body. For a more holistic approach, consider drinking a few cups per day besides practicing your topical skin care regimen. You can find a great selection of green teas here. Lotions and gels containing at least 2 percent green tea extract may be beneficial.
The association between diet and hormonal acne isn’t fully understood.
If you have hormonal acne, you may consider limiting sugar, dairy, and refined carbs, such as white bread and pasta.
On the other hand, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon may
Learn more about the best diet and supplements for hormonal acne.
To clear up hormonal acne and keep it at bay it’s important to establish an appropriate skincare routine.
Consider trying the following:
- Wash your face in the morning and again in the evening.
- Apply no more than a pea-sized amount of any acne product. Applying too much can dry out your skin and increase irritation.
- Wear sunscreen every day.
- Use only noncomedogenic products to reduce your risk of clogged pores.
Learn more about how to take care of your skin.
How long does hormonal acne take to go away?
The exact timeline for hormonal acne varies from person to person. A new acne treatment plan typically takes 8 to 16 weeks to take full effect.
Where is hormonal acne usually located?
Hormonal acne most often appears on your face in the T-zone, which includes your forehead, nose, and chin.
Hormonal acne most commonly occurs in adolescents during puberty, but it could also affect adults.
Treatment may include a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and natural remedies.
If your acne persists, speak with a doctor or dermatologist about a long-term treatment plan. They can revise your current plan and incorporate different treatments to maximize your results.