how to deal: hormonal acne
Hormonal acne can be tricky. It is very often a balancing act and something that takes *trial and error* in figuring out exactly what works for you. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. Keep reading, here are my tips!
x WHY YOU GET IT
Hormonal acne is a lot like regularly acne except it occurs in response to hormonal changes. An increase in oil production, often stimulated by testosterone (which can increase pre-period) can cause excess oil. Oil can also become thicker due to an imbalance of hormones, making it an ideal environment for an annoying blemish. Other hormones like progesterone can water retention which is why we might run puffy during that time of the month.
x HOW PORES GET CLOGGED
Too much oil in the skin can lead to clogged pores, causing inflammation and breakouts. Sometimes hormonal acne can create deep, painful nodules known as cystic acne. This is the type of acne that is most likely to scar so resist picking or squeezing your zits. You are risking spreading acne bacteria to other parts of your face and worsening inflammation.
x IS IT HORMONAL?
Hormonal acne appears most along the chin, mouth and jawline.
x HOW TO DEAL
The goal is to prevent breakouts from forming in the first place—so a good skincare line, supplements even, and most important… consistency! A half-assed skincare routine brings half-assed results J
xx SUPPLEMENTS
JS Health Skin + Digestion x JS Health Hormone+ PMS Support this is like your hormonal breakout kit! Don’t overlook treating your skin from the inside out. The skin is your body’s largest organ and what’s going on inside often manifests outside. your hormonal breakout kit.
xx SKINCARE
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex x most acne cleansers are too aggressive for daily use and a lot of people accidentally overuse them. This creates damage to the moisture barrier, leading to more oil and inflammation in the skin. Your acne cleanser isn’t going to prevent breakouts; you just need it to effectively cleanse the skin. A gentle cleanser will always serve you! This is my favorite. It’s lightweight, contains antioxidants and cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oil.
Anti Cyst Solution x this potent spot treatment is ideal for fighting those large, painful bumps that often come with hormonal acne. Use this at night, 2-3x/week.
Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense x this contains salicylic acid which is effective at preventing clogged pores and regulating your skin’s oil production.
Chemical exfoliation x aka as acids in skincare, these are most effective at exfoliating dead skin cells. Acids regulate your skin’s oil production, prevent clogged pores and are essential if you want bright and glowy skin.
Try this one if you’re normal to oily or this one if you’re normal to dry / sensitive.
Retinoids x using some form of a retinol is beneficial because it increases cell turnover, improves texture, fades pigment irregularities and prevents aging.
If you’ve used a retinol before, try this one. If you’re just starting out, try this one.
LED light therapy x in particular, blue light which has been proven effective at killing acne-causing bacteria. This is the one I use (a splurge, but worth it).
I hope you found this helpful and as always… give an F, wear SPF. Apply that sunscreen sis!