What is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is something that most adolescents and adults will be impacted by throughout their lifetime. It ranges in severity from blackheads to more serious cystic acne (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). Acne that is more closely related to the fluctuation of hormones is considered to be associated with increased androgen levels leading to an excess of sebum production (Elsaie, 2016). This can then progress to clogged pores with bacteria causing pimples. Hormonal acne more commonly impacts women specifically those who are pregnant and going through menopause (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). Common places for acne to arise are on one’s jawline, shoulders, chest, and back when related to hormone production. Things that can make acne worse include lack of sleep, poor diet high in fatty foods, as well as increased stress levels which are all factors that one could improve on their own.

There are several medications one can take as well to improve hormonal acne which vary based on the severity of acne. Some of them include:

• Topical retinoids such as tretinoin

• Antibiotics including doxycycline (oral) and clindamycin (topical)

• Topical benzoyl peroxide

• Steroid injections

• Oral contraceptives

• Systemic retinoids such as isotretinoin

• Androgen receptor inhibitors such as spironolactone (Cleveland Clinic, 2021)

References:

Hormonal Acne: What Is It, Treatment, Causes & Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21792-hormonal-acne

Elsaie, M. (2016). Hormonal treatment of acne vulgaris: an update. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 9, 241–248. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s114830