Hormonal acne: causes and natural solutions

IN THIS ARTICLE

01 What is hormonal acne? 02 Which hormone triggers acne? 03 How to recognize hormonal acne 04 Hormonal acne: what you shouldn’t eat

05 These dietary supplements support 06 How long does it take until I see an improvement? 07 Conclusion

How hormonal acne occurs and how to naturally get back to your skin balance.

What is hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne is a form of acne caused by hormonal fluctuations. Especially in women, an excess of estrogen can lead to an imbalance of hormones and cause acne. Typical phases in which hormonal acne develops are therefore

• during puberty
• around menstruation
• after stopping the pill
• During pregnancy
• in menopause

What hormone triggers acne?

Hormonal acne is caused by an overproduction of androgens. Androgens are male hormones that are also produced by women, but in smaller amounts. When androgens are overproduced, this can lead to an increase in sebum production in the skin pores, which ultimately leads to the development of acne. The hormone most associated with the development of acne is testosterone. When testosterone is elevated in the body, it can lead to an overproduction of sebum, which in turn gets stuck in the skin pores and leads to acne. However, it is important to note that testosterone is generally not a “bad” hormone for women. In fact, women actually need the “male” hormone. You can read more about this in our article“Testosterone: Why it is as important for women as it is for men”. In addition to testosterone, other hormones such as DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) can contribute to the development of acne. DHEA-S is produced by the adrenal glands and, when produced in excessive amounts, can increase sebum production. IGF-1 is a growth hormone that can also stimulate sebum production. It is important to note that hormone imbalances are not always the sole cause of acne. The hormonal imbalance may also have deeper causes. For example, a weakened liver can contribute to hormone metabolism no longer being in balance. In this case, it would be important to strengthen the liver. You can read how to do this and how to recognize a weakened liver in our article “Tired all the time? Maybe your liver is whispering for help”. Other factors such as stress, diet and genetic predisposition can also contribute to the development of acne. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment by a dermatologist is therefore the best way to treat hormonal acne and prevent it in the future.

How to recognize hormonal acne

You’re probably wondering how you can tell if the blemishes you’re struggling with are hormonal acne. Well, apart from the fact that you should definitely see a dermatologist for any form of acne, there are some typical signs that your breakouts could be hormonal acne:

• Outbreaks in the chin and jaw area
• Deep, painful pimples
• Skin blemishes before menstruation
• Acne that does not respond to conventional treatments
• Increased sebum production
• Mood swings and other hormonal changes

Hormonal acne: what you should not eat

Hormonal acne can be influenced by a variety of factors, including diet. Certain foods can affect hormone production and promote the development of acne. Therefore, it is important to follow a balanced and healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. A change in diet alone may not be enough to completely eliminate hormonal acne, but it can help to reduce symptoms and promote clear skin.

Dairy products

Dairy products can be problematic for hormonal acne as they contain hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone, which can increase sebum production in the body. An increase in hormone levels can lead to increased sebum production, which in turn promotes the growth of acne bacteria and can lead to the development of acne. In addition, dairy products also contain growth hormones, which are intended for the growth and development of calves, but can also act in humans and influence the hormonal imbalance in the body. For this reason, many dermatologists recommend avoiding or at least reducing dairy products in the case of hormonal acne.

Sugary foods

Sugary foods can be problematic for hormonal acne as they can increase insulin levels in the body. Increased insulin levels, in turn, can stimulate sebum production in the body and promote the growth of acne bacteria, which can lead to the development of acne. In addition, sugary foods can also promote inflammation in the body, which can also contribute to the development of acne. It is important to note that not all types of sugar are created equal, and that complex carbohydrates such as those found in whole grain products are a better option than simple sugars such as those found in candy and soft drinks. For this reason, many dermatologists recommend avoiding or at least reducing sugary foods in the case of hormonal acne.

Processed food

Processed foods can be problematic for hormonal acne as they often contain high amounts of saturated fats and trans fats, which can promote inflammation in the body and increase sebum production. Increased sebum production, in turn, can promote the growth of acne bacteria and contribute to the development of acne. But it’s not just about potato chips and the like. Here are some examples of processed foods that appear to be healthy but can be a hindrance to hormonal acne:

• Breakfast cereals: Many breakfast cereals contain a lot of sugar and are often highly processed.
• Ready-made salads: Ready-made salads can often contain added preservatives and dressings that are not healthy.
• Meat substitutes: Meat substitutes such as vegan sausages and burgers can often contain many additives and saturated fats.
• Frozen pizza: Frozen pizza is often very high in saturated fat, salt and calories.
• Soups and stews: Many soups and stews contain added salt, preservatives and often meat, which can also be problematic for hormonal acne.

It is therefore important to read the ingredients list of processed foods carefully if you suffer from hormonal acne and to watch out for hidden additives, sugar and saturated fats. Many dermatologists even recommend avoiding or at least reducing processed foods for hormonal acne and instead following a balanced and healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Soy products

There is evidence that soy products can cause hormonal imbalances in some people, which may contribute to worsening hormonal acne. This is because soy products contain so-called phytoestrogens, which are chemically similar to the female sex hormone estrogen and can potentially influence hormone production in the body. However, the effects of soy products on hormonal acne are different for each individual, and not all people react the same way to soy products. There are also studies that indicate that soy products can actually help reduce acne in some people, as they may have anti-inflammatory properties. It is important to consider individual intolerances and sensitivities and, if necessary, avoid certain soy products if they are problematic in hormonal acne. However, if you are not sensitive to soy products, they can be enjoyed in moderation as they can also have many health benefits.

These dietary supplements support

Ogaenics has some natural helpers that can support your hormone balance and therefore also have a positive effect on hormonal acne.

B vitamins

Probiotics

Probiotics do not have a direct effect on the cause of hormonal acne, but they do support the healing process indirectly. This is because invading pathogens are fought and rendered harmless in the intestine – including the acne-causing bacterium Propionibacterium acnes or

Cutibacterium

acnes. Studies have shown that certain strains of bacteria in the intestine are particularly effective against the acne pathogens. These bacterial strains are

• Lactobacillus plantarum PBS067
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRH020 and
• Lactobacillus reuteri PBS072

You will find these three bacterial strains in their clinically effective dosage as a dietary supplement in the Ogaenics Beauty and the Bs Pure Skin Complex. Beauty and the Bs also contains all the B vitamins for your hormonal balance.

Vitamin D

There is some evidence that vitamin D can help in the treatment of hormonal acne. Vitamin D is an important nutrient for skin health, as it plays an important role in regulating inflammation and wound healing. A 2016 study showed that vitamin D supplementation led to significant improvement in symptoms in patients with acne. The study found that vitamin D reduces sebum production and has anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. There is also evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of acne. A 2014 study found that patients with acne tended to have lower blood levels of vitamin D than people without acne. Therefore, if you have hormonal acne, you should definitely have your vitamin D level tested by blood test to detect and treat a possible deficiency.

How long does it take before I see improvement?

It is important to note that your body and skin need time to readjust, regulate and regenerate. Therefore, you should give your body four to six months and consistently follow all measures during this time to achieve the best results. It is also important to know that so-called “skin purging” can occur at the start of every new routine. This is a temporary deterioration of the skin caused by the accelerated renewal of skin cells. Due to the accelerated cell division, sebum and impurities are transported to the surface of the skin more quickly, which can lead to a temporary deterioration of the skin’s appearance. It is important to emphasize that skin purging is not a sign that the product is bad or that it will harm the skin. On the contrary, it is an indication that the product works and the skin cells are activated. If you are affected by skin purging, you should be patient and continue taking the supplement. The skin will regenerate itself after a certain time and the skin texture will improve. It can also be helpful to avoid aggressive cleansing products during this time to avoid further irritating the skin. However, if the deterioration in the appearance of your skin persists over a longer period of time, you should consult a dermatologist.

Conclusion

Hormonal acne is not a fate that you simply have to accept. By balancing your hormones and taking care of your skin from the inside, you can improve your complexion and feel good again. Above all, it is important to follow a holistic treatment plan and consult a physician. A healthy diet and supplements can help as part of the treatment plan for hormonal acne. If you want to read more about skin, read also “What skin problems have to do with the intestine”.