Hormonal acne is a type of adult acne that includes anything from blackheads and whiteheads to severe cysts. Excess sebum causes Hormonal acne which clogs pores and causes pimples.

Acne is the common name for hormonal acne. Acne vulgaris is the scientific term for this skin disorder because of the way the skin problem develops in reaction to hormonal changes. Spike in androgens like testosterone in the human body causes hormonal acne .

Common symptoms of hormonal acne

Even though hormonal acne shares its symptoms with most of the other types of acne, few known symptoms appear most of the time with such acne including

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Cysts
• nodules
• papules
• pustules

How to know if your acne is hormonal?

So you can differentiate hormonal acne and know if your acne is hormonal by looking for a few signs like:

1. If you are no longer in your teen years
2. Breakouts occur once a month
3. Occurrence of painful cysts
4. Pimples pop up around your chin and jawline
5. If you are in stress

How do I get rid of hormonal acne?

If your acne is hormonal, there are a few natural remedies that can help you get rid of it. To clear up minor hormonal acne, in some circumstances plant-based therapy alternatives are effective.

Natural therapies are pretty much free of the side effects that prescription medications can trigger. They may, however, be less effective. Research is still going on for natural solutions. Talk to your doctor about the risks and make sure the treatment won’t conflict with any medicines you’re taking.

• Green tea: Green tea is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Consider drinking a few glasses per day in addition to your topical skin care routine for more effective results.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Plant acids known as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are generated primarily. AHAs can help in the removal of dead skin cells that clog pores. AHAs can also assist to reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Many over-the-counter masks and lotions contain AHA. Like retinoids, it might make your skin more sensitive to the sun. When using AHA products, you should always wear sunscreen.

• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil reduces inflammation, which is one of the causes of acne. In one study participants with mild to moderate acne discovered that 5% topical tea tree oil reduced their symptoms of hormonal acne.

Many skin care products, including cleansers and toners, contain tea tree oil. 

Does hormonal acne go away?

There is no permanent cure for acne, but it can be managed with careful treatment. The intensity of hormonal acne symptoms varies from person to person. Acne that appears throughout puberty usually peaks between the ages of 16 and 19 and then fades away by the mid-twenties for the majority of people.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by consuming nutritious food can proper exercise can keep acne away to an extent.

How do I know if my acne is hormonal or bacterial?

While the initial cause of your acne is likely hormonal, clogged pores from oil and dead skin cells can become infected. This then becomes a bacterial issue.  

When topical methods used to treat hormonal acne fail, it could mean you have bacterial acne. Moderate or severe bacterial acne may require oral antibiotics, provided by a certified dermatologist, to reduce infection or to reduce the overproduction of sebum.

However, an acne treatment program under the guidance of a physician can effectively combat hormonal acne before it gets to the severe bacterial stage. 

Takeaway

Depending on its severity hormonal acne is treated in different ways. Mild breakouts can be controlled with over-the-counter medications as well as prescription medications.
Remember that acne does not have a quick-fix solution. It takes weeks for all therapies to take effect. If you have any of the following symptoms or if acne is interfering with your daily activities. It is advised that you see a doctor and possibly consult with a dermatologist.