How To Get Rid of Hormonal Acne (FROM EXPERIENCE)

Summary

In this video, Brian Turner addresses the complexities of hormonal acne, a common yet frustrating skin condition that affects both men and women. He outlines the various types of hormonal acne, including those related to menstrual cycles, puberty, PCOS, pregnancy, menopause, and lifestyle factors. Turner emphasizes the importance of understanding hormonal fluctuations and their impact on acne, and offers practical advice on managing and treating this condition. He also discusses the role of diet, exercise, and stress management in controlling acne, and suggests direct treatments like birth control, topical skincare products, and spironolactone. The video concludes with a reminder of the importance of seeking professional advice and the availability of support for those struggling with acne.

Takeaways

• 😣 Hormonal acne can be deeply frustrating and painful, often appearing as deep, cystic breakouts that are stubborn and recurrent.
• 👩‍⚕️ The Cleveland Clinic notes that approximately 50% of women in their 20s and 25% of women in their 40s experience hormonal acne, which is more common in the lower parts of the face.
• 📈 Hormonal acne tends to fluctuate with hormone levels, often worsening around the menstrual cycle, puberty, and can be associated with conditions like PCOS, pregnancy, menopause, and stress.
• 🔍 Identifying the type of acne and its correlation with hormonal changes can be key to understanding and managing it effectively.
• 📊 Keeping a journal to track acne breakouts in relation to the menstrual cycle can help individuals gain more control over their acne.
• 🚫 Puberty and conditions like PCOS are unavoidable, but managing other acne-causing factors can help mitigate their impact on the skin.
• 💪 Lifestyle choices significantly affect hormone levels, and reducing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, and regular exercise can help regulate hormones and improve acne.
• 💊 Treatments for hormonal acne can range from birth control pills to topical products like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and alpha hydroxy acids, each targeting different aspects of acne development.
• 🩺 For severe cases, medications like spironolactone may be prescribed to balance hormone levels, but it's typically a last resort due to potential side effects.
• ⚠️ Accutane is a potent treatment that can be effective for severe acne, but it should be considered carefully due to its potential long-term side effects.

Q & A

What is hormonal acne and why is it considered stubborn?

Hormonal acne is a type of acne that is caused by hormonal imbalances, which can lead to an overproduction of oil and clogged pores. It is considered stubborn because it tends to be deep, painful, and recurrent, often appearing in the same areas even after treatment.

What percentage of women in their 20s and 40s experience hormonal acne according to the Cleveland Clinic?

About 50% of women in their 20s and 25% of women in their 40s experience hormonal acne.

Where is hormonal acne typically found on the face?

Hormonal acne is typically found on the lower part of the face, such as the jawline, chin, and neck.

How does the timing of acne breakouts relate to hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne tends to fluctuate with hormone levels, often worsening during certain times of the menstrual cycle or due to other hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.

What are some common symptoms of hormonal imbalance that might indicate hormonal acne?

Symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth or loss, weight gain, mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes, insomnia, and nipple tenderness can indicate a hormonal imbalance and the presence of hormonal acne.

What are the different types of hormonal acne mentioned in the script?

The script mentions menstrual cycle acne, puberty acne, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) acne, pregnancy acne, menopause acne, stress, and lifestyle hormonal acne.

How does the menstrual cycle affect acne in women?

During the menstrual cycle, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to acne breakouts, particularly in the week after menstruation and during the luteal phase.

What is the role of testosterone and estrogen in acne during puberty?

During puberty, an increase in testosterone leads to increased sebum production in both boys and girls, which can cause acne. Estrogen levels also rise, which can help reduce oil production, but an imbalance between estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can still lead to breakouts.

How does PCOS contribute to acne?

PCOS causes the ovaries to enlarge and develop small cysts, leading to an overproduction of testosterone and often a decrease in estrogen levels. This hormonal imbalance can result in increased oil production and acne.

What lifestyle factors can impact hormone levels and potentially contribute to acne?

Stress, body fat, exercise habits, caffeine consumption, alcohol, smoking, and diet can all impact hormone levels and contribute to acne.

What are some direct treatments for hormonal acne discussed in the script?

The script discusses the use of birth control, topical skincare products like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acids, spironolactone, and in some cases, Accutane as direct treatments for hormonal acne.