Hormonal Acne: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Hormone fluctuations are the first responsible for this form of acne. It's common in adults, especially women. Hormonal changes increase oil production, clogging pores with dead skin cells and bacteria.

Hormonal acne varies in severity and can include:

• Blackheads: open, clogged pores from oxydised oil and skin cells.

• Whiteheads: closed, clogged pores that appear as small, white bumps.

• Papules: small, red, tender bumps.

• Pustules: red bumps with a pus-filled center, aka pimples.

• Nodules: large, hard, painful bumps deep within the skin.

• Cysts: severe, large, soft, fluid-filled sacs deep in the skin.

While any acne can have a hormonal component, certain signs suggest a hormonal cause. One key indicator is age. If you're past your teens and still experiencing breakouts, hormones are more likely to be the culprit.

Another sign is the location of the breakouts. Blemishes often clusters around the jawline and chin. This is a classic pattern, though it can appear elsewhere.

The timing of breakouts is also revealing. Many women notice flare-ups around their menstrual cycle, typically in the week before their period.

Finally, the type of acne matters. Hormonal acne often manifests as deep, painful cysts and nodules, rather than just surface-level whiteheads or blackheads.

The condition typically affects the lower face: jawline, chin, and lower cheeks. It can also appear on the neck, chest, and back. These areas have more oil glands sensitive to hormones.

Hormonal acne is primarily triggered by, as the name suggests, hormonal fluctuations. However, several factors can contribute to these imbalances and worsen breakouts.

The main culprits are androgens, like testosterone. While often considered "male" hormones, women also have androgens, albeit in smaller amounts. Increased androgen levels can cause the skin's oil glands to go into overdrive. This excess oil, combined with dead skin cells, clogs pores, leading to acne.

While hormones are the primary driver, lifestyle choices can exacerbate the condition:

• Diet: high-glycemic foods (sugary drinks, white bread, processed foods) can spike insulin levels, which can, in turn, increase androgen production. Dairy products may also be a trigger for some individuals.

• Stress: chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, leading to increased cortisol levels, which can worsen acne.

• Lack of sleep: insufficient sleep can also affect hormone regulation and increase inflammation.

• Smoking: smoking can increase the risk of acne.

Even with hormonal imbalances, certain skincare practices can worsen breakouts:

• Using comedogenic products: these products contain ingredients that can clog pores. Look for “non-comedogenic” labels.

• Over-washing or scrubbing: this can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production and irritation.

• Not removing makeup properly: makeup residue can clog pores and contribute to breakouts.

• Picking or squeezing pimples: this can worsen inflammation, spread bacteria, and lead to scarring.

• Using harsh products: formulations with high concentrations of alcohol or strong fragrances can irritate the skin.

While hormonal imperfections can be persistent, there are several effective strategies to manage breakouts and improve your skin. These include using targeted ingredients, focusing on specific skin objectives, and making beneficial lifestyle changes.

Acne treatment products by Caudalie harnesses the power of natural actives to address hormonal acne:

• Natural salicylic acid: 100% pure and plant-based, extracted from Wintergreen leaves. It visibly unclogs pores and refines skin texture.

• Polyphenols: French grape seed extracts that are antioxidant and block 100% of free radicals.

• Niacinamides: Better known as Vitamin B3, it diminishes enlarged pores and soothes skin.

• Organic grape water: Hydrating, soothing, antioxidant, and prebiotic, it helps reinforce the skin microbiota for healthier-looking skin.

Beyond skincare, lifestyle plays a crucial role in managing this skin concern. Adopting a low-glycemic diet, which means limiting sugary drinks, processed foods, and white bread, can be beneficial. Some individuals also find that reducing dairy intake helps.

Since stress can exacerbate hormonal imbalances, incorporating stress-management techniques like yoga or meditation is important. Prioritizing sleep, aiming for 7-8 hours of quality rest each night, supports hormone regulation.

Regular exercise and staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water also contribute to overall skin health and can help manage breakouts.

While many cases can be managed with over-the-counter products and lifestyle changes, it's important to know when to seek professional medical help. If your acne persists despite consistent home treatment for several weeks, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist.

Similarly, if you experience severe breakouts with numerous inflamed cysts or nodules, professional intervention is recommended.

Finally, if you notice any signs of infection, such as significant redness, swelling, pain, or pus drainage, see a doctor immediately.

Caudalie's Vinopure offers a targeted, plant-based approach to address the key factors contributing to breakouts: excess oil, clogged pores, and inflammation.

Start by cleansing with this gel facial cleanser with salicylic acid. Enriched with natural salicylic acid, it gently exfoliates, unclogs pores, and removes excess oil.

After cleansing, apply this salicylic acid toner. It refines pores, controls oil, and clarifies the skin with natural salicylic acid, polyphenols, and essential oils.

Next, apply this salicylic acid serum. It targets blemishes, reduces pores, and helps prevent breakouts with natural salicylic acid and niacinamide.

Finally, complete your routine with this mattifying moisturiser. It hydrates without clogging pores, controls shine, and mattifies the skin with silica powders.