Think angry, red breakouts are only for pubescent teens? Think again. Acne doesn't discriminate by ageeven adults, especially women (lucky us!), are prone to breakouts well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s before the onset of menopause, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

Even adults who never had pimples during their teen years can experience acne on any area of their face (jawline, around the mouth, or the forehead, for example) or on the body (the back or chest, for example). When this happens, dermatologists call the condition "adult-onset acne."

If you're an adult experiencing this annoyingand sometimes even painfulskin condition, experts say it's usually due to one of the following: stress, family history, hair and skincare products, medicinal side effects, an undiagnosed medical condition, or hormones.

The latter is one of the more common culprits, and the condition is typically referred to as hormonal acne.

Meet Our Experts: Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York CitySanusi Umar, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and CEO and founder of the Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic in Los Angeles

"Hormonal acne, as the name implies, is acne that is caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body," says Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City.

As you might suspect: clogged pores, says Dr. Sanusi Umar, a board-certified dermatologist and CEO and founder of the Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic in Los Angeles. Fluctuating hormones can cause excess or overproduction of sebum (the oily substance in skin glands), a buildup of dead skin cells, or an accumulation of bacteria, he explains.

"There are various conditions that may influence the presence of hormonal acne including puberty, polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopause, menstrual cycle, and increased androgen levels," says Green. "Stress and diet can also impact hormonal acne breakouts," she adds. Even pregnancy or beginning or discontinuing the use of birth control pills can cause pimples.

But how do you know if your red spots are caused by hormones or something else altogether? And why is that important? Pegging down the root cause of your acne can help inform an effective treatment plan. For example, if a product is causing breakouts, the answer could be as simple as discontinuing usage. On the other hand, if you're experiencing hormonal acne, treatment may be a little bit more complex.

Green says hormonal acne typically presents as cysts along the jawline and on the chin in adults and in the T-zone during puberty, but it can also present as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules, says Umarand that's exactly why it's important to consult a board-certified dermatologist who can help you correctly identify your condition.

In the meantime, you can also look for patterns. "It is common for hormonal acne to reappear in the same areas in a cyclic fashion," she explains. "Many adult patients struggling with hormonal acne indicate that their breakouts are more pronounced for a certain period each month or when they have endured significantly more stress."

Typically, treatment for hormonal acne is multi-pronged and includes the following, says Green:

This serum contains a hefty dose of salicylic acid to reduce excess sebum production, clear clogged pores, and decrease rednessall while fighting signs of aging at the same time.

Tea tree is the first ingredient in this lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

A combination of clarifying ingredients like tea tree and salicylic acid and soothing ingredients like chamomile oil make this face oil an effective acne-fighter.

This product contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxideas strong as you can get without a prescription.

"Hormonal acne may resolve on its own once hormone levels in the body become balanced, though it is common to experience hormonal acne breakouts in cyclic episodes as hormones fluctuate overtime," says Green.

So while your pimples may disappear in as little as one week, Green says they're likely to return and can even cause permanent scarring if left untreated. "For patients who forgo evaluation and treatment with a dermatologist, their hormonal acne can last for years," she says.

Brigitt is a freelance writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience at premier lifestyle publications. She specializes in creating SEO and affiliate content in a wide range of coverage areas, including home, health, parenting, beauty and style, food and entertaining, travel, and weddings. She also has significant experience creating native and branded content.

Read more from the original source:
Hormonal Acne: Causes, Treatment, And How To Prevent It - Women's Health

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