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How To Treat Hormonal Acne

What Is Hormonal Acne 

Usually an overproduction of androgens resulting in outbreaks in the chin and jawline areas. Cystic acne under the skin that is large, painful,and leaves scarring. Androgens are groups of male sex hormones, testosterone being the most known. Having too many of these hormones leads to hormonal acne. These high androgens cause acne by changing the size of the skin’s pores. When the pores become larger the natural face oils start to over produce which also lead to more bacteria. This all leads to clogged pores that cause acne. There are several causes of high androgens, stress, high estrogen levels, and insulin resistance. Around the menstrual cycle the skin changes, sometimes resulting in more narrow pores.

Inflammation is also a contributing factor, excess inflammation can trigger acne.This can be a result of your diet, gut imbalance, toxins, and stress. Studies have shown that high levels of stress increase androgen production, insulin resistance and stress, which can lead to inflammation. 

How To Treat Hormonal Acne 

There are many natural ways to treat acne as well as prescriptions that can help get things under control. It’s a personal choice as to which route to go. Natural treatments can be as effective as prescriptions from your dermatologist as they get to the root cause instead of masking the issue. 

Prescriptions And Their Side Effects 

 Birth control is an option to control hormonal acne as it turns off your natural hormones and gives you synthetic hormones.The side effects of birth control can be depression, low libido, gut issues and more. 

Spironolactone, a prescription for hormonal acne, is becoming more well known for its skin clearing abilities. Compared to the pill it has been said to be somewhat more effective in blocking androgens that cause acne. It can take several months to see results. It’s a diuretic mainly used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. Some of the side effects are dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. It can also spike potassium levels which can lead to weakness and heart palpitations. 

Natural Ways To Treat Hormonal Acne 

Most of the time when you go to the dermatologist they will tell you there isn’t a connection between the diet and your skin. There is a clear connection between the two and there are natural ways to get hormonal acne under control. Starting with the diet, eating for skin health helps with acne in several ways. With a healthy diet you will have balanced blood sugar levels which reduces insulin resistance. You will eliminate inflammation and supply nutrients for skin health and hormone balance. Foods that you want to incorporate in your diet are foods rich in vitamin A, this nutrient is amazing for the skin. Many skin care treatments include vitamin A, such as Retin-A. You can get this nutrient from sources like fish, meat, eggs. Sweet potatoes are another great source.

Increase your omega 3 intake, low omega 3 intake and high omega 6 is associated with acne and inflammation. Fish, nuts and seeds are great sources of omega 3’s. These can reduce inflammation in the body. Reduce the amount of highly processed foods, these increase your insulin resistance. Taking sugar out of your diet will help your hormones from getting out of balance. If you go the route of taking birth control for acne, know that it depletes the body of nutrients such as vitamin B, C, D,zinc, and magnesium. Being deficient in these key nutrients can be one of the causes of acne. To restore these nutrients you want to eat foods high in antioxidants like seeds and berries. Eating foods that stimulate the liver, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts which are cruciferous vegetables. These foods  take hormones not needed out of the body.

Teas that are high in antioxidants such as green tea, turmeric, dandelion tea are also great for the skin. Having gut issues can also be a cause of acne. Keeping your gut microbiome in balance is a key role in healthy skin. As the skin has its own microbiome. When the gut is out of balance it will show up in the skin. Probiotics are very helpful in keeping the gut microbiome healthy. 

Supplements 

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

A sulfur chemical compound that is found in plants, animals, and humans. MSM detoxes the liver giving you glowing skin.The detox process gets the bad bacteria out of the body, this helps clear the skin of acne. 

Zinc

 Is important for skin health. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to fight viruses and bacteria. Taking 50mg per day is recommended.

 Vitamin C

 An antioxidant that fights free radicals that we are exposed to. It also treats acne scars by increasing collagen in the skin and heals the wounds. Taking 1000mg per day is recommended.

Berberine

A herb when taken in supplement form helps improve insulin resistance, lowers testosterone which reduces acne. It’s similar to an antibiotic in a more natural form. It’s not recommended to take for a long period of time as it can affect your gut bacteria. 

Hey everyone, I’m Michelle a health and wellness enthusiast. I’m constantly looking to improve myself and want to use this blog as a way to share information.