Hormonal Acne

One in five women in their 40’s and 50’s experience acne.

Acne vulgaris is a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition experienced mainly during teenage years and into early adulthood. However, studies are revealing many women experience adult acne during perimenopause and menopause

Features of menopausal acne:

  • Cysts form below the skin and often don’t come to a head.  They can feel tender and leave scars

  • The acne generally appears on the cheeks and the lower part of the face

  • The skin can be oily or dry

  • Blackheads, whiteheads and pimples are present

What causes hormonal acne?

It’s uncertain what causes acne during perimenopause and menopause but hormones, in particular androgens, are thought to be a trigger.  During this time oestrogen and progesterone levels fall sharply with testosterone (androgens) decreasing more gradually.  It’s not that there are excess androgens, but rather the balance between oestrogen and testosterone changes and this can stimulate the onset of acne.

Our sebaceous (oil) glands are under the control of androgens, vitamin D, neuropeptides and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).  The balance between androgens, insulin and IGF-1 may contribute to menopausal acne. Abdominal obesity is linked to acne as it involves insulin resistance which disrupts hormone balance by increasing androgens and decreasing sex hormone -binding globulin.

 Hormone fluctuations can increase:

·       skin inflammation

·       sebum (oil) production

·       bacteria responsible for acne -Propionibacterium acnes 

·       skin cells clogging the hair follicle

 Other known triggers for acne include stress, obesity, cosmetics, drugs and sleep deprivation. 

Treatment approaches:

Hormonal acne cysts occur deep below the surface of the skin and can be resistant to the effects of topical treatments.

The medical approach is to use topical retinoids, antibiotics and hormonal therapies.

The naturopathic approach is to treat from the inside out by supporting lymphatic cleansing, reducing inflammatory foods, and supporting hormone balance with herbal medicine and key nutrients.

Foods to include in the diet to reduce skin inflammation

  • Omega 3 rich foods; flax seed, deep sea oily fish

  • Food rich in antioxidants; green tea, berries, nuts, fruit and vegetables

Foods to avoid in the diet that contribute to inflammation

  •  Sugar

  • Dairy

  • Red meat

  • Refined white flour products; pasta, bread, pastries, baked goods

Skincare tips

  • Thoroughly remove make-up and sunscreen at night

  • Cleanse the skin both morning and night with a gentle pH balanced product

  • Choose non-comedogenic products that don’t block pores

  • Wash make-up brushes regularly with a mild cleansing foam or dedicated brush cleanser

  • A dab of diluted tea tree oil on a pimple or cyst can reduce inflammation. Always spot test first on the inside of the elbow to check for any potential reactions. Tea tree comes in a range of cleansers and skin care products, talk to your local health food store or pharmacy for advice

  • Organic rose hip oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants and may reduce inflammation and scarring caused by acne.  Rose hip also improves skin barrier function and reduces signs of skin ageing.

  • Go easy on exfoliation.  Once a week should be enough and use a gentle exfoliant.   If you have pustules, avoid altogether.

 Resources:

Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2017). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International journal of molecular sciences19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070

Mármol, I., Sánchez-de-Diego, C., Jiménez-Moreno, N., Ancín-Azpilicueta, C., & Rodríguez-Yoldi, M. J. (2017). Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species. International journal of molecular sciences18(6), 1137. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18061137

 Khunger, N., & Mehrotra, K. (2019). Menopausal Acne - Challenges And Solutions. International journal of women's health11, 555–567. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S174292

 

 This blog is not a platform for providing medical diagnoses or treatment recommendations. The information provided is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only. The blog content is designed to educate and inform readers about naturopathic principles and practices, but it should not be taken as a replacement for professional medical guidance. The individual needs of any particular person have not been taken into account and readers should always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns  Read Disclaimer here

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