Hormonal Acne Treatment
Many people assume that hormonal acne breakouts will disappear after their teenage years. Unfortunately, many men and women struggle with persistent adult acne for years following puberty. Hormonal acne is one specific type of adult acne vulgaris that may occur in both men and women. However, it is a skin condition most prevalent among women between 20-40 years of age. Women who experience hormonal acne breakouts often observe cystic pimples along the jawline, chin, cheeks, and neck, occurring in a cyclical breakout pattern. Hormonal acne breakouts may be related to several changes, such as a change or discontinuation of birth control, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, etc. Breakouts of hormonal acne may appear out of the blue after years of completely clear skin and can be difficult to treat, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC, is here to help.
Although hormone fluctuations play a role in most forms of adult acne, the direct relationship between different hormone levels and acne breakouts is still not entirely understood. Hormonal acne breakouts are often triggered by the production of excess androgens in the body, which leads to the overproduction of sebum in the skin’s sebaceous glands. Androgens are a variety of hormones that are closely linked with male traits and reproductive activity (like testosterone) and have also been connected to different aspects of hair growth. Hormonal acne can be painful to the touch and make a person feel self-conscious. In addition, hormonal acne can be particularly challenging to treat, as these breakouts often don’t respond well to other acne treatments like oral antibiotics and topical skincare. While this type of acne flare-up is frustrating for many, it can be successfully treated with various treatment options, including birth control pills, spironolactone, severe acne medication, chemical peels, topical treatments, and HydraFacials.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, including acne treatment, skincare, and acne scar reduction. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and the New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise. She has even developed her skincare line, MGSKINLABS, to treat various skin conditions, from acne breakouts to various signs of aging. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to create a customized acne treatment plan to help you achieve and maintain clear, healthy, smooth skin.
25-34 year old woman treated with acne scar treatment
What causes hormonal acne?
Hormonal Acne is like it sounds: acne breakouts incited by hormone fluctuations. Though hormones play a role in most types of acne, the direct relationship between hormone levels and acne breakouts is still not entirely understood. Still, hormonal acne tends to be stimulated when our bodies produce more androgens. Androgens are a hormone regularly linked to male traits and reproductive activity (such as testosterone) and have also been connected to hair growth.
We typically associate hormonal acne with the experience of puberty in one’s teen years, but hormonal acne breakouts can develop at any age. Hormonal acne occurs in adults with clogged hair follicles, excess oil production, unwanted bacteria, and fluctuating hormonal changes. Adult women more commonly experience hormonal acne than men due to several factors, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, increased androgen levels, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Many women experience hormonal acne breakouts that are related to their menstrual cycle. Progesterone hormone levels are elevated in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Increased progesterone stimulates excess oil production in the skin and can also cause the skin’s pores to swell shut, trapping excess sebum, dead skin cells, and other debris in the pores. Clogging the pores results in increased breakouts, and hormonal acne pimples can typically be found on the chin, jawline, cheeks, and neck. Most adult women with period acne experience breakouts the week before or during their period. Hormonal acne treatments like spironolactone and oral contraceptives may be recommended for women with acne related to menstruation. Oral contraceptives may not be a suitable treatment for you if you have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, breast cancer, or use tobacco.
During menopause, many women experience hormonal acne due to a shift in hormone levels. Menopause is typically marked by a decrease in estrogen and an increase in androgen hormones like testosterone, which can lead to more blemishes. Additionally, hormone replacement therapies to ease menopause symptoms often use progestin to replace lost estrogen and progesterone levels in the body, which can lead to additional acne flare-ups.
Do I have hormonal acne breakouts?
Hormonal acne breakouts can be identified through a few key characteristics. If you are experiencing acne breakouts and are no longer in your teen years, you may be experiencing hormonal adult acne. Additionally, if you experience fluctuations in acne breakouts in a cyclical pattern, you may be dealing with hormonal acne. Often, patients with hormonal acne experience breakouts more intensely once a month. Increased stress can also have a significant impact on hormonal acne breakouts. Hormonal acne blemishes appear most commonly in the t-zone during puberty but typically appear along the jawline and lower face in cases of adult hormonal acne. When you consult with an expert, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, your adult acne can be properly diagnosed and treated. In addition to physically evaluating your skin condition, Dr. Green will collect a thorough medical history and potentially order specific blood tests to determine any irregular hormone levels.
Vbeam, 2 months before and after
How does a dermatologist diagnose hormonal acne?
It is always recommended to consult with a board-certified dermatologist regarding acne breakouts, especially if the acne is persistent, recurring, or cystic. This is because acne, particularly inflammatory acne-like cysts, can cause permanent scars. Acne scars develop due to inflammation associated with the lesions causing irreparable damage to the underlying skin tissue. It is possible to improve the appearance of acne scars with the myriad of non-invasive treatment options offered at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office, but the best approach is prevention. A dermatologist can evaluate the patterns of acne breakouts and the types of acne present during a physical assessment. In addition, other contributing factors will be discussed, including skincare regimen, family history of acne, and other underlying health conditions. A dermatologist may also order blood tests to determine whether an imbalance in certain hormone levels contributes to the breakouts.
Dr. Michele Green is an expert dermatologist specializing in skincare for those suffering from hormonal acne and other skin conditions. When you work with Dr. Green, she will take a comprehensive medical history and blood work to evaluate the cause of your acne breakouts. In addition to hormonal blood tests, Dr. Green will physically assess your skin condition and discuss with you in-depth your skincare routine, sleep habits, stress levels, diet, and more. The types of acne present, the severity of the breakouts, the areas of the face and body affected, and the patterns of breakouts may all help a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green diagnose the skin condition. She will be able to assess the cause of your acne and determine if you’re suffering from hormonal acne. Based on her complete evaluation, she will discuss the best skincare routine and treatment options to help you achieve and maintain healthy, smooth skin.
How can you tell apart hormonal acne from regular pimples?
Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition occurring when sebaceous glands are clogged by sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. Hormonal acne is a type of acne vulgaris associated with hormonal changes in the body. Hormonal adult acne most commonly presents as cysts along the jawline and lower face. Cystic acne is a variety of severe acne that form deep under the skin’s surface and cannot be extracted by ordinary means. Cysts caused by hormonal shifts also can reappear in the exact location on the face repeatedly. While less common, hormonal acne breakouts may also occur on the chest and back. Hormonal acne can also present as blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, papules, and nodules. Although men and women of any age may potentially develop breakouts of hormonal adult acne, it most commonly affects adult women between the ages of 20-50. Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, are linked to increased oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. Excess sebum, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria become trapped in the skin’s sebaceous glands and cause inflammation, resulting in pimples. Hormonal acne breakouts may occur during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, around the menstrual cycle, as a side effect of taking certain oral medications, or due to an underlying medical condition that causes hormone fluctuations, such as Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOS). An expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, can work with you to properly diagnose your skin condition and determine the acne treatment options best suited to your needs.
Is hormonal acne the same as adult acne?
Hormonal acne is a variety of adult acne. Still, adult acne can be caused by various issues, including naturally oily skin, clogged hair follicles, poor diet, stress, an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin, or irritants such as make-up or fabric. A typical example of non-hormonal acne is mask acne or “maskne,” which was a skin condition that affected many individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic. Learn more about how to treat maskne. Hormonal acne is caused by fluctuating hormone levels leading to increased oil production in the skin. Many patients with hormonal acne experience breakouts in a cyclical pattern and tend to have pimples on the chin, cheeks, and jawline.
Is hormonal acne cystic?
Cystic acne is closely associated with hormonal acne. Hormonal acne typically presents as painful cysts that are red, swollen, irritated, and tender to the touch. Cysts form below the skin’s surface and typically do not come to a ‘head’ like other acne lesions. Initially, cystic acne will form when bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells clog the skin’s pores. A cystic lesion will become increasingly inflamed as the bacteria increases under the skin. It tends to occur in patients with overactive oil glands and is often a frustrating aspect of hormonal acne. Hormonal acne cysts may present as inflamed, red bumps on the skin’s surface that do not form a ‘head’ like other types of acne. Hormonal acne cysts also tend to affect the lower face and can commonly be found on the chin, jawline, neck, and cheeks. Learn more about different kinds of adult acne.
Will hormonal acne go away?
Hormonal acne can be challenging, as these pimples don’t always respond well to traditional acne treatments. Many patients search for different methods to treat hormonal acne. Though a regimen of proper facial hygiene and over-the-counter products can be helpful, patients with hormonal acne may find it challenging to maintain clear skin when relying on over-the-counter treatment options. For this reason, most patients struggling with hormonal acne breakouts turn to an expert, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green, to help reduce and prevent hormonal acne. Without proper hormonal acne treatment, patients generally experience fluctuations between clear skin and hormonal acne flare-ups, a cycle that can last for years. To quell these unwelcome pimples and breakouts, targeted skincare products, spot treatments, cosmetic procedures, and oral medications can make a huge difference. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green will work with you to create a customized acne treatment plan that best suits your particular needs and provides you with long-lasting clear skin.
When does hormonal acne stop?
A pimple caused by a hormonal acne flare-up usually lasts about a week before it resolves, but for some, hormonal acne can lead to frequent breakouts on the skin. Hormonal acne is typically cyclical, though it can be exacerbated by certain life events such as pregnancy and menopause. Although teenage hormonal acne may fade on its own with age, hormonal adult acne often requires acne treatment to restore clear skin.
Acne Treatment before and after – 6 months
Is hormonal acne curable?
Though hormonal acne is a common form of acne breakout among adults, the cause of hormonal acne varies from patient to patient. At this point, the world of dermatology has not developed a finite cure for hormonal acne. However, hormonal acne is entirely treatable, and with a customized acne treatment plan developed by Dr. Green, hormonal acne can become a thing of the past. Oral medications, such as birth control pills or Spironolactone, and topical hormonal acne treatments like Winlevi can keep hormonal acne under control in the long term.
What to do if you have hormonal acne
The best thing to do if you think you may have hormonal acne is to meet with Dr. Green to have the cause of your acne diagnosed. In some cases, what may look like hormonal acne may indicate a more severe issue, such as severe hormonal imbalance or a thyroid condition. Hormonal acne typically appears as red, inflamed cysts below the skin’s surface and do not come to a ‘head’ like other types of acne. Hormonal acne pimples affect the lower face and jawline, and breakouts often occur in a cyclical pattern. If you suffer from hormonal acne, Dr. Green can curate a treatment plan to help you treat breakouts, lessening the risk of acne scars and helping you restore your clear complexion. Dr. Green can prescribe specific spot treatments, skincare routines, cosmetic treatments, such as chemical peels and laser treatments, and oral medications that can all work to eliminate the appearance of hormonal acne.
Can topical treatments help hormonal acne?
Topical treatments are a common way to reduce the appearance of hormonal acne. Typically, Dr. Green will recommend topical retinoids as a first step for acne treatment, mainly to reduce the effects of unwanted dead skin cells clogging a patient’s pores. Topical retinoids can help to prevent new acne breakouts with continued treatment and have minimal side effects from long-term use. Retinoids are topical skincare products derived from vitamin A and work by accelerating the rate of skin cell turnover, sloughing away dead skin cells, and preventing the pores from clogging. A popular, topical retinoid-like product that is available over the counter is Differin Gel (adapalene gel). However, Dr. Green can provide prescription-strength concentrations of retinoid creams for patients experiencing more severe acne.
For those with sensitive skin or who suffer from rosacea, topical retinoids may not be the best solution, as retinoid creams and gels can cause dryness, redness, and flaking skin when they are first introduced. Dr. Green may recommend that your topical retinoid be applied only a few times weekly to prevent irritation or other mild side effects. Other topical treatments such as salicylic acid, Cleocin T lotion, or Metrogel (metronidazole) may be more effective topical acne treatment options for sensitive skin patients. Topical retinoids are contraindicated for those patients who are pregnant.
A tailored skincare routine can make a vast difference in hormonal acne treatment. In particular, cleansers and targeted face washes can help prevent hormonal acne from forming on the skin’s surface. The sections below detail some of the key ingredients in skincare products that can help treat hormonal acne with consistent use.
What should I use for hormonal acne? Best cleansers for hormonal acne treatment:
Salicylic acid face wash
Salicylic acid is designed to exfoliate the skin, reducing lingering dead skin cells on the epidermis. Salicylic acid can dissolve dead skin cells and remove acne-causing bacteria from the skin, helping improve the skin’s overall health. It’s ideal for acne-prone or oily skin as it can penetrate deep into pores and has an anti-inflammatory effect that can often reduce redness on the skin.
Glycolic acid face wash
Glycolic acid is another excellent exfoliant when incorporated into a skincare routine. Glycolic acid can help to reveal brighter layers of skin underneath lingering dead skin cells along the surface, and it can help to make the skin feel firmer. Glycolic acid not only helps to reduce clogged pores and zits but also can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Glycolic acid and Salicylic acid are both favored by Dr. Green in her MGSKINLABs acne treatment, and glycolic acid can also be used as an active ingredient in chemical peels to reduce the appearance of acne and inflammation on the skin.
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is an excellent ingredient used in face washes and spot treatments to reduce bacteria on the skin’s surface. It can clear away pimples through the elimination of bacteria, as well as clear out pores and reduce excess sebum. Benzoyl Peroxide essentially dries out acne zits and helps to prevent further blemishes from developing. Benzaclin is a prescription topical treatment that is a combination of Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzamycin is a prescription topical treatment that is a combination of Benzoyl Peroxide and Erythromycin. Clindamycin and Erythromycin are two different types of antibiotics. A dermatologist may recommend Benzaclin and Benzamycin to reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria and sebum and dry out pimples.
Probiotic cleansers
A topical probiotic treatment or cleanser can be an excellent way to keep the skin’s microbiome in check. Probiotics help stabilize the skin’s pH balance, allowing prescription-strength acne treatments to penetrate the skin’s pores better and heal an acne breakout. According to the National Institutes of Health, topical probiotics can help to reduce inflammation, improve the skin’s natural protective measures, and inhibit acne-causing bacteria.
Topical creams and medications for hormonal acne treatment
Several topical treatment options can be effective for reducing hormonal acne breakouts. An experienced dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green can prescribe the topical treatments best suited to treating the type of acne you have.
Topical antibiotics such as Clindamycin and Erythromycin are commonly prescribed in conjunction with oral medications to treat acne breakouts. These topical treatments work by eliminating acne-causing bacteria from the skin. Benzaclin and Benzamycin are variations of these topical antibiotic creams that are compounded with Benzoyl peroxide to reduce excess sebum and acne-causing bacteria. Patients with cystic hormonal acne breakouts typically can not rely on topical antibiotics to achieve clear skin. Dr. Green may, however, recommend using a topical antibiotic in conjunction with other hormonal acne treatment options to reduce breakouts and prevent acne scars.
Winlevi is a prescription topical treatment option for hormonal acne that contains the medication clascoterone. Clascoterone is an anti-androgen topical medication. As a topical anti-androgen medication, Winlevi works by inhibiting androgen activity in the sebaceous follicles, blocking androgen hormones in the skin from producing too much sebum. By preventing the oil glands from producing excess sebum, Winlevi helps prevent future hormonal acne breakouts.
Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that topical spironolactone effectively reduces pimples with no significant side effects associated. Topical spironolactone is a prescription medication that is safe to use in conjunction with other acne treatment options. While oral spironolactone is a hormonal acne treatment option reserved for women, topical spironolactone can help control hormonal acne in both men and women, as there are no systemic side effects associated with the topical version.
Differin gel is an over-the-counter retinoid skincare product that can help clear breakouts as well as improve the appearance of skin tone, skin texture, and overall radiance. Differin gently exfoliates the skin and increases the skin cell turnover rate, keeping sebum, dead skin cells, and debris from clogging the pores. In addition to reducing active breakouts, using Differin regularly can help prevent new pimples from forming.
When you consult with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to create a personalized skincare routine based on your skin type, the type of acne present, and your skin condition so that you can achieve and maintain healthy, smooth, clear skin.
Will Retinol help hormonal acne? Will tretinoin (retin-a) help hormonal acne?
Retinols can be an excellent mild solution to treating adult acne breakouts. Retinol is a vitamin-A derivative that can help stimulate cell turnover and, in turn, create firmer, healthier, smoother skin that is pimple-free. A good retinol cream or serum can be used to help treat acne and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin’s surface. Many over-the-counter creams and skin care products contain retinol or retinoids. Retin-A, or tretinoin, is a prescription-strength vitamin A derivative that works similarly to retinol. Retin-A penetrates the skin deeper than retinol, improving the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne breakouts. For some, Retin-A may work more quickly than retinol, but since it is stronger than retinol it can also cause irritation, dryness, and photosensitization. A board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, can recommend the right retinoid skincare product based on your skin type.
MGSKINLABs, Inc. skincare for at-home acne treatment
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the most discerning men and women from around the globe with the best acne treatment options available, including specially-formulated skincare products. Dr. Green’s proprietary line of skin care products, MGSKINLABS, Inc., was developed to address a wide range of skin concerns. Dr. Green’s innovative skincare products have become essential to her patients’ skincare routines. Her three-step at-home acne treatment includes a cleanser, exfoliant, and spot treatment to eliminate breakouts. Step one is a pore-minimizing cleanser containing glycolic and salicylic acid to clear dead skin cells, excess sebum, and other debris from the skin’s pores. Step two is retexturing pads pre-treated with glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin, reducing dead skin cells and boosting cell turnover. Step three is an acne spot treatment that uses benzoyl peroxide to eliminate pimples.
MGSKINLABs ultimately sheer hydrating lotion
As many of Dr. Green’s patients suffer from acne, she has developed a lightweight moisturizer designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin. The Ultimately Sheer Hydrating Lotion combines aloe and rosewater to provide the skin with essential hydration without causing excess sebum production or inflammation. It’s a unique formulation that many of Dr. Green’s patients swear by as a part of their daily skincare routine.
Which oral medications can help with hormonal acne?
Prescription medications for hormonal acne treatment:
There are a variety of prescription medications that can work to reduce and prevent hormonal acne. These oral medications vary in terms of composition, but all excel in controlling acne breakouts and preventing further hormonal acne from developing.
Birth control pills to treat hormonal acne
One of the most common approaches for treating hormonal acne in adult women is using birth control to regulate hormone levels. Oral contraceptives are often used to put a lid on hormonal acne breakouts, and select brands-including Ortho Tri-Cyclen and YAZ-are FDA approved to treat hormonal acne. Oral contraceptives are unique in treating hormonal acne as their composition alters hormone levels that would otherwise trigger an acne breakout. If you’re not already taking birth control pills, Dr. Green may recommend it to treat hormonal acne. Oral contraceptives may not be an acne treatment option if you have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, breast cancer, or smoking tobacco.
Anti-Androgen medications for hormonal acne treatment
Hormonal acne breakouts are often associated with increased levels of androgen hormones. Increased levels of androgen hormones have been shown to contribute to excess oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. By regulating androgen hormone levels, anti-androgen medications can prevent the oil glands from producing excess sebum, thus reducing active breakouts and preventing new hormonal acne. Anti-androgen oral therapy helps reduce the number of androgens (or commonly male hormones) that can lead to hormonal acne. Anti-androgen medication can block androgen receptors in the body, limiting the effects of androgen hormones like testosterone.
A common anti-androgen medication that can help adult women with hormonal acne breakouts is Spironolactone typically used to control blood pressure but can also help lower androgen levels. By reducing levels of androgens, spironolactone reduces excess oil production and dead skin cell build-up that often clogs pores. Oral spironolactone is a treatment option reserved for female patients, as it may lower testosterone levels in male patients and cause unwanted side effects. Spironolactone is especially effective for patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS.
Oral contraceptives can help regulate hormone levels and reduce androgen production, decreasing oil production and acne breakouts. Only certain types of birth control are effective as hormonal acne treatments. The three types of birth control that have been FDA-approved as hormonal acne treatments include Yaz, Estrostep, and Ortho-tri-cyclen. Some potential side effects of birth control pills include weight changes, nausea, mood swings, breast tenderness, and an increased risk of blood clots. Women should avoid cigarette smoking while on oral contraceptives as this increases their risk for blood clots.
Isotretinoin for acne treatment
Isotretinoin, commonly referred to by the brand name Accutane, is an oral medication for acne. Isotretinoin is an oral vitamin A derivative that treats acne by limiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria, reducing the size of the sebaceous glands, and decreasing the amount of oil production. Accutane was previously a treatment option reserved for severe acne cases after patients attempted other acne treatments or antibiotics without success. However, it is now recommended for all types of acne breakouts. Though it can have potential side effects (the most common being dry skin), it is an important treatment option for those that have not found relief from topical treatments, cosmetic procedures, or other oral medications.
Isotretinoin is contraindicated for pregnant patients and those actively trying to conceive, as it can increase the risk of birth defects. However, it does not affect a patient’s child-bearing ability down the line. Patients on Isotretinoin must have monthly blood tests and follow-up appointments with their dermatologists and typically require at least a 5-month course to achieve long-lasting clear skin. Female patients must have monthly pregnancy tests while undergoing Isotretinoin treatment, as one of the potential side effects of the oral medication is life-threatening birth defects. Refraining from alcohol consumption and limiting dietary fat intake are recommended for patients on Isotretinoin since the medication is processed through the liver. Isotretinoin can also cause increased photosensitivity, and patients should limit sun exposure to protect their skin.
Vitamins and supplements to treat acne
Some patients choose to take advantage of the benefits of oral Zinc supplements for combatting stubborn acne breakouts. Zinc is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce skin irritation associated with breakouts and help control oil production. Vitamins A, B, C, and E can also help treat acne by maintaining normal hormone levels, reducing inflammation, and acting as antioxidants to support general skin health. In addition, some lifestyle adjustments and proper hygiene practices may reduce hormonal acne breakouts.
Before and after – 8 months after hormonal acne treatment
Do laser treatments help hormonal acne?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, laser treatments are a promising innovation in acne treatments and can be a practical part of an acne treatment plan. Dr. Green often utilizes the V-Beam laser as a part of acne treatment to reduce pimples and treat redness and irritation caused by breakouts. V-Beam laser treatment is also an excellent cosmetic option for those suffering from skin conditions like rosacea or broken blood vessels. The V-Beam laser operates on a light wavelength that targets the skin’s red pigment, leaving surrounding tissue untouched. The red pigment absorbs the energy and is destroyed. The V-Beam laser also stimulates new collagen production in the treatment area. After a standard five-session V-Beam treatment for acne, acne lesions are typically reduced by 85%, and non-inflammatory acne lesions are generally reduced by 70%. It’s a gentle laser that can even be used on patients with sensitive skin, and it can even help to reduce acne scars.
Another helpful light treatment is Blue and Red Light Therapy, which can kill acne-causing bacteria and shrink the glands responsible for oil production. Additionally, Blu-U Photodynamic Therapy can similarly be used to kill bacteria on the skin’s surface and reduce inflammation caused by an acne flare-up.
If you suffer from acne scars, the Fraxel, eMatrix, and V-Beam lasers can help permanently remove acne scars and reveal healthy, glowing skin. The Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment is a non-ablative tool that reduces the appearance of acne scars over a series of 5-6 sessions. The Fraxel laser is unique in its innovative fractional resurfacing technology, which helps to pinpoint the laser’s light to a specific portion of the skin. In this way, it can preserve healthy skin while reducing the appearance of acne scars or discoloration, which helps expedite the healing process post-treatment. The entire procedure takes around 15 minutes and can be used to treat a variety of atrophic scars.
The eMatrix laser is a radiofrequency laser that can treat acne scars on various skin types and tones. Its radiofrequency technology helps to boost collagen and elastin production in the skin, creating healthy skin cells and a smoother, firmer appearance. These laser treatments can be provided in Dr. Green’s New York office and require little to no downtime.
What other cosmetic procedures help treat hormonal acne?
Dr. Green offers various acne-fighting cosmetic treatments, including laser treatments, facials, and chemical peels. One of the most popular acne-fighting treatments in our office is a HydraFacial. The HydraFacial uses a three-step process of cleansing, exfoliating, and infusion of intensive serums to fully clear out clogged pores while reducing redness and preventing further outbreaks. Regarding active acne breakouts, the Hydrafacial can be combined with blue light therapy to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum, unclog pores, and kill acne-causing bacteria to reveal a clear complexion.
Another popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure is an acne-fighting chemical peel, which uses glycolic or trichloroacetic acids to exfoliate the skin deeply. This removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and helps reveal a healthy layer of skin. It also encourages the generation of new skin cells, which can help rejuvenate the skin, reducing the appearance of scars, fine lines, and sun damage. Dr. Green can customize the formulation with a chemical peel, thus creating a chemical peel tailored to your needs.
Additionally, many patients find Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can help revitalize skin and reduce the likelihood of further acne breakouts. It uses the blood’s growth factors to decrease pore size and improve the even tone and texture along the skin’s surface. Learn more about PRP Microneedling.
Can men get hormonal acne?
Although hormonal acne is a skin condition most commonly associated with women, men can also experience hormonal acne. Teenage boys and adult men with high levels of testosterone are typically acne-prone. The reason is that excess testosterone, an androgenic hormone, can stimulate the overproduction of sebum in the sebaceous glands of the skin. When the skin produces too much sebum, it often clogs the pores and becomes trapped with dead skin cells and debris, causing inflammation and acne lesions. Acne, including hormonal acne breakouts, can affect anyone, and it’s essential to seek treatment from a medical professional as soon as possible to prevent acne scars from developing, as they are often much more challenging to treat than acne breakouts themselves.
Where does hormonal acne show up?
Hormonal acne can occur anywhere on the body where there are sebaceous glands, but it is most typically found on areas of the lower face, including the chin, jawline, and cheeks. In younger individuals experiencing hormonal acne breakouts related to puberty, the t-zone is generally the area most affected (forehead, nose, and chin). If you are struggling with inflamed acne breakouts and believe they may be related to fluctuating hormones, the best step is to consult a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York. Dr. Green will diagnose and treat your skin condition, resulting in healthy, clear, beautiful skin that lasts.
How to prevent hormonal acne?
The best way to prevent hormonal acne is to consult a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, who has the expertise and experience to determine the underlying causal factors of the breakouts and treat them appropriately to resolve them best. When you meet with Dr. Green in her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, you will discuss your medical history, lifestyle, skincare regimen, and more. Lab tests may be ordered to detect any abnormalities in hormone levels that may be contributing to your skin condition. In addition to oral medications that regulate hormone levels, non-comedogenic skincare, including makeup and sunscreen, is recommended for patients who struggle with hormonal acne and acne-prone skin. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will customize a treatment protocol for your hormonal acne that suits your skin needs and goals.
How to treat hormonal cystic acne
Cystic acne is an inflammatory type of acne that is commonly associated with hormonal acne breakouts. Cysts are a type of acne lesion that form deep below the skin’s surface and, generally, do not come to a ‘head’ like many other types of acne. Large, inflamed, pus-filled bumps characterize cystic acne. Hormonal acne presents as cystic lesions along the jawline and lower face. Cystic hormonal acne typically does not respond well to topical treatments since the lesions form at a depth that topicals can not penetrate. Instead, effective treatment for hormonal acne cysts requires oral medications such as Accutane, spironolactone, or oral contraceptives. A board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green in New York, can diagnose your hormonal cystic acne and provide the acne treatments to help you achieve clear skin.
Will hormonal acne go away?
Although many may assume that hormonal acne breakouts will resolve following puberty, hormonal acne can, and often does, persist into adulthood. Without proper treatment, hormonal acne may never fully resolve. Although men and women of any age may potentially experience hormonal adult acne, it most commonly affects women between the ages of 20-50. Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, are linked to increased oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. Excess sebum, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria become trapped in the skin’s pores and cause inflammation, resulting in acne. Hormonal acne breakouts may occur during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, around the menstrual cycle, as a side effect of taking certain oral medications, or due to an underlying medical condition that causes hormone fluctuations, such as PCOS.
Why hormonal acne won’t go away
When hormonal acne doesn’t go away, the acne treatments are likely ineffective in targeting the specific causal factors contributing to the breakouts. Patients with hormonal acne may develop a breakout after years of having clear skin. If you struggle with persistent hormonal acne or recurrent breakouts, consult Dr. Green in New York. Dr. Green will work with you to determine the underlying factors contributing to your hormonal breakouts and select the acne treatment options best suited to your needs.
How long does it take hormonal acne to go away?
After starting hormonal acne treatment, it may take up to six weeks to see improvement in your skin condition. This remains true for topical treatments and oral medications, as regulating hormones or eliminating acne-causing bacteria takes some time. In fact, some breakouts may worsen after starting acne treatment before improving. A purge describes the process of skin shedding dead skin cells, debris, and sebum in the pores deep below the skin’s surface. This can look like red bumps on the skin’s surface that may be mistaken for an acne breakout, though it can often be expected when starting a new acne treatment that stimulates skin cell turnover at an increased rate. Give your new acne treatment a few months to determine if it’s effective before giving up on it due to a purge period. The sooner you consult with an expert like Dr. Green, the sooner you can achieve a healthier, smoother, clearer complexion.
Is hormonal acne treatable?
Yes! Although hormonal acne can be challenging to treat with over-the-counter treatment options, the skin condition can effectively be managed with the right combination of in-office acne treatments, topical creams, oral medications, and specially formulated skincare products. A board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City, can help determine the underlying factors contributing to your acne breakouts and provide the appropriate treatment options for achieving and maintaining healthy, smooth, clear skin. In addition to topical treatments, oral medications, and skin care products, Dr. Green may suggest acne treatments like the Hydrafacial, chemical peels, V-Beam laser, or acne surgery.
Where does hormonal acne come from?
Hormonal acne comes from fluctuations in hormone levels causing excess oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. The excess sebum clogs the skin’s pores with acne-causing bacteria, leading to inflammation and irritation characteristic of an acne breakout. Hormonal acne breakouts may never fully resolve without the proper acne treatment, so it is essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist regarding your breakouts as soon as possible. Additionally, hormonal acne breakouts are often cystic, and cystic acne is closely associated with permanent acne scars. Acne scars develop when inflammation of the lesions causes irreparable damage to the underlying skin tissue. The appearance of acne scars can be improved. However, scars are often much more challenging to treat than the initial breakouts themselves. Seeking professional hormonal acne treatment from a dermatologist is the best way to prevent acne scars.
Can a dermatologist treat hormonal acne?
Of course! An experienced dermatologist like Dr. Green is an expert in diagnosing and treating skin conditions like hormonal acne. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is an authority in the field of dermatology, with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients worldwide with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including acne treatment for hormonal acne breakouts. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan for getting rid of your hormonal acne and achieving healthy, clear skin that lasts.
How do you get rid of hormonal acne fast?
Getting rid of hormonal acne is a process that can take some time. The fastest way to get rid of hormonal acne is to consult a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Since there are many potential causes of hormonal acne, it is essential first to determine the underlying causes contributing to hormonal acne breakouts to choose the right combination of treatment options. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will work with you to determine whether your breakouts are related to hormonal acne and what the causes may be. She will then develop with you a customized hormonal acne treatment plan that incorporates a combination of specially formulated skin care products, oral medications, in-office procedures, and topical treatments that are best suited to your skin condition.
What helps treat hormonal acne?
Various treatment options can help clear hormonal acne breakouts. From topical treatment options and oral medications to in-office procedures such as the Hydrafacial, chemical peels, and acne surgery. A board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City, can customize your hormonal acne treatment plan to incorporate the treatment options best suited to your specific needs.
Why is hormonal acne so hard to treat?
Hormonal acne is challenging to treat because, typically, over-the-counter skin care products and topical acne treatments that would work for acne vulgaris do not work for hormonal acne. In addition, hormonal acne may not respond well to other acne treatments like oral antibiotics. This is because fluctuations in hormone levels cause hormonal acne. To effectively treat breakouts of hormonal acne, it is important to regulate systemic hormone levels that may be contributing to the breakouts. This can be achieved by consulting with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in New York. Dr. Green has over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the most discerning men and women worldwide with the best treatment options, including hormonal acne breakouts and scars.
Can smoking cause hormonal acne?
Yes. There is clinical evidence that links adult acne to smoking tobacco. The types of adult acne linked to smoking differ from hormonal acne and are unique to tobacco users. Tobacco use is currently linked to two types of acne: atypical post-adolescent acne (AAPA) and acne inversa. Smoking tobacco is known to cause damage to various organs in the body. Tobacco use can also cause acne and harm the skin by impacting sebum production, depleting vitamin E from the blood, and leading to clogged pores. AAPA has been found to occur due to sebum peroxidation, which entails free radicals attacking fatty acids in sebum. This causes the sebum to break down and thicken, clogging the pores and causing breakouts. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents sebum peroxidation, and when vitamin E levels are depleted by tobacco use, sebum peroxidation is more likely to occur. Acne inversa is a skin condition characterized by skin lesions that develop when apocrine (sweat) glands become infected and inflamed. The exact underlying cause of acne inversa is largely unknown, although it is more likely to affect adult women, and smoking tobacco increases the likelihood of developing it.
Should you pop hormonal acne?
Never! Popping or picking at hormonal acne (and all other types of acne) can increase inflammation, which leads to worsening breakouts and even acne scarring. Rather than attempting your own extractions at home, schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green, in New York. Dr. Green has over two and a half decades of experience at the forefront of dermatology and will work with you to create a customized acne treatment plan that best suits your specific needs. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to determine the underlying causes of your acne and how to treat your breakouts best. Specific blood tests may be ordered to evaluate hormone levels, as hormone fluctuations can cause acne. This is especially common in adult women with breakouts.
Can you get hormonal acne from your period?
Adult women are more likely than men to develop hormonal acne due to hormone fluctuations that occur throughout the month. In the second half of the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels increase. This causes an increase in oil production in the skin and can also cause the pores to swell shut, trapping excess sebum, dead skin cells, and other debris. Period acne breakouts tend to affect the lower half of the face and can commonly be found on the jawline, chin, cheeks, and neck. If your acne breakout is related to your menstrual cycle, it’s most likely to flare the week before or during your period. A dermatologist like Dr. Green in NYC may recommend acne treatments such as spironolactone, oral contraceptives, doxycycline, or a combination of targeted skincare products to combat hormonal acne that flares due to the menstrual cycle.
Will I have hormonal acne forever?
While many cases of teenage hormonal acne may resolve independently with time, untreated adult hormonal acne can persist for years or even a lifetime. Untreated breakouts, especially cysts, can permanently damage the underlying skin tissue, creating acne scars that are even more difficult to treat than the initial breakouts. In addition, hormonal acne can be a particularly challenging type of acne to treat, as it often does not respond well to topical acne treatments. The best course of action is to schedule a consultation with an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, in New York City. Dr. Green will physically evaluate your skin condition, collect a thorough medical and family history, and review prior acne treatments you’ve undergone. Blood tests may be ordered to evaluate any irregular hormone levels. Dr. Green will then develop a personalized acne treatment plan that leaves you with smooth, clear, healthy skin that lasts.
Will doxycycline treat hormonal acne?
Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic that treats acne by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Doxycycline and other tetracycline antibiotics are often the first choice for treating breakouts. Doxycycline can help reduce breakouts by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface. However, hormonal acne in adult women does not always resolve with doxycycline. In fact, adult hormonal acne often doesn’t respond well to oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, or retinoid creams. Many patients with hormonal acne benefit from other acne treatment options, such as oral contraceptives, spironolactone, or Winlevi. Winlevi is a prescription topical acne cream that contains clascoterone. Clascoterone works by blocking hormones in the skin from overproducing sebum. Some patients rely on a combination of hormonal acne treatments to achieve and maintain clear skin. Dr. Green will work with you to develop an acne treatment plan that best suits your needs.
What is the best acne treatment for hormonal acne?
To effectively treat hormonal acne and resolve breakouts once and for all, it’s essential to understand the underlying factors that are contributing to the issue. That being said, the best hormonal acne treatment for a given patient is one that considers your full medical history, the presentation of your skin condition, and lifestyle. Understanding these aspects will help a medical professional create a customized treatment approach that effectively restores your healthy complexion and clears your breakouts for good. When you work with Dr. Green for your hormonal acne treatment, she will take the time required to thoroughly understand your situation and discuss with you all of the best treatment options available, as well as provide expert advice about which acne treatment plan is best suited to addressing your skin needs and achieving your cosmetic goals.
Dr. Michele Green in New York City is an internationally-renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the most discerning men and women from around the globe with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including for acne breakouts and acne scars. Dr. Green is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Dr. Green can provide a personalized solution that helps, leaving you looking and feeling like the best version of yourself. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about the perfect hormonal acne treatment plan, contact us online or call our NYC-based office at 212-535-3088.