Although acne is known to be a problem during teenage years, research shows that nowadays more and more adults, especially women suffer from recurring breakouts. The acne condition can range from mild to severe, and in some cases it could be very resistant and hard to keep it under control. Even though there is no cure for acne there are very effective client-specific treatments and home care regimens available to control acne and minimize future breakouts.
The effect of hormonal fluctuations on the skin
For most women in their 30s, 40s or even in their 50s the primary cause of acne is a hormonal fluctuation in the body. Many women break out every month at the onset of their period, and acne is a common symptom of PMS. Acne is also associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that causes irregular or absent menstrual periods due to ovulation irregularities. Many middle age women who haven’t had a breakout since their teens or early twenties suddenly find themselves battling with acne and looking for solutions to stop the embarrassment.
In order to understand how hormonal imbalances cause break-outs, we have to understand the primary causes of acne.
Primary causes of acne include:
- Excess sebum, or oil production (influenced by hormones) by the oil gland in the hair follicles
- Skin cells that shed on a much higher rate and become abnormally sticky and clog up the hair follicle
- An increased number of the acne-causing bacterium Propionbacterium acnes (P. acnes); and skin inflammation.
The male and female body both contain the perfect balance of sex hormones such as testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. The primary culprit in the formation of acne starts when there is a hormonal imbalance in the body. The fluctuations in androgens (males hormones) and in particular testosterone, can lead to over secretion of the sebaceous glands and the onset of acne formation. Although the majority of women with acne have normal androgen levels, hormonal fluctuations from birth control pills, premenstrual changes, pregnancy and menopause can all lead to increased oil production and inflammation. Hormonal acne is more common on the chin and cheeks, but it can occur anywhere on the face and body.
Related Article: Adult Acne: It’s not a myth
Treatments and considering factors
In the treatment of women with hormonal acne, there are certain factors that need to be considered.
- Treatments must be customized to the client’s specific skin type and severity of acne – mild, moderate or severe.
- Pregnancy can be a contraindication for certain treatments and products. Several oral and topical medications should not be used when trying to conceive or during pregnancy.
- Adult women may be more likely to have dry skin as they get older, and topical acne medications may cause more skin irritation in clients with dry skin.
- Some adult women with acne also may show signs of rosacea (another common skin condition characterized by redness and inflammation), which would make some topical acne medications harder to tolerate.
Click here to find out how Envision Acne & Skin Care Center can help you clear hormonal acne.
You can live without Acne
The good news is there is a lot you can do to prevent adult breakouts. By using products specially designed for treating acne such as PoreInfusion Acne Care and getting professional treatments from an acne specialist. You are able to beat the battle with acne and enjoy clear acne free skin.
Envision Acne Center has and will provide great success in helping women overcome adult acne by following a safe and simple step-by-step Acne Free Skin Program™.
Do you need expert skin care advice from a licensed esthetician/acne specialist? Schedule your appointment for a consultation to get the personalized advice on products and treatments that are right for you.
© 2012 Nikolett Ivanyi, Envision Acne Center; For more information go to www.envisionacnecenter.com
