Hormonal acne doesn't mean you have a hormonal imbalance. Here's what it does mean.
Hormonal acne: It's not just for hormonal teenagers.
While people often associate breakouts with their teen years, flare-ups can last long into adulthood. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States and affects upwards of 50 million Americans every year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
Despite its prevalence, there are still plenty of misconceptions about acne, experts say. When it comes to hormonal acne, experts say many people don't really understand what causes flare-ups.
"Hormonal acne flares are typically not a sign of 'hormonal imbalance,'" board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., tells USA TODAY.
What's to blame for hormonal acne, then? Here's what skin experts say.
How to tell if acne is hormonal
Anyone can get hormonal acne, but experts say it's most common for those assigned female at birth. You can usually tell hormonal acne apart from other breakouts when it arises along the chin and jaw, or if it usually coincides with your period, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
As King noted, hormonal acne doesn't necessarily mean there's something wrong with your hormones.
"They result from the normal fluctuation of hormones," she says. Some people's sebaceous glands, which produce oil to prevent the skin from drying out, are genetically more sensitive to these hormones, causing more acne when those levels fluctuate. Things like stress, diet and lack of sleep can also impact hormones and acne.
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Some research has also shown that transgender people receiving gender-affirming hormonal therapy may experience acne as their hormone levels fluctuate, too.
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How to get rid of hormonal acne
Daily cleansing is step No. 1 when it comes to any type of acne. It's best to consult a dermatologist to determine what else would be helpful, be it a tretinoin, retinoid or benzoyl peroxide. If those don't help, your dermatologist may also suggest some other treatment options for hormonal acne:
- Clascoterone, a newer topical cream, is the first FDA-approved hormonal acne medication for men and women. Medical experts believe it works by blocking your skin's hormones from making too much sebum, which can clog pores and cause acne.
- Spironolactone, an oral medication prescribed to women that is commonly prescribed along with oral contraceptives to address hormonal acne, per the AAD. "For women who have stubborn hormonal acne, this medication can effectively treat acne on the face, chest and back," the AAD notes.