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We've all been there before: You're just minding your business when a new cluster of pimples appears seemingly out of nowhere on your face overnight. (It's even more painful when you know you've been v religious with your skincare routine, because hello, the betrayal??) You might think that acne is just a thing we go through as teenagers, but guess what? Acne can stick around—or even appear for the first time—in your 20s and beyond that.
If you're dealing with consistent breakouts, especially around your jawline, chin, or lower cheeks, you might be battling hormonal acne. Ahead, we'll walk you through what TF is hormonal acne exactly, what causes it to pop up, what it looks like, and the things and treatments you can try to get rid of 'em.
Keep on reading to learn more:
What exactly is hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is when breakouts occur during adulthood in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, and painful cysts that form under the skin. While it can have many causes, it's mainly brought about by hormonal imbalances. These fluctuations can trigger an overproduction of sebum, clogged pores, and inflammation—all of which create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and acne to appear.
What are the causes of hormonal acne?
Knowing exactly what causes hormonal acne can help you zero in on the things and treatments you can do to banish them. Here are some of the top things that can cause these painful breakouts to appear:
- Your period: Yep, not only do we have to struggle with fun (*eye roll*) things like cramps, headaches, and mood swings during that time of the month, but we also have to deal with hormonal imbalances that can trigger acne breakouts.
- Stress: It's confirmed—being chronically stressed leads your body to have elevated cortisol levels, which can lead to increased oil production and inflammation. This results in—you guessed it—acne breakouts.
- Certain medications: Some types of oral contraceptives can affect your hormone levels and lead to pimples as your body gets used to the medication.
- PCOS: If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, you might notice a smattering of pimples that you can't seem to get rid of. This is because PCOS causes a fluctuation in your hormones (such as an excess of testosterone) that can cause breakouts.
What does hormonal acne look like?
Hormonal acne usually appears as deep, cystic breakouts—those painful, inflamed bumps that never seem to come to a head. (Don't worry, we'll help you out with this one!) These breakouts tend to cluster around the lower half of the face, especially along the jawline, chin, and cheeks. You might also notice smaller whiteheads and blackheads, but the most common sign of hormonal acne is those deep, under-the-skin pimples that linger for weeks (and are v painful and tender to the touch).
READ MORE: The Tried-And-Tested Way To *Destroy* Cystic Acne At Home
The Best Treatments To Try For Hormonal Acne
Mild to moderate hormonal acne can be v annoying to deal with, but the good news is that it's totally manageable. Below, we round up all the treatments and changes you can do that can help you control present (and future) breakouts:
(Editor's note: For severe cases of hormonal acne, we strongly recommend consulting with a dermatologist so they can prescribe the necessary treatment for you.)
1. Try out topical treatments.
When dealing with hormonal breakouts, it's best to curate your skincare routine and keep it focused on acne. Topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide have antimicrobial properties that kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent them from coming back.
According to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., he recommends using benzoyl peroxide in concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10% for maximum benefits. As for the kind of skincare product, he says it works best in the form of a lightweight lotion or gel to be applied as the last step of your skincare routine.
BENZAC Benzoyl Peroxide Spots Treatment Gel 5%, P512, Shopee and Lazada
2. Give oral contraceptives a go.
If your dermatologist and gynecologist say you're a good candidate, you can try giving oral contraceptives a go. According to Jemery Fenton, M.D., "Certain oral contraceptives have even been approved by the FDA to be used in the treatment of acne." Taking certain birth control pills can help regulate your hormones and decrease testosterone levels.
3. Manage your stress.
If you find that you conveniently get breakouts while dealing with particularly stressful situations, consider finding ways to manage your stress levels because those two things are definitely related. Some things you can try include yoga, meditation, or even just deep breathing when things get a little too much.
READ MORE: Are You More Stressed These Days? Here's What You Can Do
4. Adjust your diet.
Yep, there are certain foods that can cause or trigger acne breakouts, such as refined grains, dairy products, fast food, chocolates, and more. Ofc, there's nothing wrong with indulging in a little sweet treat every once in a while, but remember to keep it balanced by consuming a good mix of vegetables, fruits, and proteins.
5. Avoid touching and picking at your pimples.
If you're reading this, this is a sign to stop picking at your breakouts. This is a rule that every skincare junkie (and us over at Cosmo) preaches all the time, but honestly? We get it—sometimes, it can make you feel accomplished to temporarily get rid of pimps. However, remember that doing so will only make them come back with a vengeance (read: scarring and hyperpigmentation).
If you're v handsy and prone to picking at pimples, we recommend slapping a zit sticker on them to keep them clean and protected from external stressors. Don't worry if you hate the boring, plain ones—there are many cute options available now that will make dealing with them actually fun.
Posh Skin Shark 24-Piece Pimple Patches, P199, Shopee and Lazada
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