The Ultimate Guide To Prevent & Care For Hormonal Breakouts

The word in itself is scary and hormonal acne one of the most annoying skin conditions that we all have been plagued with. They have a habit of popping up when they are stressed, anxious or about to get your period or when a major life change. It’s usually a result of fluctuation in hormones. Pus-filled cysts, blackheads, acne, you name it—we’ve seen it all. 

But, how are hormonal breakouts different from regular pimples? Hormonal breakouts are caused by the imbalance in our estrogen, testosterone and progesterone levels—all of which fluctuate. So, if these breakouts show up once every month, chances are that they are hormonal. Fear not, you can combat pesky acne with some super-nourishing ingredients that will avoid as well as treat hormonal acne!  

What is hormonal acne?

As the name suggests, Hormonal acne is a common condition that is usually caused by a sudden change in hormones. A sudden spike or drop in the levels of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone can cause hormonal acne. Hormonal acne isn’t just a teenage problem and can happen to any age group. It’s a pesky skin condition that develops suddenly when you’re expecting your periods, or even during periods, of increased stress, lifestyle, or diet changes. Both men and women produce androgen hormones, while men secrete more oil as they produce more of testosterone. And with fluctuations in these levels it increases sebum production which leads to clogged follicles causing acne breakouts and inflammations. These are the overall results of your body changing.  

Symptoms of hormonal acne 

A fluctuation in the levels of hormones is one of the primary causes of hormonal acne. When the levels of hormones fluctuate, it causes a change in the amount of oil secreted by the pores. Another primary causes are dietary and lifestyle habits.  

1) Breakouts show up around your jawline and chin

It is usually present around your chin and jawline area because this area naturally produces more oil and sweat. It’s what makes this a hot zone for breakouts. While hormonal breakouts are located there, they can also form on your chest and neck. 

2) Breakouts before your period

Most of us suffer occasional pimples here and there, mostly during our periods. A pimple at this time of the month is considered normal but if you suffer from serious acne, you should consult your dermatologist. 

3) If you are going through some major life changes

Are you exceptionally stressed? A sudden change in lifestyle patterns can trigger a hormonal breakout. 

Dos and Don’ts For Hormonal Acne

Dos 

Consuming foods that help in fighting inflammation can reduce symptoms of hormonal acne. 

• Fruits & vegetables
• Fiber-rich food
• Foods rich in antioxidants
• Vitamin A supplements and foods 

Don’ts 

Certain food items can cause a rise in your blood sugar levels that releases a hormone called insulin that is linked to an overproduction of sebum. And if you consume these foods regularly, chances are you are putting your skin at risk.

• White rice
• White sugar
• Refined flour

Topical treatment for hormonal breakouts 

Now that you know what exactly hormonal breakouts are, let’s take you through the ingredients and products that will help you combat them.  

Salicylic acid and glycolic acid  

Our star when it comes to acne, salicylic acid is known to reduce your pimples, and even prevent future breakouts. It’s a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) that gently exfoliates the skin removing all acne-causing bacteria. Meanwhile, glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) that deeply hydrates skin and fights acne. 

Quench recommends: Mama Cica Zit Away Treatment Patches are fast-acting, translucent acne patches enriched with the goodness of tea tree oil. Also packed with other acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid, these patches draw out impurities from stubborn zits and speed up the healing process by fighting out bacteria.  

Tea Tree Oil  

One of the knights in shining armour, tea tree oil is great for oily and acne-prone skin. This naturally-found anti-inflammatory ingredient clears up your skin and reduces blackheads as well as whiteheads. Known for its skin purifying properties, tea tree oil can calm irritation, and soothe damaged skin.  

Quench recommends: Mama Cica Rejuvenating Face Mist is a super-refreshing mist with niacinamide goodness that tightens your pores, controls shine, clarifies and soothes skin. With both - refreshing and oil-controlling benefits, this gentle face mist gives your skin the perfect dose of love and care it needs! 

Retinol  

Hormonal activities change with age. Retinol, an anti-aging ingredient, helps to control the deviations of normal skin balance by exfoliating dead skin cells and minimizes acne. It’s a long-term solution for your skincare! It's plant-based twin is bakuchiol - a gentle, skin soothing herb helps to smoothen fine lines, even skin tone and enhance skin firmness. It gentler than retinol and does not irritate or dry out skin, which usually happens while using retinol.

Quench recommends: Matcha Better Skin Detox Gel Face Wash comes packed with bakuchiol. It helps to smooth fine lines, even out your skin tone and protect it from free radical damage. If you want to give your skin a long break from breakouts and dullness, try this face wash now!  

Different people suffer from different types of acne. Now that you are well aware about hormonal breakouts, it’s time to make dietary changes by replacing sugar and dairy products to greens and natural sugars like fruits. You can even invest in skincare products that will help you to combat future breakouts.