All of us at some point have experienced hormonal acne at some time in our lives. The problems of acne are more apparent in our teenage years, but for some of us the problem can persist into later years and adulthood. Adult acne is termed as Rosacea. As with most teenagers they grow out of their acne problems and for most there are no scarring problems or permanent reminders of their problem skin days. Acne is demoralising for both young and old as it is visible and look unsightly. For teenagers with problem acne it can have a physiological affects as the teenage years are when we are susceptible to peer pressure and are conscious of the opposite sex.


Although there is no medical proof that a change hormone levels leads to skin and acne problem, it is no coincidence that teenagers with raging hormones and pregnant women with extra levels of estrogen and progesterone often experience facial acne. Acne is particularly distressing for teenagers as these are the times when they are exploring the world around them and with celebrities teens looking picture perfect the pressure is high for all teenagers to look perfect. Severe teenage acne will need medical intervention. For skin that has been badly scarred there are cosmetic solutions for scarring. Hormonal treatments for severe acne involve measuring androgen levels. It is important to combine medical treatments coupled with natural remedies and the correct diet.


Hormonal treatments prevent the over stimulation of the oil glands which stops acne in its tracks. Hormonal treatment requires specialist treatment and medication. Food is an important factor in controlling acne problems fatty and junk foods which coincidentally are the staple diet of teenagers and women at certain menstrual stages. There is no evidence that the high fat food diet of teenagers will directly cause acne. Acne is caused when bacteria builds up because of over active sebaceous glands and with dirt causes bacteria. A healthy diet will assist the fight against acne problems.
It is important when choosing cleansers that they don’t make the problem worse by exaggerating the problem or spreading it.


Soap free gentle pores deep cleansers in the form of foams, cleansers, gels, masks and moisturizers are important. Some of the astringent chemical topical medicated acne creams will have a drying affect on the skin especially those with combination skin, so it is important to moisturize with a non clogging non breakout non oily moisturizer for dry skin. Benzoyl Peroxide is a topical cream widely used with good affects for treating acne it can cause dryness and is only for periodical where as salacilic acid is milder on the skin and can be used regularly. Skin cleansing products can be expensive so homemade products such as oatmeal; witch hazel, tee tree oil and cucumber are just some of the home remedies.


Women taking oral concentrative will notice an improvement in their acne problems. The intake of vitamins A, C, and D are effective in the treatment of acne. Low dose estrogens contraceptives are said to be very affective for adult hormonal acne. The problem areas of the skin most affected are the T Zone of the face, (the forehead nose and chin.) The back shoulders and neck can also be affected. It is important to keep to a level of body hygiene cleansing the skin and the hair, greasy hair on the forehead and neck will add to the oily skin problem. Some over the counter gels ointments and creams are affective in conjunction with cleaners, toners etc.


Women tend to experience hormonal acne more often than men especially in adult hood as the hormonal level in women tend to change during pregnancy with oral contraceptives or around the menstrual cycle and during menopause. An anti inflammatory medication can work with acne during hormonal changes. Accutane is an effective for hormonal acne but be warned it has sever side effects which include birth defects. The uses of antibiotics aren’t readily prescribed as doctors fear that their effectiveness wanes as patients become immune after time. Be careful choosing the right hormonal acne treatment; choose products that are safe and effective.