How to treat acne caused by hormonal changes?

I am 38 years old and have recently developed a lot of acne on my face, which is causing me to feel self-conscious. I've heard that hormonal changes can cause acne. What can I do to get rid of it quickly? (Ngoc My, Tien Giang )

Reply:

Hormonal acne, commonly known as acne vulgaris, occurs due to changes in hormones in the body. It affects all age groups, but is most common during puberty, in women before and after childbirth, during perimenopause, menopause, or during menstruation. These are periods when the body undergoes certain changes that disrupt hormone levels, leading to the formation of hormonal acne.

A humid environment that causes excessive sweating can worsen acne. For external skin care, wash your face no more than twice a day and after sweating; use a gentle cleanser and warm water, not hot water. Avoid scrubbing or squeezing pimples as this can cause inflammation or worsen the condition; choose cosmetics labeled as non-comedogenic. Keep household items clean.

Remember to drink enough water every day, 1.5 liters or more. Doctors recommend that people with acne caused by hormonal changes should minimize makeup use. If you do wear makeup, you need to remove it thoroughly to avoid residue clogging pores. Acne treatment products containing BHA, AHA, Benzyl peroxide, etc., can be used. Choose moisturizers and sunscreens with suitable ingredients. Avoid touching your face to prevent bacteria from entering your skin.

Washing your face with a gentle skincare product helps cleanse pores and reduce acne. Photo: Freepik — Washing your face with a gentle skincare product helps cleanse pores and reduce acne. Photo: *Freepik*

To care for your skin from the inside out, you should get enough sleep (8 hours a day), avoid staying up late, and minimize stress and pressure. Supplement your diet with foods containing zinc, vitamins C, B, and E to promote healthy, radiant skin, and eat plenty of green vegetables and fruits. Limit sugary, spicy, fried, greasy foods, and alcoholic beverages. Cooling and detoxifying teas and foods like green tea and artichoke tea are beneficial for acne-prone skin. Patients should consult a dermatologist for a suitable treatment plan.

Hormonal changes in the body can worsen acne by causing systemic dermatitis, increased sweating and sebum production from pores, clogged skin cells in hair follicles, and creating conditions for the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, leading to acne.

Acne during menopause or perimenopause is a form of hormonal acne. While all acne originates from clogged pores, acne in teenagers and during menopause differs significantly. Teenage acne typically appears in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Acne during menopause is primarily cystic acne, whiteheads, or deep-seated nodules.

Acne in menopausal women may be caused by a decrease in estrogen levels or an increase in androgen hormones, especially testosterone. In some cases, acne appears even when women are using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate menopausal symptoms. This hormone can cause pores to dilate, creating conditions for dirt and bacteria to enter and form acne.

Mild acne primarily consists of blackheads and whiteheads. It's classified as mild when there are fewer than 20 comedones, 15 inflammatory lesions, or fewer than 30 non-inflammatory lesions. Moderate acne may or may not be inflammatory and can leave scars. It's classified as moderate when there are 20-100 comedones, 15-50 inflammatory lesions, or 30-125 total lesions. Severe acne is often inflammatory and leaves scars.

Acne can have a significant impact on mental health. Even mild acne can cause a loss of self-confidence. When experiencing hormonal acne, patients should consult a dermatologist or cosmetic skin specialist. The sooner treatment begins, the less likely scarring will occur, and the less likely the acne will recur.

Dr. Vo Thi Tuong Duy
Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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