This article is not meant to be used for diagnosis or to serve as treatment. Consult your physician if you have concerns about hormone imbalances. 

Everyone agrees that acne is a frustrating condition, especially since it's so common. About 80 percent of people between the ages of 11 – 30 have experienced an acne breakout at some point. And while acne is expected during puberty, what about those who experience adult acne? Is it just a case of bad luck, or is there something else to blame?

Adult acne is typically caused by a hormonal imbalance! Let's dive into the details to find out exactly what this means and how to provide the right skincare for hormonal acne.

WHAT IS HORMONAL ACNE?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when bacteria, dead skin cells and excess oil build up in your pores (those tiny oil glands and hair follicles). This buildup forms acne lesions that are most common on the face but can also affect the body in areas like the neck, back, chest and shoulders.

Hormonal acne is simply acne that is caused or exacerbated by hormonal changes in the body. When hormones spike, they can boost oil production, clogging your pores and causing breakouts.

WHY AM I STILL BREAKING OUT AS AN ADULT?

During puberty, hormonal changes impact the entire body as it matures. These changes can persist for 5 – 10 years until a person has fully developed.

While acne is generally thought of as a teenage issue, many adults also struggle with it well into their 30s, 40s, and even beyond. Acne after 30 is often referred to as adult acne or hormonal acne. Hormonal fluctuations can occur at any age. Puberty is obviously a time of major hormonal changes, but hormones can also fluctuate in response to:

• Pregnancy, menstruation and menopause
• Stress and cortisol
• Diet and inflammation
• Birth control and medications
• Environmental triggers

Hormonal acne is more common in women than men, as women tend to experience more hormonal fluctuations throughout their lifetime. However, that doesn't mean men are immune to it either. As adults, your body is still sensitive to environmental factors, making it easy for your hormonal balance to be disrupted.

DO YOU HAVE HORMONAL ACNE?

Hormonal acne appears as cystic, inflamed lesions. This more painful type of acne is typically located on the head or lower half of the face, such as the jawline, chin and neck (earning its nickname "jawline acne"). Hormonal breakouts tend to occur periodically and are often swollen and tender to the touch.

INGREDIENTS FOR HORMONAL ACNE SKINCARE

There are three main triggers of hormonal acne: oil, bacteria and dead skin. When your follicles are clogged with these, you may experience inflammation that leaves the area very sensitive and tender. Calming the inflammation surrounding the lesion should be your top priority, as well as oxygenating the follicles and killing the bacteria.

These steps will also reduce the chance of breakouts and eliminate the three triggers. To achieve the right hormonal acne treatment, incorporate these ingredients into your skincare routine.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY INGREDIENTS

• Aloe and Chamomile in Comfort Cream with Aloe Vera
• Arnica in Recovery Cream with Arnica
• Tea Tree Oil in Blemish Control No. 5 with Benzoyl Peroxide

These powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients are perfect for soothing acne-related redness, calming irritation and reducing swelling. Aloe and Chamomile are gentle yet highly effective for sensitive, acne-prone skin, while Tea Tree Oil offers antibacterial properties to fight acne-causing bacteria. Arnica promotes recovery, making it an ideal choice to manage post-breakout inflammation.

BACTERIA-FIGHTING INGREDIENTS

• Benzoyl Peroxide in Clear Skin Cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide
• Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil in Serious Action Masque

Incorporating bacteria-fighting ingredients can keep your pores clear. Benzoyl Peroxide penetrates deep into pores to kill bacteria and prevent future breakouts, while Salicylic Acid exfoliates dead skin cells to unclog pores. Tea Tree Oil, in addition to being a natural antibacterial, can also reduce swelling.

OXYGENATING INGREDIENTS

• Bio-Oxygen in Oxygen Deep Pore Masque
• Nasturtium in Oxygen Cream

When it comes to acne-prone skin, oxygenating ingredients are also key players in the fight against breakouts. These ingredients increase circulation and oxygen flow to the skin to detoxify and purify pores. This also breaks down any buildup of bacteria and effectively flushes out your pores to prevent future lesions.

RESTORATIVE SKIN SUPPORT

• Fulvic Acid in Restoring Fulvic Elixir
• Aloe Vera in Skin Recovery Mist

Don't forget to give your skin some extra love and support while fighting breakouts. Using products with revitalizing ingredients can help restore skin health while also preventing scarring. Fulvic Acid is a powerful anti-microbial ingredient that supports cell regeneration and helps restore the skin's natural barrier, while Aloe Vera is another soothing ingredient that is always beneficial for your skin.

THE BENEFITS OF ICE THERAPY FOR INFLAMMATION RELIEF

Applying ice to acne-prone areas is another simple yet highly effective way to manage pain and reduce inflammation. The cold helps numb discomfort, calm redness and reduce swelling by slowing blood flow to the affected area. This can also prevent further irritation.

For best results, wrap the ice in a clean cloth or towel and apply it to the acne for 5 – 10 minutes at a time. Regular icing can minimize inflammation and help your skin feel better.

WHEN TO SEE A PROFESSIONAL

If you're unfamiliar with pharmaceutical-grade skincare for acne, try visiting a local GlyMed Pro! Visiting our experts can be especially helpful if you have severe adult acne and are unsure how to manage breakouts on your mature skin.

Our skincare professionals are trained to provide thorough assessments and personalized product recommendations and treatments to achieve clear, healthy and beautiful skin. With our help, you can reduce your acne and increase your confidence!