*tips from a licensed Aesthetician of 8+ years*
Acne is really such an annoyance, but from my study and research, I've come to realize it's mostly caused by hormones. Hormones can cause a disturbance at any age and I have a few ways to control your hormonal acne.
Check your hormones
Male or female, you may want to do a hormone test. If you're a woman, your OBGYN will be able to do this for you. This can eliminate culprits like PCOS. For men, your primary care physician should be able to guide on what to do next.
2. Visit your Dermatologist.
Once you've narrowed it down with your hormones, then you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. They will evaluate your skin and most likely get you on a simple skincare regimen with a topical sperilactone or something of that sort catered to you.
Once you're there you can start adding in products to help with dryness and/or to balance your water levels from the inside out.
3. Get a good skin care routine.
Pharmaceutical-grade skincare products often contain active ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid, which are formulated to regulate sebum production, reduce oiliness, and prevent pore blockages. These ingredients are carefully measured and delivered in a controlled manner to target the specific hormonal acne triggers.
By providing precise and consistent dosages of these active ingredients, pharmaceutical-grade skincare can effectively manage excess oil production and help prevent and treat hormonal acne breakouts.The dermatologist most will help you control the acne side of it, but pharmeceautical grade skincare is what you want for healthy hydrated skin. Find your local Pharmaceutical Aesthetician.
4. Pop your pimples correctly
I wouldn't go popping pimples unless you absolutely have to and they're ready. Some pimples are hidden under the skin and never actually come to a head.
First you want to prep your skin from the steam in the shower or heat in general.
Pop around your pimple to see if puss is ready. Don't go digging because that will cause scarring and create a whole new problem.
If puss came out, follow with pressure and an astringent.
If you popped several pimples at once you may want to completely recleanse your face. You do not want to spread bacteria.
Follow these steps with a rapid blemish spot treatment eliminator.
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5. Kill the bacteria under the skin
Incorporate LED light therapy 1-3 times weekly LED (Light Emitting Diode) light therapy has gained popularity as a non-invasive and effective treatment option for acne.
Bacterial Reduction: LED light therapy, particularly blue light, has been shown to target and kill acne-causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes. These bacteria thrive in the presence of sebum (skin oil) and can contribute to acne breakouts. Blue light helps to eliminate these bacteria, reducing the number of acne lesions.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Red and infrared LED lights have anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm the skin. Acne is often associated with redness and inflammation, and LED therapy can help alleviate these symptoms, making breakouts appear less red and swollen.
Oil Control: Some LED treatments can help regulate oil production in the skin, which is a common contributing factor in acne development. By reducing excess oil, LED therapy can prevent clogged pores and acne formation.
Collagen Production: Certain types of LED light, particularly red and infrared, can stimulate collagen production in the skin. This can help in skin healing and repair, potentially minimizing post-acne scarring and improving overall skin texture.
Non-Invasive and Pain-Free: LED therapy is non-invasive and painless. It doesn't involve chemicals or medications, making it a gentle treatment option for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Suitable for Various Skin Types: LED therapy is generally suitable for all skin types and tones. It poses minimal risk of skin damage or side effects, making it a versatile option for acne management.
No Downtime: Unlike some other acne treatments, LED therapy typically requires no downtime. You can return to your regular activities immediately after a session.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of LED light therapy for acne can vary from person to person, and multiple sessions may be needed to see significant results. The specific wavelengths and duration of treatment can also vary depending on the type and severity of acne.
While LED therapy can be a valuable addition to an acne management regimen, it may not be a standalone solution for severe or cystic acne. It is often used in combination with other acne treatments, such as topical medications or oral medications, as part of a comprehensive approach to acne management.
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6. Wash your pillow cases regularly
Overtime, oil, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria accumulate on your skin and hair. When you rest your head on a pillowcase night after night, these substances transfer onto the fabric. If you don't wash your pillowcases regularly, this buildup can reintroduce these impurities to your skin, potentially clogging your pores and contributing to acne breakouts.
7. Hydrate Drinking water is often recommended as part of a healthy skincare routine, but its direct impact on acne is somewhat limited. While staying properly hydrated is essential for overall health and can indirectly benefit your skin in several ways, it's important to understand that drinking water alone is unlikely to be a sole solution for treating or preventing acne.
Hydrated Skin: Proper hydration helps maintain skin health and function. Well-hydrated skin is generally more supple, plump, and resilient. When your skin is adequately hydrated, it can perform its protective barrier function more effectively, which can help prevent irritation and inflammation that may exacerbate acne.
Waste Removal: Drinking water can support your body's natural detoxification processes. Adequate hydration helps flush toxins and waste products from your system, which can indirectly benefit your skin by reducing the likelihood of systemic inflammation that might contribute to acne.
Improved Circulation: Staying hydrated supports better circulation, which means that nutrients and oxygen are delivered more efficiently to skin cells. This improved blood flow can aid in skin repair and regeneration, potentially helping to heal acne lesions more effectively.
Skin Healing: Hydration can contribute to the healing process of acne lesions. Moisturized skin is less likely to develop scabs or excessive dryness, which can slow down the healing of acne blemishes. Properly hydrated skin may also be less prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) after acne has healed.
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8. Avoid Dairy
The relationship between dairy consumption and acne is a topic of ongoing research and debate in the field of dermatology and nutrition. While the connection is not universally understood, some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that dairy consumption may contribute to acne in certain individuals. Here are some reasons why people might choose to limit or avoid dairy when dealing with acne:
Hormonal Factors: Dairy products, particularly cow's milk, may contain hormones and growth factors that can influence hormone levels in the body. An increase in certain hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and androgens, can potentially stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production, which is associated with acne.
Inflammatory Response: Some individuals may be more sensitive to the inflammatory properties of dairy proteins, such as casein and whey. These proteins can promote inflammation, which is a known factor in acne development. Inflammation can exacerbate existing acne lesions and make the skin more prone to new breakouts.
Insulin Response: Dairy products, particularly high-sugar versions like flavored milk or sweetened yogurt, can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and insulin levels when consumed. Elevated insulin levels can trigger increased sebum (oil) production and inflammation, both of which can contribute to acne.
Comedogenic Effects: Some dairy products contain high levels of iodine, which has been associated with acne development. Iodine can contribute to the formation of comedones (clogged pores), which are a precursor to acne lesions.
Personal Sensitivity: People have different sensitivities to various foods, including dairy. Some individuals may notice that their acne worsens when they consume dairy products, while others may not experience any adverse effects.
9. Facials from a Licensed Aesthetician
Facials can be helpful for individuals dealing with hormonal acne.
Deep Cleansing: Facials typically include thorough cleansing of the skin, which can help remove excess oil, dead skin cells, and debris from the pores. This cleansing process can help prevent clogged pores, which are a common contributor to acne, including hormonal acne.
Exfoliation: Many facials involve exfoliation, which helps to slough off dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can improve skin texture and reduce the likelihood of pores becoming clogged, which is important in managing acne.
Extraction: During a facial, a skilled esthetician or dermatologist may perform extractions to remove blackheads and whiteheads. This can help to clear existing acne lesions and prevent new ones from forming.
Customized Treatments: A professional facial can be tailored to address specific skin concerns, including hormonal acne. Skincare professionals can choose appropriate products and techniques to target excess oil, inflammation, and other issues commonly associated with hormonal acne.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances and exacerbate hormonal acne. Facials provide a relaxing and stress-relieving experience, which can indirectly benefit hormonal acne by helping to reduce stress levels.
Product Recommendations: Skincare professionals can provide valuable advice on skincare products and routines that are suitable for your skin type and specific concerns. They may recommend products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids, which can be effective in managing hormonal acne.
Improved Circulation: The massaging and manipulation of the skin during a facial can enhance blood circulation to the area. Improved circulation can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which is important for overall skin health and healing.
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10. Be Active
Improved Blood Circulation: Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the skin. Improved circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, aiding in overall skin health and the healing of acne lesions.
Stress Reduction: Exercise is known to reduce stress levels by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Chronic stress is linked to hormonal imbalances that can trigger or worsen acne breakouts. By reducing stress, exercise may indirectly help in managing hormonal acne.
Regulation of Hormones: Regular physical activity can help regulate hormone levels, including insulin and androgens. High insulin levels and elevated androgens can contribute to increased oil production, which is a factor in acne development. Exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance.
Sweating: Sweating during exercise can help unclog pores by flushing out debris, dead skin cells, and excess oil. However, it's important to cleanse your skin after exercising to remove sweat and prevent it from mixing with skin oils, which could potentially worsen acne.
Skin Detoxification: Exercise can stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a role in detoxifying the body. Improved lymphatic function can help remove waste products and toxins from the skin, potentially reducing inflammation and acne.
Enhanced Immune Function: Regular exercise can boost the immune system, which can aid in fighting off acne-causing bacteria and reducing the risk of infection in acne lesions.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise can help regulate hormones and reduce the risk of insulin resistance, both of which are associated with acne.
While physical activity can be beneficial for managing acne, it's important to cleanse as soon as possible after exercising! Bacteria and impurities live on the surface of your skin from sweat causing more breakouts.
I hope you enjoyed this article. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
xxxx Zo
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