Before you go cursing your face 'bumps', know that adult-onset hormonal acne is a common. Hormonal acne presents with painful red papules, pustules, and deep cysts on the lower face and the body. Typical areas of involvement include:
- Lower cheeks
- Jawline
- Chin
- In between the brows
- Back
- Chest
- Shoulders
Signs Acne is Hormonal
Not everyone with hormonal acne has elevated testosterone, but having more than one of these symptoms makes this more likely.
- You are no longer in your teen years
- Your acne first presented in adulthood
- Your acne didn't respond to Isotretinoin
- When you stopped taking birth control pills
- You have polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Your acne flares with stress
- During your menopause
- During your menstrual cycle
- During your pregnancy
- You are on lactation (breastfeeding)
- You’re seriously stressed :(
What can you do about it
- Try out over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or antiandrogen drugs
- Consider topical retinoids (Avoid retinoids if you're pregnant!)
- Try cleanser with exfoliating salicylic or glycolic acid
- Consider probiotics to control the microbiome and pH balance in the skin
- Try foaming sulphur soap or clay mask to unclog your pores
- Use non-comedogenic products
- Add zinc and phytoestrogens to your diet
Your best bet is talking to a dermatologist if you are:
- Pregnant, or planning to get pregnant
- Have particularly sensitive skin
- Have hormonal acne that is more severe
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter to get the latest updates.