put an end to hormonal acne

Hormones fluctuate during adolescence. It is during this period that the first pimples and black dots usually appear. Acne can continue into adulthood, especially in women. Dr. Paul Dupont, dermatologist and author of the book Caring for your natural skin, published by Eyrolles, tells us more about hormonal acne.

What is hormonal acne?

Acne is a very common skin problem that occurs at puberty. It affects almost 80% of adolescents and continues in almost 20% of young women, "informs Dr. Paul Dupont, dermatologist and author of the book. Natural skin care to Eyrolles editions. His starting point? A hormonal imbalance that stimulates excess sebum in the sebaceous glands. This sebum builds up and "can then obstruct the duct of the gland which secretes it and forms closed comedones (blackheads) or cysts".

The causes and treatments of hormonal acne in boys

At the time of puberty, the level of androgens, the male sex hormones, the best known being testosterone, increases. This induces a transformation of the body: the muscles develop, the penis and testicles grow, the hair grows … An overproduction of androgens can then lead to an excess of sebum and the appearance of acne. The first pimples usually appear at the age of 12-13 years. But these lesions seem even more significant around the age of 16-17 years and become inflammatory. They can appear as black dots, white pimples all over the face, neck and sometimes even on the shoulders and upper body. After this period, acne disappears, in most cases. So then, until we reach adulthood, what treatments can we trust? "Some plants have anti-androgenic properties as well as zinc"explains the doctor. "It is not only a hormone regulator, but it also helps to heal." "Adolescents must fight excessive seborrhea linked to puberty. For this, a cure of foods rich in sulfur or natural supplements containing sulfur amino acids will also be useful, "he said. Treatments can therefore be done internally or externally.

The causes and treatments of hormonal acne linked to the menstrual cycle in women

Women are subject to many hormonal changes throughout their life: menstruation, pregnancy, menopause or even taking or stopping hormonal contraception. In the case of acne linked to the menstrual cycle, pimples or cysts usually arise by flares at the time of ovulation or in the second part of the cycle. On the treatment side, in the case of irregular cycles, different estrogen-progestin pills can be tested. They allow, not only, to find a certain regularity but also to slow the stimulation of the sebaceous glands and therefore to reduce the production of sebum. The doctor still wants to warn. " Pills mask the origin of the disorder " Second problem: acne can reappear when you stop the pill.
What about Roacutane, in the severe treatment of acne? "It is effective, but taken orally its numerous undesirable effects make that it is limited in its indications. It is teratogenic and therefore prohibited in the absence of contraceptive. Among the side effects, some are mild such as dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, others much more serious with in particular psychiatric disorders, a suicidal tendency, blindness.. ", specifies the dermatologist.

The causes and treatments of hormonal acne linked to polycystic ovaries

" In the case of organic abnormalities such as polycystic ovaries, ovulation is not done properly "Says the dermatologist. " We then notice an increase in the secretion of androgens " The assay is done by blood test, the diagnosis is objectified by an ultrasound of the ovaries. " This pathology can in some cases be associated with a more or less significant increase in hair growth, with the appearance of hair on unusual areas of the body in women such as on the chin, the periareolar regions of the breasts, the umbilicus line -pubian " On the treatment side, it is important, above all, to make an appointment with a doctor to understand the origin of this hormonal acne. A clinical examination and a discussion will make it possible to find the appropriate treatment (s). It will sometimes be necessary to fumble before finding the one that best suits the patient. Medicines or natural treatments, the possibilities are manifold depending, of course, on the cause (s). In the case of polycystic ovaries, the doctor may suggest " synthetic antiandrogens, but in this case it is necessary to watch that there are no undesirable effects, in particular hepatic ", Informs Dr. Paul Dupont. For those who are followers of alternative medicine, the dermatologist delivers some precious advice. " There is a natural alternative to compensate for the lack of hormones: not with a pill, but with phytoestrogens combined with phytoprogestatives. As their name suggests, these plant substances are hormones almost identical to those of women. It is found in many foods such as flax and soybeans or in various plants such as sage and alchemilla " It is also possible to use essential oils, such as tea trea (Melaleuca alternifolia). Be careful, however, never to use them pure. "For example, dilute them to 1% in jojoba oil", specifies the dermatologist"and make sure you are not allergic to their molecules".

Other factors that can cause hormonal acne

" Stress, severe depression, "or a masculine temper, which is a sign of fighting spirit but does not look masculine" can lead to acne breakouts Insists the doctor. These different factors can, in fact, increase the secretion of androgens. Treatments can be considered to treat depression.

The beauty routine to fight against pimples and blackheads

Treating acne is not always easy, especially when it is inflammatory. So what care should you apply on a daily basis? What advice to follow? The idea is to find a beauty routine that suits you and that you will stick to. Start by cleaning your face morning and evening to remove all traces of oil or impurities in " avoiding overly aggressive gels which irritate and grease the skin by skin reaction "Recommends Dr. Paul Dupont. The health professional also advocates the use of an overgrown soap because " fat removes fat "Before applying a gentle local zinc-based lotion and a moisturizer or oil for comfort based on jojoba, aloe vera or calendula.

The ideal acne kit



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Avène Cleanance soothing cleansing cream
This washing cream cleanses and soothes sensitive skin with imperfections or dryness after taking medication. "A truly top product for the body and face", which the users of Beauty Test highly recommend.
Oemine Acnezinc Lotion
This organic rose water lotion fights impurities on oily skin. There is no inflammatory risk with products of this brand, says the doctor.
Effaclar Duo + Unifying tinted anti-imperfection treatment by La Roche Posay
La Roche Posay offers an anti-shine and anti-blemish facial treatment that respects sensitive skin. This product hides pimples and matifies the skin with a lightly tinted veil. "Very good product for camouflaging pimples and blackheads", greet users on Beauté-Test.
Moisturizing Velvet Cream Rose-Aloe Belle-Oemine by Oemine
This cream hydrates and protects the skin. It contains natural active ingredients known as refreshing rose water and hydrating and repairing aloe vera. Chamomile gives this treatment soothing properties.
Purifying Lotion Pur Tea Tree Ladrôme
Specially designed for skin prone to acne, this organic purifying lotion is a synergy of organic floral waters from tea tree and peppermint. "It tightens the pores and effectively restricts the appearance of blackheads," recognize users of Beauté-Test.
Paula's Choice Purifying Clay Mask
This mask is suitable for skin prone to acne. It matifies the shiny skin and removes impurities.

* Treat your skin naturally (Eyrolles editions, € 12.90).

Also read on aufeminin:
What treatments to end adult acne?
How to reduce the appearance of pimple scars?
What diet to fight against acne?
Tips: get rid of subcutaneous pimples

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