Acne And Hormones

The Facts About Acne and Hormones

There are lots of myths about acne, but there is a connection between acne and hormones - at least on some level with some cases. But when you add the fact that some people have no more and no less trouble when hormones kick in (or out), the connection between acne and hormones becomes questionable.

So what are the facts about acne and hormones? Take a look at what some have to say on the subject.

The Hormone Center of New York acknowledges the connection between acne and hormones on their website at www.hormonehelpny.com/column/femaleacne2.htm. According to information from the site, many women report increased problems with acne just before their period begins. While the author of that article doesn't hazard a guess as to cause, he does say that it is obviously related to hormones and likely affected by testosterone levels.

A question and answer on the Cosmetic Corp website at www.cosmeticscop.com indicates that one woman has trouble with cystic acne, but only around the time of her period. The author who answers the questions again notes that there's a connection between acne and hormones, though says there's no real understanding of why the pores become so sensitive and react with acne outbreaks at this time of the month. Among the suggestions offered to deal with this problem is an oral hormone therapy. Though taking a medication may seem extreme, those who deal with serious acne would probably be more than willing to give it a try.

The Derma Doctor, located online at www.dermadoctor.com/pages/newsletter225.asp, offers a more detailed explanation of how the connection between acne and hormones work, and why the problem occurs. According to this article, it's when the delicate balance between estrogen and androgen occurs that acne outbreaks occur. This article indicates that the imbalance has nothing to do with increased output of oils as some theorize, but with the natural sloughing off of dead skin cells. Those cells plug pores, which leads to acne outbreaks.

Regardless of how the connection between acne and hormones work, the fact is that some women find they simply have to deal with increased flare ups at specific times of the month, so acne and hormones is a reality for them.

Please be sure to visit our pages about how to get rid of acne, acne medication, acne scars, acne scar treatments, and laser treatment for acne elsewhere on this site.