People with clear and glowing skin are truly lucky. When we say this, we don’t mean to underestimate the efforts they put in to take care of their skin. But it is also true that many of us invest a lot of time and effort in skin care but still struggle with a variety of problems, and people with flawless skin often fill us with envy.

The biggest challenge many people face is hormonal acne. No matter what products or treatments are used, these persistent breakouts can be incredibly stubborn and difficult to eliminate.

But the main question here is how can you identify if the acne you are dealing with is hormonal or not and can it be cured with home remedies? Don’t worry, experts are here to guide you.

Does this only happen during puberty?

“Hormonal acne is caused by fluctuations in certain hormones. It can be due to a variety of reasons, such as stressful work-life situations or the inclusion of certain foods in your diet,” explains Dr Swapna Priya, Consultant Dermatologist, Care Hospitals, Hyderabad. india today,

Although hormonal acne is thought to occur during puberty, Dr Priya explains that it can definitely appear during pregnancy and menopause, as well as during regular menstrual cycles.

Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, aesthetic physician and founder of Isaac Luxe (based in Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru), further explains, “Hormonal acne is acne caused by changes in hormone levels, particularly androgens like testosterone. These hormones can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts.”

Where does hormonal acne appear?

• Hormonal acne typically appears as deep, cystic lesions that are often painful and inflamed.
• It usually affects the lower part of the face, especially the jaw, chin, and neck.
• Unlike other types of acne, which can appear as whiteheads or blackheads, hormonal acne is more severe and resistant to common over-the-counter treatments.
• Scratching hormonal acne can be painful and may also leave permanent scars on the body.

Furthermore, Dr Gupta explains that the main difference between hormonal and other types of acne lies in its cause – hormonal fluctuations.

While other types of acne may be caused by external factors such as skincare products or bacteria, hormonal acne is driven by internal hormonal changes. Additionally, hormonal acne often requires a different treatment approach than other types of acne.

Dr. Priya further adds, “Hormonal acne is caused by the fluctuations of certain hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and androgen. Another primary difference is the level of pain, as hormonal acne tends to be more painful than normal acne.”

Traditional Treatments

According to experts, the most important way to treat hormonal acne is by making proper lifestyle changes.

Doctors say that controlling hormonal acne often requires treatments that regulate hormone levels. These treatments include:

• The contraceptive pillThese help balance hormone levels and reduce acne outbreaks by regulating the menstrual cycle and reducing androgen levels.
• Anti-androgen medicationsMedications such as spironolactone can block androgen receptors, which may reduce oil production and acne formation.
• topical retinoidsThese help unclog pores and reduce inflammation, and promote cell renewal.
• oral antibioticsThese are used to reduce bacterial growth and inflammation, especially in severe cases.

Can home remedies cure hormonal acne?

“Although conventional treatments are often necessary, some home remedies can provide additional relief and help manage symptoms,” says Dr. Gupta.

Home remedies that really work:

• tea tree oil: Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can help reduce acne lesions. However, when adding it to your routine, dilute the oil to make it more amenable to your skin.
• Aloe VeraKnown for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, aloe vera can help soothe irritated skin and promote healing.
• Green TeaApplying green tea extract to the skin or consuming green tea may help reduce sebum production and inflammation.

• Apple vinegarWhen diluted, apple cider vinegar can act as an astringent and antibacterial agent, helping to balance the pH of the skin.
• Mint teaDrinking peppermint tea may help reduce androgen levels, which may be beneficial for managing hormonal acne. Peppermint has anti-androgen properties that may help reduce the hormonal triggers of acne.

Popular home remedies that don’t work:

• Lemon juiceAlthough it has antibacterial properties, lemon juice is very acidic and can irritate the skin, leading to more acne.
• ToothpasteAlthough toothpaste can dry out acne, it contains ingredients that can irritate the skin and make acne worse.
• baking sodaThis can upset the skin’s natural pH balance, causing irritation and possibly more acne.
• GarlicApplying raw garlic on acne can harm your skin. It can cause irritation and burning due to the strong sulfur compounds it contains.

Dr. Priya also added, “Traditionally, many people believe that coconut oil can help solve all kinds of skin problems. It is commonly used by many as a moisturizer, but coconut oil is highly comedogenic which can clog your pores, making your acne worse.”

Diet and Hormonal Acne

Experts believe that diet can have a big impact on your hormonal acne.

• Foods such as refined sugars and carbohydrates, which quickly raise blood sugar levels, can increase insulin levels, which can increase sebum production and worsen hormonal acne.
• Consuming dairy products, especially milk and processed cheese, may make acne worse due to the bioactive molecules they contain.
• On the other hand, consuming omega-3-rich foods such as nuts, fish, and flax seeds can help reduce acne as they have anti-inflammatory properties.
• It is beneficial to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain high antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve overall skin health.

Before you go, here are some tips

• Understand the root cause of your hormonal acne, as it can be caused by various factors such as poor diet, irregular sleep patterns, PCOS, puberty, etc. This will help you take the necessary steps to solve your problem.
• Follow a simple skincare routine that includes using non-comedogenic and acne-safe products. Use light gel-based moisturizers instead of heavy moisturizers.
• Improve your diet and lifestyle. Avoid fatty foods, especially imported foods, and reduce your intake of dairy products except yogurt.
• Avoid touching your acne as this can lead to scarring.
• Don’t be influenced by social media for remedies and solutions.
• Regulate your sleep cycle and eat antioxidant-rich foods like celery, kale, fresh fruits, etc.
• Since this is a medical condition, seek professional help from a dermatologist.

Remember that acne can be troublesome for anyone, regardless of age or gender, but it becomes even more painful when it is caused by hormonal fluctuations. Although home remedies can be relied upon to deal with acne, it is important to note that unlike chemicals, home remedies are slow to show results and must be used regularly and patiently to see effectiveness.