How to Get Rid of Hormonal Acne: The Best Adult Acne Treatment Plan
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Changes in our hormones trigger hormonal acne—and it’s not just for teens. In fact, acne is the most common skin condition in the country. Over 50 million Americans (including adults) deal with it each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). If you’re struggling with adult acne and nothing works, it’s time for a new plan of action. Below, we’ll look at how to get rid of hormonal acne and adult acne based on the most recent facts and research.
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What does hormonal acne look like?
Hormonal acne that happens during puberty generally shows up on the T-zone: around your chin, nose, and forehead.
Acne that plagues you as an adult is often concentrated lower, around your jawline, chin, and cheek areas. If you menstruate, it might show up most right before your period.
You might feel hormonal acne deep under the skin as large cysts. It can also show up as stubborn whiteheads or blackheads. Acne-prone skin can also look red and lead to scars or hyperpigmentation (when patches of skin are darker than the rest of your face).
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What causes adult acne to form?
Everyone is different, so the causes of hormonal or adult acne vary. Any of the following can contribute:
- Fluctuating hormones from periods, menopause, or pregnancy
- Stress
- Higher levels of androgens (reproductive and growth hormones that both men and women have)
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- A family history of adult acne
- Makeup or beauty products that clog pores
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Getting acne as an adult is frustrating and often embarrassing. However, there are realistic ways to address it.
Even if it seems like you’ve tried everything, there could be lifestyle changes or skincare routines that you hadn’t yet considered. And, as with anything that is a significant change, it’s essential to give a new routine enough time to work.
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How to get rid of adult acne fast
Most people don’t realize that prevention is the key word when it comes to acne. A pimple or cyst can start to form weeks before you actually see it. So, you’ll need to be consistent with a skincare routine for adult acne.
Here is the best skincare routine for hormonal acne based on expert recommendations.
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Cleanse your face well
Always wash your face day and night, especially if you wear makeup (more on that below).
And don’t underestimate the importance of washing in the morning. While you sleep, your skin is repairing along with the rest of your body. You might notice extra oil on your face when you wake up after this process. Be sure to wash off these oils with a good cleanser.
Use a gentle cleanser that gets rid of any makeup residue. Don’t rub aggressively, as that can contribute to wrinkles—instead, use gentle circular motions to massage the soap into your skin. Then, pat your face dry with a towel.
Utilize chemical peels or exfoliants
Chemical peels help remove dead skin and other debris that clog pores. You can go to the dermatologist for a chemical peel, but there are at-home options, too. For hormonal or adult acne, you can do some chemical peels every two weeks.
Like chemical peels, exfoliants get rid of dead and dull skin cells on your skin. By removing the extra baggage, exfoliating keeps your skin youthful and healthy. If you struggle with acne, a regular exfoliant will help smooth your complexion and reduce breakouts by preventing clogged pores.
Chemical exfoliants are usually better than physical exfoliants (like scrubs) since they don’t rub your skin or make acne irritation worse. The best way to exfoliate a face with hormonal acne skin is through alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are plant acids that help:
- Stimulate collagen production
- Shed dead skin cells
- Clean out your pores
- Address acne issues, wrinkles, and fine lines
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Use a hydrating serum
Your skin needs hydration to stay healthy, even if you experience acne. A hydrating serum after your daily cleanse is just what you need.
Everyday Essence is a daily serum that delivers hydration and critical nutrients deep into your skin. The ingredients soothe inflamed skin and even pinpoint acne scars, red spots, and hyperpigmentation. Another bonus: it’s designed to fight the first signs of aging and prevent further damage.
Topical treatments
Some adult acne responds well to spot-treating problem areas. Doctors might suggest retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for acne issues.
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Use a face mask weekly
Korean skincare for acne, including sheet masks, provides some of the best soothing and hydrating methods for problematic skin.
Use the Jet Microcurrent Dual Mask whenever you feel acne breakouts coming on. For optimal results, the Premium Microcurrent Dual Mask twice a week, then once a week for maintenance, is best.
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The masks contain tiny hyaluronic acid molecules that get deep into your skin’s layers. At the same time, the Tissue X® microcurrent technology mimics the ocean’s waves to open up the pores. The result is maximum hydration and renewal for acne-prone skin.
BEFOREAFTERSHOP AC Care Mask -
How to get rid of mask acne
If you’ve developed acne around the areas where you wear a face mask, consider using a Mask Liner and see these tips for handling “maskne.”
Moisturize and repair
If you use acne treatments that dry out the skin, be sure to balance things out with a good moisturizer like the Rose Quartz Hydrating Cream.
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Other considerations for adult acne
Besides the above skincare routine for hormonal and adult acne, it also helps to look at your daily lifestyle. The following might help soothe inflammation and other issues that contribute to acne breakouts:
- Dietary changes, such as reducing dairy, refined sugar, and processed foods
- Going makeup-free as often as you can
- Reducing common sources of stress in your life
- Getting your hormone levels checked
Dermatologists may also recommend hormone testing, anti-androgen medications, or oral contraceptives. It’s up to each person which route they choose to take.
Skincare is a huge part of acne prevention and management. Above all, treat your skin gently, keep it hydrated, and develop a skincare routine so that you can prevent future acne issues as much as possible.
