Understanding Types of Hormones and Their Role in Acne

Let’s face it—hormones can wreak havoc on your skin.

These tiny chemical messengers can turn your skin into a battleground of breakouts, redness, and frustration.

However, understanding the types of hormones and their role is the first step to fighting back.

Here at The Naked Chemist, we’re all about clearing the confusion around hormonal acne.

That’s why we have compiled a handy Q&A to tackle your burning questions and a free guide on the subject.

Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of hormonal skin? Let’s go.

Why Does Acne Start at Puberty?

It all begins with androgens, a type of hormone that kicks into overdrive during puberty.

These hormones stimulate sebaceous glands to produce oil (sebum), which can clog your pores and create the perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.

The result? Those pesky pimples spread across your nose, cheeks, and chin.

What Exactly Is Adult Acne?

Adult acne isn’t just a teenage problem that overstayed its welcome. It’s often tied to hormonal fluctuations, especially in women.

Whether triggered by menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or illness, these hormonal shifts stimulate sebaceous glands, increasing oil production and breakouts.

Why Do We Get Pre-Period Breakouts?

Hormonal changes ramp up sebum production about a week before your period. This surge clogs your skin follicles and creates pimples when you least want them.

You can read more about hormonal acne here.

Does Stress Cause Acne?

Absolutely. Stress triggers your adrenal glands to release androgens, stimulating excess oil production.

Over time, this leads to clogged follicles and stress-induced breakouts. It’s a vicious cycle because stress causes acne, and acne causes stress.

Are you keen to learn more about hormonal imbalance? This handy article examines how hormone imbalance can affect skin and lead to premature ageing.

Types of Hormones That Influence Acne

Hormones act as tiny messengers, orchestrating countless processes in your body, from regulating energy to supporting reproduction.

However, some of these hormones are the primary instigators of acne. Here’s a closer look at these key hormonal players:

1. Oestrogen

Often hailed as the “female hormone,” oestrogen is a group of hormones—estradiol, estriol, and estrone—crucial for regulating reproductive functions and maintaining your skin’s health.

How it affects acne: Balanced oestrogen levels help keep oil production in check. When oestrogen levels drop (e.g., before your period or during menopause), testosterone’s effects can dominate, leading to increased oiliness and breakouts.

Pro tip: Supporting oestrogen levels with a balanced diet and stress management may help mitigate these effects.

2. Progesterone

Progesterone is produced during ovulation and is key in preparing your body for pregnancy. It helps balance oestrogen, regulate body fluids, and boost fat metabolism.

How it affects acne: While essential for the body, excess progesterone can swell the pores in your skin and trap oil, setting the stage for breakouts. Conversely, low progesterone can disrupt your hormonal harmony, exacerbating acne.

Fun fact: Progesterone is often called the “calming hormone” because it promotes relaxation and better sleep—a good reason to prioritise rest.

3. Androgens

These types of sex hormones include testosterone, DHEA, and androstenedione. Androgens are present in both men and women, but higher levels in women can cause problems.

How it affects acne: Androgens stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Too much oil leads to clogged pores and a thriving environment for acne-causing bacteria.

Common culprits: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and stress can both trigger elevated androgen levels.

4. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA is a precursor hormone that converts into both oestrogen and androgens. It plays a significant role in regulating oil production in your skin.

How it affects acne: Elevated DHEA levels can increase sebum production in your skin, especially during puberty or during periods of stress, leading to breakouts.

Interesting note: DHEA is one of the most abundant steroid hormones in the human body.

5. Testosterone

Known for its role in male characteristics, testosterone is also essential in women but should only be in the body in small amounts.

How it affects acne: When testosterone levels rise unchecked, it stimulates sebaceous glands, creating oily skin prone to blackheads and inflamed pimples.

What to watch for: Women with PCOS or other hormonal imbalances often experience an overproduction of testosterone, leading to severe acne.

6. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

This potent derivative of testosterone is created by the enzyme 5a reductase.

How it affects acne: DHT increases sebum production and can clog your pores, making it a major culprit behind hormonal acne.

Surprising link: DHT also contributes to hair loss, creating a frustrating double-edged sword if you are experiencing both of these problems.

7. 5a Reductase Enzymes

These enzymes convert testosterone into its more potent form, DHT.

Type 1: Found in your sebaceous glands, this form directly regulates oil production and primarily contributes to acne.

Type 2: Found in hair follicles and other tissues, it is less involved in acne but plays a role in sexual development.

Takeaway: Treatments that inhibit 5a reductase activity (e.g., certain medications) can help reduce hormonal acne.

How to Take Control

If you suspect hormones are causing your acne, don’t suffer in silence. Here are some pro tips on how you can start tackling this tricky skin condition:

Seek Professional Advice: Consult a dermatologist or doctor to identify hormonal imbalances.

Explore Different Treatments: Options may include hormonal therapies like birth control pills or spironolactone, which target androgen levels.

Adjust Your Skincare Routine: To combat excess oil and inflammation, look for non-comedogenic products with ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide that will prevent a build-up of oil on your skin and in your pores, which can, over time, lead to breakouts. Try our B+ niacinamide skin shot, the perfect product for treating many conditions.

Focus on Lifestyle: Manage your stress, eat a nutrient-rich diet, and exercise regularly. These can help you balance your hormones naturally.

To conclude. The naked truth

Hormonal acne is a multifaceted issue, deeply connected to the intricate dance of hormones in your body. These chemical messengers affect not only your skin but also your overall health and well-being.

Understanding how hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and androgens influence sebum production, pore health, and inflammation can give you valuable insight into what’s happening beneath the surface of your skin.

However, recognising the hormonal triggers is only the beginning. The journey to clearer skin often involves a combination of professional guidance, tailored treatments, and lifestyle adjustments.

For some, this may mean hormonal therapies to rebalance androgen levels, while others might benefit from topical solutions targeting oil production and bacteria.

Beyond treatments, your daily routine should include managing stress, prioritising sleep, and nourishing your body with the right foods—which can significantly impact how your skin responds to hormonal fluctuations.

Most importantly, remember that your skin issues are not just surface-level concerns but often reflections of internal health; treating hormonal acne requires patience, consistency, and a holistic approach. Addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms, can lead to lasting improvements in skin and overall confidence and well-being.

Everyone’s path to clear skin is unique. While finding what works for you might take time, the results are worth it.

Empower yourself with knowledge, seek expert advice when needed, and embrace the process—because you deserve to feel good in your skin daily.

References

https://int.eucerin.com/acne/article-overview/acne-and-hormones-130
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hormonal-acne
https://www.health.com/condition/acne/how-to-treat-hormonal-acne-without-birth-control
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne/