Hormonal Acne Treatments
Most of us can remember having acne at some point in our lives and desperately trying anything we could to get rid of it. There are many products on the market to treat acne, however, in recent years natural oral hormonal treatment products like this one I’ve used based in Chinese medicine which helps regulate hormones have become increasingly popular, especially among adult women. Women in their 20s and 30s in particular, can benefit from hormonal acne treatment.
Acne is caused by having an excess of hormones – known as androgens – in the body. The androgens activate the production of oil, which eventually clogs the skin pores, and encourages the growth of pimples in an abnormal number – thus causing the unsightly skin condition known as acne. Acne usually occurs on the parts of the body that produce oil the face, chest and back. It is also surprisingly common in older people around 12% of women over 30 have some form of acne.
There are several factors that cause acne, both in teens and adults. Acne can be caused by a poor diet, lack of vitamins, stress or a combination of those things. If you are a woman who regularly uses makeup, the oil that is found in certain types of cosmetics such as moisturizer, blush, foundation and powders can make the acne worse, or lead to a condition known as acne cosmetics. And pregnant women are especially prone to acne, as pregnancy causes your hormones to produce more oil.
There are two main types of hormonal acne treatment that are routinely prescribed antiandrogens and oral contraceptives. The Zenmed family of products offers a natural hormonal acne treatment as part of their Dermacleanse line targeted for various types of acne, that has given excellent results for it’s customers that you should check out.
It is estimated that over 60% of women who suffer from acne do not benefit from more conventional acne treatment and can usually benefit from one of these two options. Like most treatments, both of these procedures have their pros and cons.
Oral contraceptive pills contain progestin and estrogen, both of which replace the androgens that cause acne. They also lead to a reduction in the production of hormones in the body thus reducing the amount of oil produced. A reduction in oil means that pores are less likely to become clogged, reducing the chances of acne.
Antiandrogens work by blocking the production of the male hormone testosterone, thus helping to reduce oil secretion. The antiandrogens used are spironolactone and flutamide and can be found in products that are marketed under the names Aldactone and Spirotone. Antiandrogens are usually prescribed in conjunction with an oral contraceptive pill, for best results.
These are probably the two best hormonal acne products and will usually work on even severe cases of acne; however there are disadvantages to hormonal acne treatments. Birth control pills can result in side effects such as weight gain, irritability and a decrease in appetite, although these are usually mild and temporary. There are generally no adverse side effects with antiandrogen treatment, although it can be difficult to get the dosage right and you may have to experiment with taking different dosages.
Most women find that they have to keep taking birth control pills even after the acne has gone, to prevent any flare-ups of the acne. Flare-ups are more likely to occur when a woman enters menopause. And not all physicians who work with female hormones have expertise in the area of acne, you may have to do some research to find a practitioner in your area. Treatment will mean taking a blood test.
Most acne sufferers who are prescribed hormonal treatment enjoy better results if the treatment is combined with more conventional acne creams. Try to follow a routine that includes not only acne cream and hormonal treatment, but also regular cleansing with medicated soap and moisturizer.
Look for cosmetics and skin care products labeled with the word noncomedogenic, meaning the product does not cause acne or make it worse. If you are prescribed hormonal acne treatments, you should make sure that it is safe to take any other medication too.
Of course, hormonal treatments are not the only option for dealing with acne. There is no shortage of creams and lotions on the market; and home laser treatments for acne are popular and proven to be effective. Lasers work by emitting beams of light at various wavelengths, which help to reduce redness and scar tissue and heal existing acne. Ideally, for best results, laser treatment should be used regularly and in conjunction with an oral antibiotic.
Good skin care is also important in helping to prevent acne, although by itself, caring for your skin isn’t enough. Â Regular use of a skin cleanser, preferably twice a day, as well as the regular application of salicylic acid based products will help to keep acne away. Try to avoid using soaps that contain perfume and abrasive preparations, as well as ensuring you don’t get too much sun. And contrary to popular belief, acne isn’t caused by eating too much chocolate or fried food, or by not washing your face properly.
Hormonal acne treatment has a proven record of success, although it may not work for everyone. But if you are an adult and still suffering from acne, it is a procedure that should be considered.
