Hormonal Changes Trigger Adult Acne
Acne is not just for teenagers. Many adults deal with pimples that keep coming back, often because of shifts in body hormones. These hormones control how much oil your skin makes, and when they get out of balance, it can lead to breakouts.
Your skin has tiny glands called sebaceous glands that produce sebum, a natural oil that keeps skin soft. Androgens are hormones, like testosterone, that both men and women have. When androgen levels rise, these glands work overtime and make too much sebum. The extra oil mixes with dead skin cells and can clog pores. Bacteria then grow in those clogs, causing swelling, redness, and pimples.
In adults, this type of acne often shows up on the lower face, like the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks. It can also appear on the neck, chest, or back. Unlike teen acne, which is more spread out on the forehead and nose, adult acne tends to be deeper, more painful cysts that take longer to heal.
Several life stages cause these hormone shifts. During the menstrual cycle, progesterone rises right before your period. This boosts oil production and triggers breakouts for many women. Pregnancy brings big hormone surges that make glands overactive, leading to clogged pores. After giving birth, hormone drops can keep the problem going. As women near menopause, estrogen levels fall, letting androgens take over and spark more oil and acne.
Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, raise androgen levels a lot. Women with PCOS often have irregular periods, extra facial hair, and stubborn acne. Thyroid problems or adrenal issues can also bump up androgens. Stress plays a role too. It raises cortisol, a stress hormone, which ramps up oil and inflammation.
Even diet can nudge hormones. Foods high in sugar or dairy might spike insulin, which boosts androgens and worsens sebum. Certain medicines, like steroids, can mess with hormones as well.
These changes explain why adult acne feels tied to your cycle or big life events. Spotting the pattern helps figure out what is going on.
Sources
https://www.medicaldaily.com/hormonal-acne-adults-acne-causes-skin-hormones-explained-474128
https://drankitmehra.com/blogs/hormonal-acne-causes-treatment-dermatologist-guide
https://www.westchestercosmeticdermatology.com/blog/adult-acne-why-it-happens-and-how-to-treat-it/
https://www.advanceddermatologypc.com/conditions/acne/
https://www.drbatras.com/hormonal-acne-what-causes-it-and-how-to-treat-it
https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/hormonal-acne
https://conscious-skincare.com/blogs/news/hormonal-acne-in-adults-natural-solutions-skincare-that-works
