Refer a Friend and Earn Offers! - Beli Prenatals are HSA/FSA eligible!

Understanding Hormonal Acne in Women: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Alleviate It

Hormonal acne is a common issue that affects many women, often persisting beyond adolescence and into adulthood. Unlike typical acne, which is primarily influenced by factors like clogged pores and bacteria, hormonal acne is driven by fluctuations in your body's hormone levels. This type of acne can be particularly frustrating, as it may not respond well to conventional treatments. Understanding the underlying causes, symptoms, and effective ways to manage hormonal acne is crucial for achieving clearer skin and maintaining overall well-being.

Hormonal acne is closely linked to conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), and even fertility challenges. PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by elevated levels of androgens, which can lead to persistent and severe acne. Women with PCOS often experience other symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and excess hair growth, which can further exacerbate acne issues.

PMS, another common condition, can also trigger hormonal acne. The hormonal fluctuations that occur in the days leading up to your period, particularly the drop in estrogen and rise in progesterone, can stimulate excess oil production, leading to breakouts. For women experiencing fertility challenges, hormonal imbalances are often a contributing factor. These imbalances can manifest as acne, particularly around the jawline and chin, areas commonly affected by hormonal changes.

In all these cases, managing hormonal acne involves addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances that are also impacting your overall health. For example, regulating your menstrual cycle and managing PCOS through diet, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments can help improve not just your skin but also your fertility and overall well-being.

Supplements like Beli Preconception can be particularly beneficial in this regard. Beli Preconception is formulated to support hormonal balance, reproductive health, and egg health. By providing essential nutrients like Inositols magnesium, ad selenium, among others, it helps regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and support the body's natural processes. This makes it an excellent choice for women dealing with hormonal acne related to PCOS, PMS, or fertility challenges.

Addressing hormonal acne is not just about clearer skin—it's about supporting your overall health, including your reproductive health. With the right approach, you can manage hormonal acne effectively while also enhancing your fertility and well-being.

What is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne, as the name suggests, is acne that is linked to fluctuations in your hormones. These fluctuations can occur during various phases of life, including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal acne typically appears in the form of deep, cystic pimples, often around the jawline, chin, and cheeks. It can be persistent and may not respond well to traditional acne treatments.

Symptoms of Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne presents differently from other types of acne. Common symptoms include:

  • Deep, painful cysts: Unlike surface-level pimples, hormonal acne often manifests as cystic bumps under the skin that are tender to the touch.
  • Recurring breakouts: These often occur around the same time each month, coinciding with the menstrual cycle.
  • Jawline and chin distribution: Hormonal acne commonly appears around the lower face, particularly the jawline and chin.
  • Redness and inflammation: The affected areas can be red, inflamed, and sensitive.

Causes of Hormonal Acne

Several factors contribute to hormonal acne, including:

  1. Androgens: Hormones like testosterone can increase during certain times, leading to higher oil production in the skin. This excess oil can clog pores and result in acne.

  2. Menstrual Cycle: Many women experience a spike in acne right before their period due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop during this time, which can cause an increase in androgens.

  3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age that can lead to acne due to elevated androgen levels.

  4. Stress: Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can exacerbate acne by increasing oil production and inflammation.

  5. Diet: Certain foods, particularly those with a high glycemic index, can cause blood sugar spikes that lead to an increase in androgens, worsening acne.

How to Alleviate Hormonal Acne

While hormonal acne can be challenging to manage, there are several strategies that can help:

  1. Dietary Changes: A diet low in sugar and refined carbohydrates can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of acne flare-ups. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber can also promote clearer skin.

  2. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help manage breakouts. However, for hormonal acne, prescription-strength topical treatments may be more effective.

  3. Hormonal Therapies: Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications like spironolactone can help regulate hormone levels and reduce acne. However, these options should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine if they are appropriate for you.

  4. Skincare Routine: Maintaining a consistent skincare routine with gentle, non-comedogenic products can help prevent pores from clogging and reduce the severity of breakouts.

  5. Stress Management: Practices like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can help manage stress levels, which in turn can reduce the likelihood of hormonal acne.

  6. Supplements: Taking a well-balanced supplement that supports hormonal balance can be beneficial. Beli Preconception, for instance, is formulated with ingredients that support hormonal health, which can be particularly helpful for women experiencing hormonal acne. Beli Preconception is designed not only to support reproductive health but also to ensure your body has the essential nutrients needed to maintain healthy skin and balance hormone levels.

Conclusion

Hormonal acne is a multifaceted condition that requires a comprehensive approach to manage effectively. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available, you can take proactive steps to alleviate this condition. Incorporating dietary changes, topical treatments, and stress management techniques, along with considering supplements like Beli Preconception, can make a significant difference in achieving clearer skin and improving overall health.

For women experiencing persistent hormonal acne, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to explore the best treatment options tailored to your individual needs. With the right approach, you can manage hormonal acne and enjoy healthier, clearer skin.

Shop the Story

Additional Resources

Many men overlook how crucial sperm health is until it's too late. Red flag statements can signal poor sperm quality. Whether trying to conceive or maintaining health, recognizing these signs early can impact your fertility and well-being.

Read More

Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

Read More

Egg quantity and quality are critical aspect of our reproductive well-being. By understanding the ideal number of eggs at various ages, why egg quality and quantity matter, and how to nurture and improve egg health, we can make informed decisions about our fertility and overall health.

Read More

Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

The long, lazy days of summer aren’t just prime vacation days. Summer could actually be an especially fertile season, which may be of interest to couples who are interested in starting a family. If you’re angling for parenthood this summer, here’s what to know about the season of fertility.

Read More

The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

Read More

Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

Read More

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media again. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. While birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

Read More

While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

Read More

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

Read More

Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, lays the foundation for reproductive health.

Read More

Is there anything unsexier than scheduled, pressure-ridden, trying-like-hell-to-conceive sex? But good news. We’ve found handy workarounds and tricks of the trade, so forget the basal temperature chart for a second and read on for four ways to keep things hot when you’re TTC.

Read More

If you’re noticing any of these signs, the good news is that it’s simple to make changes. Switching to a high-quality prenatal like Beli's Prenatal—one formulated with chelated minerals, methylated B vitamins, 400 mg of choline, and vegan vitamin D3—can make a world of difference. 

Read More

Egg quantity and quality are critical aspect of our reproductive well-being. By understanding the ideal number of eggs at various ages, why egg quality and quantity matter, and how to nurture and improve egg health, we can make informed decisions about our fertility and overall health.

Read More

The long, lazy days of summer aren’t just prime vacation days. Summer could actually be an especially fertile season, which may be of interest to couples who are interested in starting a family. If you’re angling for parenthood this summer, here’s what to know about the season of fertility.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

Choline is an overlooked essential nutrient in many prenatal vitamin formulas, and it's a major oversight. Here at Beli, we've been sounding the alarm for years and it's gratifying to see that the market is beginning to catch up. That's thanks in part to articles like "The 7 Best Choline Supplements for Pregnancy, According to a Prenatal Dietitian" from Parents. Spoiler: Beli for Women made the list.

Read More

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media again. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. While birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

If you’re noticing any of these signs, the good news is that it’s simple to make changes. Switching to a high-quality prenatal like Beli's Prenatal—one formulated with chelated minerals, methylated B vitamins, 400 mg of choline, and vegan vitamin D3—can make a world of difference. 

Read More

Choline is an overlooked essential nutrient in many prenatal vitamin formulas, and it's a major oversight. Here at Beli, we've been sounding the alarm for years and it's gratifying to see that the market is beginning to catch up. That's thanks in part to articles like "The 7 Best Choline Supplements for Pregnancy, According to a Prenatal Dietitian" from Parents. Spoiler: Beli for Women made the list.

Read More

Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, lays the foundation for reproductive health.

Read More
×

Change Shipping Country

Cancel