Clear Skin Naturally: Hormonal Acne Tips
- Katie Bateman
- Aug 29, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Causes, Treatment, and Impact
Hormonal acne is a struggle that many women face, often appearing when our hormones are out of balance due to factors like stress, diet, or menstrual cycles. If you’ve been dealing with stubborn breakouts, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I can tell you that clear skin is possible, without harsh chemicals or prescriptions. In this post, I’ll share the tips and tools that helped me clear up my skin naturally – from skincare and gut health supplements to innovative treatments like red light therapy.
My Hormonal Acne Journey: From Struggles to Solutions
My journey with hormonal acne began when I was 13 years old. What started as a few painful pimples quickly escalated into full-blown acne on my face, back, and chest. I was self-conscious and embarrassed, hiding under high-necked T-shirts even in the summer. Desperate for a solution, I tried every product I could find, from Clean and Clear to Clearasil, but nothing offered long-term relief.
The Struggles of My Teenage Years.
As a teenager, I was determined to find a solution to what I believed was a personal defect. I became obsessed with face-cleansing products, hoping to scrub away the painful welts that were taking the sparkle out of my life. My dad’s well-meaning advice to “lie in the sun to dry it out” didn’t work, and the doctors offered three options: put up with it, go on Accutane, or go on the pill.
At 14, living with the pain and embarrassment of acne was not an option. Accutane terrified me with its severe side effects, but the pill seemed like a magic bullet. I started taking Estelle 35 ED just before my 15th birthday, and within a month, my skin was flawless. I felt free again, not having to cover up or think twice about my appearance.
A Love-Hate Relationship with the Pill
For the next seven years, the pill was my best friend. I even discovered that I could skip my period by not taking the sugar pills, giving me what felt like another massive upgrade. But by the time I was 21, my hair started falling out. More and more hair came out every time I washed or brushed it. My once-full ponytail was shrinking, and my doctor suggested stress might be the cause, even recommending antidepressants.
Refusing to believe that stress was the only cause, I finally insisted on blood tests. The results revealed that my ovaries weren’t functioning properly, likely due to years of skipping my period. My doctor advised me to stop taking the pill to allow my body to return to its natural rhythm.
Almost immediately, my hormonal acne flared up again. But within months, my hair stopped falling out, and it began growing back normally. I was relieved but also frustrated—one problem was solved, but another had returned with a vengeance.
Finding a Long-Term Solution
By 21, I was back on the pill to clear up my acne, but I knew it wasn’t a long-term solution. Nine years later, in my early thirties, I decided to give my body a chance to regain its natural rhythm once and for all. My husband and I had decided not to have children, so I no longer needed the contraceptive benefits of the pill. Read here about my decision not to have children
As expected, my acne flared up again after stopping the pill. This time, determined not to go back on the pill, I became a skincare junkie, researching every magic potion on the market. After trying countless skincare products and treatments that left my skin irritated or made no difference, I realized it wasn’t just about what I was putting on my skin. My hormonal health, gut health, and lifestyle were all contributing factors. It was time to tackle acne from the inside out, with a holistic approach.
Here's what I've learned:
Causes of Hormonal Acne
All acne starts its development with an overproduction of sebum (an oily substance produced by glands in the skin). The excess sebum, combined with dead skin cells, clogs pores, and the buildup can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, general congestion of the skin, or cystic acne. Cystic acne occurs when bacteria get into the pores, which can cause redness, pain, pus, or swelling. Some cystic acne is on the surface with visible pus, and some lies below the surface with only redness and/or a lump on the skin's surface. Both can be super painful.
Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to higher-than-normal levels of sebum production. If you experience acne that appears at specific times in your hormonal cycle or that completely clears up with the use of the contraceptive pill, it could be that your acne is hormonal.
What does Hormonal Acne look like?
Teenagers tend to have hormonal acne breakouts around their T-Zone (Forehead, Nose, Chin). Adults are more likely to see hormonal acne flare-ups around their jaw and cheeks. Acne on the chest and back is often hormonal too. My hormonal acne breakouts as an adult would always occur the week before my period and show up high on my cheekbone as cystic acne.
The Role of Gut Health in Acne
Did you know your gut health plays a significant role in your skin? If your gut is out of balance, it can contribute to inflammation in the body, which can lead to acne. I started focusing on nourishing my gut with the right supplements and clean, whole foods.
One of the game-changers in my routine was adding Good Gut & Go to my daily regimen. This supplement helped support my digestive system by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria and reducing inflammation — which, over time, helped calm my skin. Gut health isn't something to overlook, and when it’s in balance, the results show up in your skin.
Additionally, Collagen-9 was another key player. Not only did it support my gut lining, but it also improved the elasticity and texture of my skin, making it look plump and healthy.
Skincare That Supports Hormonal Balance
After adjusting my diet and supplement routine, I also focused on my skincare. Using the right products that support your skin's natural barrier and encourage healing is crucial. I turned to Radiance Vitamin C + E Serum for its potent antioxidant properties, which help brighten skin, repair damage, and reduce the appearance of acne scars. This serum, packed with Vitamin C, helps fade pigmentation and promotes collagen production, something that's essential when dealing with hormonal acne.
I also found that Activating Serum helped with skin rejuvenation. This serum not only targets signs of aging but also enhances skin clarity and reduces breakouts by promoting cellular turnover. It’s great for those hormonal flare-ups!
Try LED Light Therapy
Red light therapy has been an absolute game-changer for me. Using red light to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing helped speed up the recovery of my acne spots. It works by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, while also soothing redness and reducing the size of acne lesions. I use Light Stim handheld light therapy device a few times a week, and the results have been incredible — smoother, clearer skin with far less scarring.
Holistic Living and Stress Management
One of the most important changes I made was learning how to manage stress better. Stress is a huge hormonal disruptor, and the more stressed I was, the worse my breakouts became. I incorporated mindfulness practices such as meditation and journaling, and made time for regular exercise, which helped me manage stress levels. Also, getting quality sleep (at least 7-8 hours a night) allowed my body to heal naturally — inside and out.
Final Thoughts
Clear, healthy skin starts from within, and it’s a combination of factors that work together. Hormonal acne isn’t something that will disappear overnight, but with the right approach — focusing on gut health, using the right skincare products, and incorporating treatments like LED light therapy — you can see a real difference.
If you're struggling with hormonal acne, I encourage you to consider a holistic approach that supports both your inner health and outer beauty. The key is consistency, patience, and using products that support your body’s natural processes.
Disclaimer
I am not a qualified health professional. Everything shared here is based on my personal experience and opinion, not medical advice. Always seek professional advice before starting any new wellness journey.
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