3 Common Causes of Acne in Women
When most think of Acne, the vision of a teenager comes to mind. The truth is Acne is a common condition women experience in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. Some people, like myself, get acne for the first time as an adult. Regardless of when you experience the onset, you feel embarrassed, helpless, and lost.
There are many ways to treat acne; however, I subscribe to the saying, "An ounce of prevention outweighs a pound of cure." Understanding your unique triggers or causes can prevent or decrease the number of breakouts and dictate the best course of action for treatment.
Changes in Hormones Can Trigger Acne Breakouts
Ladies, I hate to break the news to you, but our hormones can be like a roller coaster ride. We experience many influxes in hormones throughout our lifetime like puberty, monthly menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, menopausal transition, and post-menopause. So, you may notice a change in your skin as your body goes through these various stages. We can't stop the changes going on in the body, but we can work together to minimize the effect on your skin.
Medications Can Lead to Acne
Medications, including some forms of birth control, can trigger acne breakouts, especially for acne-prone women. In some cases, the change is temporary as the body gets used to the medication; regardless, Dr. Gardner says, "when such problems crop up, patients must stay on their medications." I highly recommend consulting with the prescribing physician to determine if the prescription can be changed or adjusted.
Stress Can Cause Acne Breakouts
Ever notice you experience breakouts when you stress about planning a big event, working on a project at work, or balancing home/work-life demands? Well, that is because your oil glands produce more oil, and you are more likely to deprive yourself of proper sleep and nutrition.
Most people's minds are racing 100 miles a minute during high-stress periods, making it hard to settle down and go to sleep. Sleep gives the body time to rest and forget about all the worries of the world. It is also an opportunity for our bodies to level out the hormones that can cause inflammation and acne. So, no matter what you have going on in your life, don't forget to give your body time to rest, recover and rejuvenate through quality sleep.
Is it just me, or do you crave more sweets during periods of increased stress? Sweets just seem to make everything better at that moment.
Having a poor diet and skipping meals can increase inflammation in the body and interfere with your sleep cycle. Skipping out on the water is not good for your skin either. According to registered dietician Rachel Link (2021), water "may help keep your skin hydrated, support immune function, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote natural detoxification — all of which can help fight acne."
Tired of trying everything under the sun to clear your acne? If so, I welcome the opportunity to teach you about your skin and the ideal home care regimen to get you on the path to clearer, glowing skin.