Dealing with Hormonal Acne?

You can spot hormonal acne. It's those under the surface hard nodules that won’t come to the surface. I’m always drawn to try and pop them, however no matter what I do they just don’t budge. In turn I create an angry raised bump on my chin area and hairline. Here’s the deal... hormonal acne comes from the fluctuations hormonally that we are experiencing in our bodies. This can be from menstrual cycles, pregnancy, PCOS and times of high stress. The culprit is androgens like testosterone. Androgens stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil. When additional oil is released into the pores it joins up with dead skin cells and *poof* we have a pimple or a nodule. You can use our Acne Treatment as a spot treatment if you find that your hormonal breakouts will extract, however most experience… the dreaded underground nodules. Here are some simple ways that you can help your hormonal acne:

  1. Be very aware of what you are eating. There are several food categories that may increase androgen activity: peanut butter, white bread, pasta, rice, pastries, dairy products, processed meats, blue green algae, spirulina, miso, and soy.  
  2. Foods that help you balance hormones: spearmint tea (my favorite is Pique, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, berries, and flaxseeds (I love to add the oil to my smoothies or chia seed pudding (1/2 c. Unsweetened almond milk + 2 Tablespoons chia seeds + berries - sprinkle freshly ground flaxseeds on top). 
  3. Items around your house that can increase breakouts: scented laundry soaps, dryer sheets (the wax/animal fats they use in the product warm up as you lay your beautiful face on your pillow and will affect your skin)
  4. Habits to be aware of to reduce breakouts: resting your chin in your hands
  5. Try using ice instead of attempting to pop a pimple. Sometimes we just need to replace the habit. When the pimple is inflamed, picking it makes it worse. Applying ice in circular movements over the breakouts soothe and reduce inflammation.
  6. Supplements (check with your doctor first): Zinc Monomethionine (30-50 mg daily) is best to take with food. Zinc is great at reducing inflammation, inhibiting the P. Acne bacteria, is an androgen suppressor, and helps to heal the skin.

As always, I am available to help you navigate your acne and choose a routine that will help. Text +1 (833) 416-3593 to start a conversation.

Danielle Browning McMurry
Founder and Chief Esthetician
Over It! Skincare

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