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Hormonal Acne Treatments Singapore
What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is similar to regular acne, as it involves a blockage of dead skin cells, natural oil (sebum), or bacteria in the pores. However, it is often linked to hormonal fluctuations that lead to a sudden increase in sebum production, or other factors that aggravate the formation of acne. Hormonal acne can affect anyone at any age, though it is more common in adult women. It often appears around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks, though it is difficult to ascertain if you have hormonal acne without a proper diagnosis.
Despite their noticeable similarities with normal acne, hormonal acne is typically more persistent and severe in nature. It can cause significant inflammation and deep clogs that may last for some time.
Hormonal Acne Symptoms
Hormonal acne may appear in different forms, including whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and nodules. Symptoms may differ from person to person, but they generally include:
- Cystic acne that appears larger and more inflamed
- Oily skin due to increased sebum production
- Noticeable swelling
- Redness and tenderness around acne-affected areas
- Frequent breakouts
What Causes Hormonal Acne?
Acne develops when oil, bacteria, dead skin, and debris block the hair follicles or pores, which then form a pimple. However, in the case of hormonal acne, hormonal imbalances may cause an overstimulation of the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum. When there is an excess of sebum, it can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, clogging pores and resulting in inflammation and lesions. This type of acne is more common in women due to hormonal fluctuations.
Other factors that can also contribute to worsening hormonal acne include:
Stress
These negative emotions can promote the production of cortisol, a hormone that increases sebum production. This can contribute to oily skin, which may increase the risk of clogged pores and potentially disrupt normal hormone levels in ways that may worsen symptoms.
Sleep Quality
Poor sleep quality may also disrupt normal hormone levels, which can manifest as hormonal acne breakouts or exacerbate existing symptoms.
Genetics
If you have a family history of acne or hormone-related conditions, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing hormonal acne.
Menopause
Menopause is a natural condition where a woman has not had her menstrual period, vaginal bleeding, or spotting for 12 consecutive months. The changes in hormone levels caused by menopause can potentially increase the symptoms of hormonal acne breakouts.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is characterised by a hormonal imbalance where the ovaries overproduce reproductive hormones. This condition can cause complications like irregular periods and increased sebum production, which may contribute to hormonal acne.
Hormonal Acne Treatment
Our acne and pimple clinic offers several treatments to help you manage hormonal acne.
Chemical Peel
This treatment uses exfoliation to help unclog blocked pores by applying a chemical peel solution to your skin. After undergoing a chemical peel, you will need to limit sun exposure to prevent side effects.
Carbon Laser Peel Treatment
Carbon laser peel treatment applies a film of liquid carbon to your skin. When a low-intensity laser is directed at this liquid carbon film, it acts as a photo enhancer, helping to improve your skin’s overall appearance. It helps to minimise pores and control oil secretion, which may reduce acne and the risks of breakouts.
Topical Medications
Topical creams or medications may also help to treat your hormonal acne, but these are typically prescribed by a professional and cannot be purchased over the counter. Please consult our doctor or a healthcare professional to find out what may work for you.
Photopneumatic Therapy
This acne treatment combines the use of pulsed light and vacuum technology to clean clogged pores. The vacuum helps to remove dead skin cells and excess oil, while the pulsed light targets bacterial growth in the pores.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) / Blue Light Therapy
PDT targets specific areas and uses photosensitisers, a compound that becomes active when used with light, to treat hormonal acne. It removes any bacteria that could cause further acne breakouts in clogged pores, while leaving no permanent marks or scars. However, it may cause a temporary side effect where you have increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL therapy is a non-invasive treatment using pulses of light in multiple wavelengths on your skin to treat hormonal acne symptoms. However, IPL therapy is not suitable for everyone and is generally recommended for people with lighter skin tones to minimise the risk of hyperpigmentation or other complications.
Can You Prevent Hormonal Acne?
You can take simple steps to prevent hormonal acne from causing significant discomfort.
- Know what your triggers are. Consult a professional who can share tips to help you reduce the risk of an acne breakout.
- Use gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers to remove excess oil and dirt while maintaining your skin’s moisture.
- Keep your skin hydrated and moisturised regularly with oil-free cleansers.
- Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet and reduce your sugar, salt, and processed food intake.
- Quit smoking to reduce the risk of breakouts.
- Change into clean clothes after sweating, especially after a long, hot day or strenuous physical activities.
- Practice meditation or mindfulness techniques often to help manage your stress.
- Having at least seven to eight hours of sleep each day may influence hormone balance and regulation.
- Include regular exercise of about 20 minutes, three times a day, in your schedule to regulate your hormone levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could hormonal acne cause scarring?
Hormonal acne does have a risk of causing acne scarring when you attempt to scratch or pop acne pimples. You may need to speak to a qualified dermatologist to discuss and understand suitable approaches to treat hormonal acne.
Will hormonal acne recur even after treatment?
Yes, there may be factors that could cause a new breakout to occur. If symptoms return, we recommend seeking guidance from a qualified professional for advice.
Does poor hygiene cause hormonal acne?
No. While poor hygiene may affect your skin’s overall well-being, fluctuating hormonal levels are the primary cause of hormonal acne. Triggers may stem from stress, anxiety, and medical conditions that affect the hormone balance of your body.
Can you permanently prevent hormonal acne?
While avoiding triggers may help manage hormonal acne symptoms, there are no guaranteed ways to stop it. There may be additional factors to consider that could cause recurrences. For example, some people may have a genetic component that increases the likelihood of hormonal acne, and may require additional preventive care to regulate symptoms and minimise their adverse effects.
What foods should I reduce to minimise hormonal acne breakouts?
Dairy, trans fats, saturated fats, and certain sources of carbohydrates (including high-glycaemic carbs) are said to be potential triggers that may cause hormonal acne to form. It may be helpful to speak with a nutritionist or a qualified medical professional about finding a suitable, well-balanced diet to help you manage your hormonal acne.
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Dr. Kan Hun Yee
Headed by our director and sole founder, Dr Kan, who is not just a certified family physician by the College of Family Physician, as she is also a certified Aesthetic Physician with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.
She possess a number of qualifications which speaks to her knowledge:
- Medical Degree (University of Southampton, UK)
- Diploma in Family Medicine (National University of Singapore)
- Diploma in Dermatology (Cardiff, UK)
- Diploma in aesthetic medicine (American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine)
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