Is my acne hormonal? Knowing what type of acne you have is the first step to getting clearer skin. Hormonal acne and regular acne may appear similar at first, but their causes, appearance and treatment methods differ. Here’s how to tell the difference and where to find the best treatment for acne in Chevy Chase Maryland.
What is Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne is a term we use when referring to acne that tend to have a much stronger correlation to hormonal influences. While all acne is tied to hormones, some is much more heavily influenced by them. Recognizing the differences can help you tailor your treatment plan and achieve a more effective results.
Appearance
Hormonal acne most commonly appears as deep, painful cysts beneath the skin’s surface. It creates tender nodules that resist healing. These breakouts are stubborn and often feel sore to the touch. They show very little response to standard OTC remedies.
Breakout Locations
While acne can affect nearly any part of the body, hormonal acne most often clusters in specific areas. This includes the neck, chin and jawline, and lower cheeks.
Cyclical Timing
Over 65% of women notice acne flares linked to their menstrual cycle. These hormonal breakouts often peak during pre-menstrual days and settle as menstruation ends. If your breakouts follow a cyclical nature, they are likely hormonal. In contrast, regular acne appears randomly with no timing pattern.
What Causes Hormonal Acne
There are several things that can trigger hormonal acne. Fluctuations in testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol (the stress hormone) can all play a role in breakouts.
That means things like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, certain medications, and medical conditions can cause hormonal acne.
Additionally, some people react more strongly to hormone fluctuations, leading to breakouts despite balanced hormone levels.
Should I See an Acne Specialist?
If your skin doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatment, you have deep or painful breakouts, or your acne is impacting your life in other ways, it can benefit you to speak to a dermatologist about the best acne treatment in Chevy Chase Maryland.
Cronin Dermatology specializes in skin cancer treatment, lasers, cosmetic procedures, acne treatment, and anti-aging treatments. Contact us today for a one-on-one consultation!