Hormonal acne explained in under 3 minutes | Dermatologist reviews

More detail- www.drdavinlim.com
Hormonal acne hormonal acne is very common in effects approximately 15% of women.
So what is the difference between normal acne and hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne as the name suggests has a significant hormonal component (technically there is a hormonal drive with normal acne however this import is not the primary source of the problem).
Hormonal acne can occur in one of two scenarios. Normal hormone levels on the background of a sensitive sebaceous or oil gland or rarely increase levels of certain hormones including testosterone, prolactin, 17 hydroxy progesterone and DHEASs. The secondary rise in androgens is much rarer compare to normal hormonal levels. Hence it can be said that hormonal acne is an intracrine disorder we are by sebaceous glands are sensitive to normal hormones.
How does hormonal acne present?
Hormonal acne typically occurs in females over the age of 20 sometimes lingering on to the mid 40s. This type of acne is deep, often affect the chin and jaw line area, and fluctuates with the menstrual cycle. Acne is also modulated by food in not uncommonly stress.
What is the significance of hormonal acne?
This type of acne has one of the highest scarring rate due to the fact that lesions are deep and picking is not uncommon. Unlike normal teenage acne, hormonal acne has not got a head - it's more resistant to certain treatments such as exfoliation.
How can we treat hormonal acne?
The best solution is to see a dermatologist early. They can undertake investigations to exclude hormonal causes and will give you a choice of either an anti-hormone medication such spironolactone or cyperterone acetate. They also would consider the use of oral isotretinoin if your acne is recalcitrant and resistant to normal medication.
What can you try at home?
Rarey, hormonal acne can be treated with DIY treatments including the use of salicylic acid wash twice a day. You can trial retinol 1% at night, benzoyl peroxide between 3 to 5% should be used on spots. This may have a drying affect however BPO does not treat the fundamental cause of this acne. Pimple patches are invaluable in the treatment of hormonal acne is this patch will give feedback to the patients in order to stop picking. Do not underestimate the importance of an anti-acne diet as this can be marginally effective.
What other options are there?
Clinical strength BHA salicylic acid peels or retinoid peels can be effective. Phototherapy namely light treatment especially in the blue and red light spectrum can help some cases. BBL Forever Clear or vascular lasers may provide additional help in reducing lesions. Our suggestion is that you try these home remedies for a definitive period of 4 to 8 weeks. If you're still struggling with acne, consider seeing a dermatologist for early and effective management. Cutis Dermatology runs an acne clinic, our specialists use pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment such as peels and light therapy.
For more on how we manage acne, including picking acne, go to our website www.cutis.com.au
Dr Davin lim, Dermatologist
Brisbane Australia
Cutis Dermatology
Disclaimer: I do not treat acne. My work is complex procedural only.
About us: Cutis Dermatology is based in Brisbane Australia. We deal with all things skin, including rashes, skin cancers, surgery, laser dermatology & cosmetic dermatology. Our group of dermatologists specialise in different skin conditions, hence ask our reception team who sees what. To learn more about skin, goto our website (cutis.com.au) or our Instagram page below.
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Website: www.cutis.com.au
Instagram: @drdavinlim @101.skin

[@jenzhao12]

So unhelpful. Basically his takeaway = go see dermatologist. I’ve literally gone to see 10+ derms and they’re all totally unhelpful. They just rush through the meeting without treating the underlying cause, throw a bunch of medications at you, ask you to book follow ups so they make more money. Their goal is not to treat your acne and make it go away, since then, then lose business and money. Their goal is to ensure that you don’t treat the underlying hormonal acne, so you keep getting you to come back and they can make more money.

[@themastersonicgames]

What did you do to treat your acne?

[@semeionsemeion6237]

I'm facing the same thing right now

[@neonbabep]

I agree they also want you to take medications that never help with acne in along run. Now I’m exploring diet change and how it correlates to acne but not many doctors on KZbin focus on that kind of thing. 🥲

[@empty_seat]

Exactly the same experience in Europe… just throw things at you (birth control pills, washes, cremes) NEVER trying to treat the ROOT cause. That is western medicine for you…

[@kayladasilva4662]

go dairy and gluten free. It’s tough but you can live the lifestyle!!! it’s helped me and majority of those who deal with hormonal acne. God bless!!

[@sarahusman6123]

I love how Dr. Lim do not use approach of other Derm doctors and tell you to use this and that. He has actually looked into hormonal acne and diet part of it. Thank you for being this great.

[@lotetree6140]

So This may be the reason “overtly sensitive oil glands to normal hormones “ of my acne 😔. I see friends and family members having same hormonal issues like mine but very clean and clear skin. Very informative video short and easy to understand.

[@mimimoon6082]

Great review Dr. Lim! 🤩

[@roxxagape5835]

I'm a 50 yrs old lady, pre- menopause...I was getting acne, my face was terrible, I went to 2 dermatologist, nothing worked for me. The last Dr. Was honest, and said there is nothing he can do for me, due to my age could be , probably was hormonal problem, I went to my Gynecology, she was good, put me on birth control pills, I saw the difference in two weeks. I learned to that teenagers acne and adult pre menopause acne is totally different!!!

[@giao2380]

I get morning sickness on bc pills.

[@ivonmartinez6160]

I’m currently struggling with hormonal and cystic acne on my jawline and is slowly going down my neck and I went to go see a dermatologist and all she told me was that it was indeed hormonal acne and that she can’t control it 🙃

[@beiruo6848]

Me too, i think it's better for us to controlit by ourselves,😂 like diet, excercises and sleeping well

[@Emilychild]

same

[@roxxagape5835]

My Gynecology put me on birth control pills.... I saw the difference in two weeks....

[@jojo01jd]

@@roxxagape5835 birth control for me is the worst thing you can take. It do works pretty well but it’s really bad for the rest of your body and your acne will come back even worse when you stop taking it

[@rebecca5379]

I'm not a doctor, but Winlevi and Tretinoin

[@suesweeney7536]

I am 64 and get spots only on my chin and nose and always in the same spot...frustrating

[@MT-yx5cu]

I didn't know high prolactin could cause acne. My prolactin has been high for YEARS as I have struggled with hormonal acne and no one ever mentioned it possibly being the cause-my dermatologist nor my gynecologist. All my other hormone levels are normal. They just told me to take BC and antibiotics. It would be great if you could do a detailed video on the effects of high prolactin.

[@nc375]

GIRL GET AN MRI OF YOUR PITUITARY GLAND or talk to an endocrinologist instead since they specialise in hormones!! I had very abnormally high prolactin and it turns out it was because of Prolactinoma. Please double check if it is something malignant or not it could potentially be a tumour and I mean it. It could also be pcos if you have irregular periods, insulin resistance, hirsutism, male pattern balding, hyperandrogenism.

[@africanprincessmaya]

gosh being a woman should be a book god help us@@nc375

[@ericcharles7632]

Vitamin B6 will help reduce prolactin. Iam a male but I take Nandrolones and Testosterone and other things that cause my prolactin to increase. Find it helps but not much since i'm directly messing with my hormones. Also, Pramipexole works great if B6 doesn't help. That will nuke your prolactin 👍🏻

[@MT-yx5cu]

@@nc375 thank you; I know exactly what you are talking about. I have been checked for it in the past by my endocrinologist. They didn't find any tumors. It's been only slightly high so they didn't think I needed medication, but I am very sensitive my hormone levels and medications. I wonder if even the slightest elevation could be causing my acne. I also wonder if my breast implants could be affecting the prolactin levels as well. The last time I checked it was in a normal range. I'm still going to be keeping a watch on it.

[@MT-yx5cu]

@@ericcharles7632 thanks, I will look into it!

[@jaysonleroux9103]

I’m a 17 year old male. I’ve struggled with acne since around the age of 13, very predictable age, but it’s always been fairly manageable. It has been painful and inflamed in the past but in the last few months it’s been worse than ever. So painful, swollen and irritated. My acne has always been on my chin and around my mouth. I’m trying to figure out what’s causing it to worsen and how I can treat it. I’m wondering if it is hormonal? Can males get hormonal acne?

[@calmkid9718]

Stay away from dairy, try going vegan, exercise, drink water, take prebiotics like apple cider vinegar or other sources , keep working at it you will see the result Good luck to you :)

[@nekdopac5634]

​@@calmkid9718 all this ? Thats torture

[@Slursz]

@@calmkid9718 don’t listen to this kid “go vegan”

[@mavokoro]

@@Slursz Actually he is right, I mean going vegan would technically help with your acne, I don't do it, because I LOVEEE MEAT! However, everything he said is 100% true, now do I think you should "go vegan", no because if your 17, your near the end of puberty, once your body is done pumping out that testerone, it will all go away, no need to stay away from meat when testosterone will bind with those proteins and help with muscle growth, and body health and growth in general.

[@sho9214]

Me too male adult acne at jawline mostly. Will spearmint tea help? ❤

[@bluesummers5051]

If hormone levels don’t matter, than what makes the oil glands stop being sensitive to them? At some point all acne stops. Which of the 2 has the most influence on this?

[@siyavuyadlamini5396]

I have normal acne and been taking erythromycin for a month and it got worse is it normal? Also can u just drink the tablets without the topics antibiotics? How effective is it without the topical antibiotics?

[@AlejandraRamirez-hr9nb]

Spironolactone gave me really bad side effects twice.... what other medication you recommend ? Thank you

[@lorikraus8087]

I’m 64 years old and my face is a mess. Acne and ingrown hairs. Very painful so I’ve scarred my skin up pretty badly in trying to get rid of them using a pair of tweezers. It’s like needles in my face and removing them eases the pain. I’ve used many different products which none seem to work well, Retin-A, chemical peels, maderma gel, and of course I make sure my Face is well cleaned upon waking and before going to bed. I’m at a total loss as to what to try next. I also have hyperpigmentation causing horrible brown spots on my face….

[@hat6119]

Try accutane

[@zuharu9615]

@@hat6119 does it works for ya?

[@emilywood6830]

Hope you do a video about WINLEVI (clascoterone) cream 🙏 I'm very interested in it, but unsure when it may or may not come to Australia? What are dermatologists saying about it?

[@Jakilyn]

Did not work for me. I've started Accutane and sooo thankful I am starting to clear up! Best decision I've made. I've spent THOUSANDS on so many treatments and procedures. I've lost nearly 50lbs, I'm non-dairy, gluten free, take vitamins, etc but none of those changes stopped the acne until Accutane 😊

[@peynattyl]

​@@JakilynAccutane nipped it in the bud for me, too. Worked instantly and permanently!

[@zuharu9615]

@@peynattyl can you tell me, which product pls?

[@tas64]

​@@peynattylany side effects? What was the dose?

[@tas64]

​@@Jakilynany side effects? What's the dose?

[@beetledune9264]

My experience was ,i had jawline acne,its itchy and flammed,i went to beauty spa and did facial for acne.my acne 90% gone.now its my 2nd treatment(facial) my jawline acne almost gone.so people maybe u need to pamper youself a bit and see if that works for u,if not seek dermatologist for consultations.my case,i no need see dermatologist.

[@JodieAprilMae]

Thanks for this information…. If only someone had prescribed spiritual when I was 17…. !!!

[@janinebean4276]

What about in front of the ears? My jawline is fine but in front of my ears is getting g just constant irritated acne, especially around my period

[@21972012145525]

Can I use ammonium lactate cream 12% on my face if I have eczema? Nothing is hydrating my skin it feels parched dry. At least that is cutting down the itch a bit

[@sharonvelardo5562]

Have you tried …cicalfate from avene? It has zinc and thermal water. It helped me a lot.

[@21972012145525]

@@sharonvelardo5562 no I haven't. It's a bit out of my price range ATM and avene isn't as easily available too unfortunately. Thank you though. My face is doing better now thankfully! My body is parched now!

[@Liz-cmc313]

I'm 55 and getting acne. I'm sure it's a part of menopause. Which sucks.

[@truthseeker4557]

maybe try Vitex? (chasteberry)

[@clearskinisreallypossible]

Hi Liz, would you like to talk with me about your acne? I've been helping people clear there acne for a while and I'm sure I can give you some tips.

[@Ohkeh640]

I’m on tretinoin 0.05% for 1 year breaking out in red pustules on jawline and chin, why I’m using sal acid face wash in the morning and benzoyl peroxide wash at night

[@Taboodie_]

Can someone help me with this though. I never had problems with my face before, normally only had 2 pimples max and I never used too much skin care products. But suddenly I have pimples all over my face and right under my chin… does that mean I also have hormonal acne?

[@bhartisharmasharma7191]

Can you please suggest a good retinol cream for hormonal acne?

[@lingli7398]

Adapalene

[@memoonasaeed4408]

Hey dr I'm 25 years old, i have acne when i was 17 years old, i took antibiotics multiple times like doxycyline azithromycin and minocycline, also two courses of 20 mg isotretinoin with 3 month duration and also 2 years with oral contraceptive pills. My acne always come back after calming down for few months, now i have visited 2 dermatologist and one prescribed 5month course of isotretinoin, other prescribed 250 mg azithromycin for 21 days then follow up. Can you please tell azithromycin 250mg helps with acne or not? I do have poor gut health issues like nausea and acidity

[@kpopwifeu6529]

Your acne can be because of your gut health . Start looking into it and I’m sure your acne will go away

[@giao2380]

I took doxycycline and ended up with titinnitus. After about 5 days it went away. I was terrified! I see it’s a common side effect. Also when I stopped the doxycycline, my acne came back.

[@giao2380]

@@kpopwifeu6529I’m starting barberry supplements to help clean my gut. I hope they work

[@memoonasaeed4408]

@@giao2380 same, i took doxycycline almost 3 times for acne in past, acne came back and also got ruined gut health

[@user-tw6bj4xx1l]

I am dealing with this. Around my jaw. I couldn't figure why just my cheeks

[@NevadaGibson]

Right when I was about to turn 25 i started getting hormonal jawline acne. Nothing has cured it. I may have to do a more strict diet EVEN THO i am already vegan (no dairy) and make most of my food (80% of my diet is not processed food). I’ve done facials which seems to “manage” it the best but no cure. I fucking HATE it! Why!!!! I feel like I’ve watched so many videos and tried everything but still no permanent results. I’ve gone to the dermatologist and all they want to do is prescribe me shit. When I was previously taking their prescriptions it didn’t work either!! I’m going on 3 years with this awful cystic jawline acne and it’s so annoying because before my skin was clear as can be NATURALLY! I used to wash my face with bath and body works HAND SOAP. Lord send a miracle 🙏🏽

[@Jaa_morant]

I eat clean af for 6 years,, no gels help, I don’t wanna use roacutaine really

[@ebishrimpy9366]

I have PCOS and hormonal acne and it went away with the use of oral contraceptives. When I stop the pills, the acne comes back.

[@Hanna-fl1cb]

Hey ! Im curious to know what’s the name of your contraception ?

[@ebishrimpy9366]

@@Hanna-fl1cb its a birth control pill brand called "Lizelle".

[@barbarafatelier]

I'm in a low-carb diet now and as soon as possible I'm going to start a meat-based keto diet (maybe in 2 weeks). My doctor says it's the only way to get rid of my acne.

[@naufal6879]

i went to a dermatologist and she said its due to hormone, i have zero acne on my jawline its always clean, but it's all over my cheek and forehead.. is that considered as hormonal acne?

[@marijanemcmillan5117]

No it’s not hormonal!

[@Jeyy777]

@@marijanemcmillan5117 abobe the chin is hormonal?

[@thelovelyvalc]

Thank you so much! This helped me. I bauxite need to cut down the sugar and dairy which sucks because ice cream id such a weakness of mine lol

[@edenstiles3980]

Doctor isibor helped balance my cousin sister hormonal acne and stop my facial hair growth due to pcos 🤗🤗🤗

[@deskynovytasary8757]

Is it possible to have allergic to salicylic acid?

[@adlalamb6229]

Any recommendations for men with hormonal acne?

[@roxxagape5835]

See your Doctor... That is a good question

[@abdullbasit4998]

My dermatologist recommend me isotretinoin and doxycycline

[@Niketa21]

Is it possible that my hormonal acne is due to my bad gut health bc I’ve had adult hormonal acne for years and been on and still on spirolactone, and doxycycline for over 4 years and my acne has not cleared up. Went on accutane and it made my acne worst for 6 months. I haven’t had clear skin in 5 years. I changed my diet and eat healthy but I still break out with painful cystic acne daily. My skin always has acne on it. If it’s clear it’s for one or two days max but the acne just comes back daily. I’ve been seeing a dermatologist for over 10 years and been on meds but that’s not helping my adult Hormonal acne so it has to be something else that’s causing it bc I have a lot of health issues that’s probably due to my bad gut health. Thoughts?

[@lolgeselle]

I’m sorry you’re going through this! I have been on Spironolactone for 3 months now for hormonal acne. I have lots of weight gain from it and very fatigued. :/

[@MsGreatTest]

Have you tried a vegetarian or gluten free diet?

[@j.t.8320]

1 clove of garlic will clean out bad gut health. Drink lemon water afterwards to avoid garlic breath. Hope this helps.

[@MsGreatTest]

@lolgeselle when you're feeling fatigue please check your blood pressure. This med is also for high blood pressure for those who retain water.

[@funsizedi88]

Antibiotics wreck your gut. I have lines disease snd when it flares and I hsve to tske antibiotics for 30+ days, it wrecks my stomach sch for months. I have to tske pre and pro bitoics and avoid dairy/sugar. Up your water intake to at the bare minimum 1 gallon per day, I do about 1.5 per day.

[@xUmbrellaCo]

does high vitamin D levels cause hormonal acne?

[@limitlessvictoria]

TRY MAGNESIUM IF U CAN- I USE THE CALM BRAND. 2 TEASPOONS EVERY NIGHT AND I HAVENT GOTTEN ACNE AGAIN! I used to get it about a week before my period and guys it works. magnesium is just like another vitamin

[@j.t.8320]

Are you for real because I’m getting desperate.😩🥺

[@limitlessvictoria]

@@j.t.8320 yes lol its worked for me. they have small containers if u wanna buy that before the bigger one. I do wanna try a different brand I saw a sprouts bc It has so many different kinds of magnesium including the kind CALM has. but yea the CALM one has helped me so much

[@j.t.8320]

@@limitlessvictoria okay, will do. Thank you.🙏🏽

[@kerrimichelle5238]

Is it this one “Natural Vitality CALM Magnesium Plus Calcium Supplement Powder - Raspberry Lemon - 8oz”?

[@pihupalav62palav32]

Plz reply does it really work on pcod acne

[@mentalhealthwithalana]

I have high prolactin levels and struggle with hormonal acne alot

[@pallavipandey1875]

so any solution to cure it ?

[@gloablist_elite9675]

Hey mate how can mem clear hormonal acne. Woman have spiro 💁‍♂️

[@reallivingtv1662]

And for the men?

[@iqramalik6410]

sould i do microneedling ?

[@WorldIsMine416]

Nobody talks about male hormonal acne! They only talk about women!!!

[@CrystalDMay]

Here is how I fixed my absolutely horrific hormonal acne covering my cheeks, chin, and jawline. I take Spironolactone 100mg, and my skincare is this: 1. panoxyl 10% face wash 2. Dr. Song’s benzoyl peroxide treatment lotion 3. cetaphil lotion. Morning and night, all 3 steps. Do NOT skip.

[@oglancollection7666]

I’m using benzoyl, panoxyl, salysilic, nacinamide nd still no diff. I keep purging out , maybe I should add d drug

[@CrystalDMay]

@@oglancollection7666 if I touch my face with salicylic, I purge like craaazy!!! Never stops. The spironolactone is AMAZING!!! Remember, takes 2 months to kick in.

[@ZenocydeQuinn]

But I noticed that I started getting acne after I took contraceptive pills because of my period

[@annettesoltero6815]

I had clear skin besides a pimple here and there and a doctor put me on the pill because I had irregular periods since I got my period and they wanted to fix that with birth control and I went from having clear skin to the worst cystic acne all over my face. Birth control can do damage cause it happened to me :(

[@umar3298]

Why you talk only about girls

[@era_97ronin70]

What about hormonal acne for men? Same rules apply ?

[@Its_juice17]

Fr pisses me off that it’s always only about women

[@Plushbaby49]

I’m 49 n got back acne n often get acne around my jawline chin

[@natebrook]

Did you get your insulin fasting test? Which is to identify insulin resistance, the root cause of all diseases which include acne.

[@Vegetarianbull]

Ozempic causes me acne! 😢

[@vkayysmoto]

I'm sorry, but none of what you said is very helpful. So either go to a dermatologist and get Tretnoin which you can't take if you're trying to conceive. Or birth control, which also doesn't work. If you are trying to cand save, you guys. Just give us things to hide the symptoms instead of actually solving the root cause, which is internal and fixing our hormonal imbalances. Naturally without bc or retinoids.

[@TheMasterashton]

I heard microneedling was good for acne, it was too expensive for me. So i just used a fork instead. Results seem good so far, lots of blood loss. But i read that means it will heal better. Love ur vids DR

[@wardafayzkhan424]

Are you serious

[@TheMasterashton]

@@wardafayzkhan424 Yes, great results. I reccomend it

[@gembets]

Omg what 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@clo2583]

Lol

[@thecarmen7182]

Better use a knife then 🤣

[@jendoodle3399]

Spironolactone saved my skin!!

[@kellified]

I just started taking it a couple of days ago and I'm so excited!! How long did it take for you to see results?

[@ca4779]

@@kellifiedhow has it been going ?

[@paradise_124]

😢

[@fahmiwijaya914]

Gak ngerti pula aku bahasa inggris 😢😂

[@rajkumarisubba614]

Some dermatologists is fake

[@2krazybeagles]

My trans child is taking testosterone now. Their acne is horrible now. Cystic acne.

[@officialmkamzeemwatela]

It’s almost like they shouldn’t take testosterone

[@yasminzakarya]

Cilcilic Acid Benzoyl peroxide Azelic Acid Low sugar Dairy Processed food

[@noRTH1212]

Most important thing is that your insuline in blood activating acne. Take A+B complex with little lactose (without b12) + zink, and c. Good to taking also Omega3. Eliminate milk at all. Reduce sugar from diet. Your acne will dissapear, and other hormons will down.