Get Rid Of Your Acne Naturally And Effectively
Hormonal acne is the monthly, recurring acne that women experience, usually, during the week preceding their menstrual cycle. It is estimated that close to one-half of all women experience hormonal imbalances during their menstrual cycle that lead to hormonal acne. The acne usually begins at about 20 to 25 years of age; however, teenagers and more mature adults may also experience hormonal acne. The acne is, however, most persistent in women over the age of 30.
Indications of hormonal acne are varied. You may be experiencing hormonal acne if you are:
· Experiencing the first occurrence of acne
· Having a history of irregular menstrual cycles
· Experiencing monthly reoccurrences of acne break-outs
· Developing increased facial oiliness
· Indicating elevated levels of certain androgens
· Experiencing acne that does not respond to treatment
· Developing masculine traits, such as deepened voice, excessive hair growth or hair loss
· Darkening under your armpits and in your body folds, such as inside the elbow
· Becoming obese in the middle part of the torso
Hormonal acne, most often, is characterized by acne lesions in the lower portion of the face, such as the chin or jaw line or it may develop on the back and chest. Hormonal acne legions can appear as whiteheads or blackheads, but they are usually inflamed papules or nodules. Women that suspect hormonal acne should seek the advice of a dermatologist, who can accurately diagnose skin for acne.
Mild forms of hormonal acne can be treated with topical treatments and antibiotics. In situations where the acne will not respond to antibiotics or topical treatments, the patient may need to seek hormonal therapy or combination-therapy. Combination-therapy is the combination of medication with topical or systemic treatments. Hormonal therapy is not recommended, however, to treat severe cystic acne.
During the menstrual cycle, Estrogen levels fluctuate. The ovarian hormones, Progesterone and Strogen also fluctuate. In addition, Progesterone stimulates the sebaceous gland to produce extra oil in the skin. The hormonal imbalance, combined with the overproduction oil, creates hormonal acne.
The most common treatment for mild to moderate hormonal acne provides for the regulation of the menstrual cycle with the use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or oral contraceptives in combination with anti-androgen or anti-inflammatory drugs. Oral contraceptives contain hormones that are used to manipulate the pattern of fluctuating hormones. Oral contraceptives also reduce the androgens produced by the ovaries. The side effects of using birth control pills are, relatively, mild and offer no serious dangers. Some women may experience melasma, or hyperpigmentation, from the use of birth control pills. The resulting brown blotches can be treated with bleaching agents. They may also experience weight gain, spotting, breast tenderness and nausea.
For women, already taking birth control and experiencing acne, doctors may combine other anti-androgen drugs to reduce excessive oil production or Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and the amount of excessive oil. Both of these drugs offer side effects; they should only be combined with birth control under the advice of a physician. Corticosteriods may lead to weight gain and bone thinning while anti-androgen drugs may cause irregular periods, headache, fatigue, frequent urination and breast tenderness. Anti-androgen drugs may also cause birth defects in fetus, so that birth control must be maintained with the drugs. The drug, Spironolactone, may be used to reduce oil production as well as excess hair growth. Spironolactone has the side effects of creating irregular menstrual periods for women who are not taking the pill.
Hormonal acne, like the many other forms of acne, is not caused by the foods consumed. However, a nutritious and well balanced diet is necessary for the body to perform its functions of protecting against bacteria, recovering from damage and regulating food metabolism. Foods that slow the digestive system to create skin disorders and foods that contain hormones and steroids to upset the hormonal balance of the body should be avoided.
A diet high in zinc, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, chromium, fatty acids, plant-based foods and raw foods will assist the body and skin in functioning. Acne patients should avoid alcohol, dairy products, caffeine, smoking, foods high in iodine and sugar processed foods. Some herbal supplements, such as red clover, milk thistle, cnidium seed and honeysuckle flower are also thought to assist the body and skin for acne patients. A healthy diet should also include lots of water, at least 64 oz per day.
