7 Steps To Healing Hormonal Acne

If you're struggling with adult acne, you may be surprised to find out that many others are too. A large number of adults face this skin challenge, with studies from the American Academy of Dermatology showing more than 50% of women in their 20s and over 25% in their 40s are affected by breakouts. This is often referred to as adult-onset acne, it can even be a struggle for those who had clear skin through their teens.

What is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne, a prevalent form of adult acne, is largely driven by hormonal imbalances. Your skin's ability to renew and shed dead cells slows with age. When hormones are not in equilibrium, these cells can become glue-like, sticking together and leading to a complexion that seems to be anything but clear—dryness, dullness, and clogged pores. For women, the hormonal ups and downs of menstrual cycles and menopause often intensify these skin problems, making a balanced approach to treatment even more necessary.

Conventional Treatment for Acne

In the realm of conventional acne treatments, the focus is typically on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause issues. From oral contraceptives, which regulate hormonal activity, to spironolactone and retinoids, which target oil production and skin cell turnover, these methods can be effective but often come at a cost. Side effects and a failure to tackle the underlying hormonal imbalances leave many seeking more holistic and sustainable solutions.

Synergised has collated an actionable list of 7 top tips when it comes to healing hormonal acne. 

7 Steps to Healing Hormonal Acne:

1. Balance Your Hormones

Start by stabilising your blood sugar to reset insulin levels. Incorporate a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and fibre, and opt for complex carbohydrates like vegetables and fruits over processed grains and sugars.

2. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Eliminate inflammatory foods such as gluten, dairy, and processed sugars. Instead, load up on plant-based foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and adopt dietary habits similar to the Mediterranean diet to reduce inflammation.

3. Manage Stress

Keeping stress at bay is key to reducing cortisol levels that can spike blood sugar and insulin, leading to acne. Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or simply getting enough sleep.

4. Eliminate Endocrine Disruptors

Reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals in everyday products by going organic, filtering water, and choosing cleaner beauty and household products.

5. Heal Your Gut

Your gut microbiome is responsible for moving hormones out of your body and helping you detoxify. An imbalance in the estrogen can throw off the delicate balance of the hormones in your body. Support your gut health by removing inflammatory foods and adding fibre, fermented foods, and a quality probiotic to your diet.

6. Support Liver Detoxification

Help your liver process and eliminate hormones and toxins by consuming plenty of dietary fibre and incorporating bitter greens and detox herbs into your diet. Try a Functional Medicine Detox like the 21 Day Reset which focuses on phase 2 of the detoxification process. Learn more about what happens to your body during a functional medicine detox here. 

7. Supplement Supportively

Consider supplements that can support hormonal balance, such as a high-quality all-in-one powder, omega-3 fatty acids, and specific nutrients like magnesium and zinc.

Conclusion:

Achieving clear skin is more than just surface level—it's a reflection of our inner health and balance. Healing hormonal acne requires a comprehensive approach that addresses hormonal imbalances, liver health, and gut inflammation.

It can take a few weeks to see initial improvements, and generally, 3–6 months for more lasting results. Remember, fluctuations are normal, especially with stress or your menstrual cycle. Patience and consistency with these steps are your allies in this journey to clearer skin!