Perhaps the greatest trigger for acne comes from our own bodies. Hormones starting around the age of 10 and peaking in puberty contribute significantly to breakouts. For adults with acne, this process can continue for decades.

Onset of puberty

The main acne hormones are the class known as Androgens. These include Testosterone, DHEA-S, Andro, DHT. They are also precursors for the female sex hormone estrogen. At puberty, the body goes into full production of these hormones. As they stimulate the sebaceous glands into producing more oil, the conditions for acne are set.

Acne During Menstration

Another time hormonal acne tends to rear its ugly head is during or just before menstration. The female body produces increased quantities of multiple hormones during this time which stimulate the sebaceous glands. Of course, the result of more oil tends to be more clogs and hence more acne.

Hormonal Acne During Pregnancy

For much the same reason that acne increases during mentration, acne during pregancy can be a problem. Unfortunately, this is the time when its hardest to treat. Many common treatments such as sacylic acid and oral pills are unsafe for baby. This means you’ll have to use natural treatments such as vinegar.

During Menopause (Female Hormones and Acne)

Like pregnancy and menstration, Menopause is a time of significant hormonal fluxuation. Therefore acne can almost be expected. Fortunately the normal treatments which are available can be used without harming anyone.

Adult Male Hormones and Acne

In males, there are fewer periods of dramatic hormone changes than in females. The most likely causes of changes in males would be related to high stress or unusual physical activity. Unfortunately this means that adult males who suffer from acne will likely have the problem until their middle ages.

Treatment of Hormonal Acne

For adults who suffer from acne that do not respond to normal treatments, there are a new range of ‘hormonal’ treatments available. For women, this can be as simple as taking a contraception pill. For males and females, there are various ‘anti’ androgens now being marketed. This treatment tends to be complex, however, as hormones regulated many things in the body. The potential for unwanted side effects is also high.

A better way to treat acne is through natural means. Many people throughout the Internet are coming together and discussing various dietary supplements (such as zinc) which have helped them tremendously. So while you may not be able to eliminate acne entirely with just one shot, you can certainly reduce it significantly without harming yourself.