What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne refers to the acne breakouts that ladies experience due to a fluctuation in hormonal levels in the body.
This is a common problem in adult women which occur in the days before and after menstruation.
These may present as large, painful, cystic acne around the chin and jawline.
Less commonly, hormonal acne may be due to an underlying medication condition such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Ladies with irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, adult acne and excessive facial and body hair may have PCOS.
Common causes of Acne
- Hormonal fluctuations – Menstrual cycle, menopause, puberty, birth control pills, pregnancy
- Comedogenic / inappropriate skin care or make up that block pores and trigger acne formation
- Diet high in refined sugar and dairy may worsen acne
- Underlying medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
How does Acne Form?
Detailed guide to acne formation is explained here
Hormonal Acne Treatments
Topical Skincare
Comedone Control Complex - Contains natural botanical extracts which acts to regulate sebum and effectively reduce open pores, whitehead and blackheads.
Anti Blemish Formula - Contains multi-herbal complex and botanical extracts to kill acne-causing bacteria, minimise breakouts, regulate sebum, reduce inflammation and accelerate healing of red acne marks.
Acne Spot Cream - Contains antibiotics to kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation and speed up acne resolution.
Oral Acne Medications
Oral Antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Azithromycin can be prescribed to reduce the bacteria load in the skin and suppress acne inflammation.
Spironolactone is an anti-androgen medication that has been proven to be safe and effective in treating hormonal acne in adult women.
Oral contraceptives such as DIANE 35 are another option to treat hormonal acne. However, these may have side effects.
Oral Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is recommended for severe or stubborn acne cases.
More information about Oral Acne Medications can be found here
Acne Medical Facials
The Aquapure Medi-facial combined with OMEGA Blue LED light was designed to specifically targeting acne. It consists of several steps with serums containing AHAs, BHAs and other active ingredients to achieve the following benefits -
- Deeply cleanse and exfoliate
- Remove excess sebum
- Kill acne causing bacteria
- Soothe skin redness
- Lighten marks
- Stimulate collagen for improved scar healing
Acne Lasers
The Acne Pro Yellow Laser treatment treats acne by using a special 577nm wavelength that kills P. acne bacteria, shrinks sebum-producing sebaceous glands and reduces red acne marks (post-inflammatory erythema).
Another Laser that Dr Edwin uses to combat acne is the Carbon Spectra Laser "Hollywood" Peel. It helps to reduce sebum production, brighten skin, kill P.acne bacteria and reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown marks).
In summary,
Acne + red marks = Yellow Laser
Acne + brown marks = Carbon peel laser
Acne can appear as a spectrum from whiteheads to large cystic acne accompanied by red or brown marks. After consultation, Dr Edwin will customise an Acne treatment plan to address your skin concerns.
How do I find the Best Hormonal Acne Treatment Singapore has to offer?
Every clinic offers different hormonal acne treatment options. No one clinic is same as the other. If you want to make sure that hormonal acne treatments are performed safely and effectively, make sure that the clinic is experienced in treating acne. The clinic should also offer information on the various types of hormonal acne treatments before proceeding.
