What You Should Know About Hormonal Acne According to a Wilmington Dermatologist

If you’re stuck struggling with acne in your late 20s, 30s, and 40s with bouts of stubborn acne, it might be hormonal acne. We sat down with Dr. Erin Stigall, M.D. We asked her all of our must-know questions, including what hormonal acne is, who is most likely to get it, where it shows up on the body, and how it is treated at The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington. 

 

All About Hormonal Acne: Definition, Causes, Treatment and More

What is Hormonal Acne? 

Also known as adult-onset acne, hormonal acne is when adults between the ages 20 to 50 suffer from the development of acne, including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and other types of acne. 

 

How Common is Hormonal Acne? 

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, which means hormonal acne is frequently diagnosed at our clinic in Wilmington. Dr. Stigall mentioned to us that hormonal acne is “most common in late 20’s and early 30’s but may persist through adulthood.” (Hint: it’s a myth that only teenagers get acne!) 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 50% of women in their 20s and 25% of women in their 40s get hormonal acne, making hormonal acne a very common condition to experience. 

 

What Causes Hormonal Acne? 

Dr. Stigall told us hormonal acne is generally “driven by excess androgens.” 

Androgens are a group of sex hormones that play an important role in reproductive health and body development. However, it is common for women to have high androgen levels, leading to the formation of acne, facial hair, and other issues. 

 

Where Does Hormonal Acne Generally Show Up? 

According to Dr. Stigall, hormonal acne is common around the lower face and jawline. However, as many individuals will know, acne can show up anywhere on the body, including the: 

• Face 
• Neck
• Back
• Shoulders
• Chest 

 

Can Hormonal Acne Cause Scarring? 

Many individuals with deep, painful cystic and nodular acne know that it can cause significant scarring. However, Dr. Stigall told us, “generally, hormonal acne does not cause scarring, unlike teenage acne, but it certainly can, especially if manipulated.” This is why it’s crucial that you do not try to “pop” any blemishes at home! 

 

Does Hormonal Acne Go Away on its Own? 

Birth control may be prescribed to help with hormonal acne in many cases. Dr. Stigall mentioned that “birth control and other androgen blocking medications, such as spironolactone, may be helpful in the treatment of hormonal acne.” 

 

Does Birth Control Help with Hormonal Acne? 

In many cases, birth control may be prescribed to help with hormonal acne. Dr. Stigall told us that “birth control and other androgen blocking medications, such as spironolactone, may be helpful in the treatment of hormonal acne.” 

Although, she also said, “birth control is not a one size fits all treatment and may actually make hormonal acne worse.” This is why it is important to visit an experienced dermatologist who can help create a personalized acne treatment plan for you. 

 

What are the Best Treatments for Hormonal Acne? 

There are several different acne treatments available that are effective at addressing and clearing hormonal acne. At The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, Dr. Stigall said that she often uses two forms of treatment: 

1. Oral medications, such as spironolactone and some birth control medications, are often effective. 
2. Topical agents, such as retinoids may also be beneficial. 

For more information on their acne treatments, visit this page or schedule a skin consultation today to get personalized acne treatment recommendations from one of the experienced Wilmington dermatologists. 

 

Discover Effective Acne Treatments in Wilmington, North Carolina 

If you’ve tried numerous OTC acne treatments to clear your skin but nothing has worked, we’re here to help with a personalized acne treatment plan that may include prescription-based acne treatments. Contact us today to schedule your acne treatment in Wilmington, NC! Clear skin is possible. 

 

Board-Certified Dermatology at The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington 

If you’re ready to address your hormonal acne, get in touch with the Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington. Call us at (910) 239-0419 to schedule a smooth skin consultation.