Hormones and Acne

Due to the fluctuation of women's hormones, they find that their acne can change from better to worse to better again. Acne can be activated by over-stimulated androgens. The oil glands under the skin can begin to produce more oil than normal during pre-menstrual periods which will cause the acne to flare up. The flare up may last the whole menstrual cycle. Also, women find that they can have breakouts of acne into their adult lives.

For pregnant women, they may have acne early in their pregnancy which will clear up later. After child birth, the acne may come back possibly due to the hormones changing again. Also menopause may also trigger acne because again there is a hormone change.

The typical acne treatments can be used such as acne facial cleansers and the over the counter medications. If the acne can not be controlled, a dermatologist should be seen. They will evaluate the skin type and condition and possibly prescribe medication. If the usual medications do not help, a low dose birth control pill may be used. What it will do is decrease the amount of androgens which may reduce the amount of oil being produced.

Pregnant women or women that are breastfeeding who have acne that they would like to treat need to be very careful as to what they use. They should be under the care of their physician or dermatologist to be sure they are not using something unsafe. There are precautions to be used for any of the acne medications. Below are some of the side effects pregnant women need to be aware of. It must also be noted that even women who are planning to become pregnant need to talk to a doctor about the possible effects of acne medications.

Accutane: 25 to 35% of infants born that were exposed to accutane showed some form of birth defect. Also possible miscarriage and infant death.

Retin-A: less than 10% of retin-a will pass into the mothers bloodstream and less will reach the baby. Any amount reaching the baby may be a problem.

Tetracycline: it may cause some bone growth inhibition and teeth discoloration in the fetus.

There are over-the-counter cleansers and medications that can be used if they contain benzoyl peroxide only if the doctor is consulted first. Any products that contain salicylic acids would not be recommended for pregnant women and should be avoided.