How Out of Control Hormones Can Cause Out of Control Acne

One of the biggest factors leading to acne development, according to most experts, are hormonal changes throughout your body. There has been plenty of medical research to show that the majority of people suffering from acne exhibit oily skin, which leads to acne development. That overproduction of oil in the skin, it turns out, is often times caused by high levels of male hormones in the body (in both males and females). Based on those findings, researchers quickly determined that a proper balance between male and female hormones is one of the best ways to help prevent acne from developing and to maintain healthy skin.

Since we all go through significant hormonal changes during our teenage years, it's no shock that acne typically occurs during that same time, though plenty of adults get acne too. These hormonal changes regulate much of our bodily functions, growth and development, which is in an almost hyperactive state during puberty. It's only natural that our hormones get "out of whack" during this time, leaving teenagers susceptible to acne development among other things as this increased amount of male hormones flows through our bodies. But why does that cause acne to form in the first place? How are the two things related?

As the body starts producing more male hormones, those hormones excite the sebaceous glands which are oil-producing glands found throughout the skin. As this oil is produced and moves from below the skin up to the surface, it attracts bacteria. Once the oil reaches the skin's surface, through a hair follicle, the follicle can easily become clogged because of the excess, bacteria-laden oil. These blockages are a virtual buffet for other bacteria which are attracted to the area, leading to infection resulting in one of the many forms of acne. Most often, acne forms on the face, neck or back though most people's acne outbreaks occur only on the face.

Bodily changes during puberty aren't the only times when hormones can trigger acne development. Women in particular are vulnerable to this being a cause for acne development as they get older, especially in conjunction with changes that come with their monthly cycles. In fact, birth control pills are often prescribed as an indirect treatment for acne since they help keep the hormones under better control.

Taking all of this into account, it makes sense that experts find that men are more likely to have long-term acne (more male hormones present over a longer period of time) while women are more susceptible to occasional acne flare ups, even into adulthood (in sync with their monthly cycle or other hormonal changes).

Therefore, if you're suffering from acne and nothing seems to be working, it might be a good idea to consult a specialist to see if hormonal factors might be working against you and what can be done to get those hormones under control.