It is an established fact that the appearance of acne is largely due to the actions of hormones in our bodies. Children, who have low levels of certain hormones such as testosterone, do not get acne; however, as they mature into puberty, the dreaded teenage pimples begin to appear. To understand more about hormones and acne, it is helpful to learn more about the ways your body chemistry affects your skin.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers that help to regulate most of our bodily functions. They are partly responsible for everything from keeping the body temperature within in acceptable range to promoting fertility to influencing how we think and feel.
The hormones often become unbalanced, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, and menstruation; when the hormones are out of sync, they can wreak havoc in many areas of the body, especially the surface of the skin.
How are hormones and acne related?
Once puberty hits, the sebaceous glands (located in the pores of the skin) begin to produce oils that help to lubricate the skin and hair. These glands are regulated by hormones known as androgens (most especially testosterone, which is present in both males and females). These androgens can cause the oil glands to work overtime, blocking the pores and locking in dead skin cells; the dead skin cells then attract bacteria, which cause inflammation, leading to pimples, blackheads, and zits.
How can I reduce the effects of hormone levels on my complexion?
You can take a number of steps to calm your hormones and keep them in balance, preventing acne to an extent.
Make sure you eat a healthy diet to provide all the nutrients you need for building and regulating hormones, and get plenty of exercise to keep your blood, and therefore your skin, oxygenated. Make time each day for relaxation, which helps to reduce the effects of stress on your hormone levels, and get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
What are the most common methods for treating acne?
For mild to moderate acne, over-the-counter topical medications may help to dry the oil glands and unclog the pores. Look for creams and cleansers that are labeled non-comedogenic, and stick to natural ingredients whenever possible.
More severe acne may require the intervention of an experienced dermatologist. In some cases, acne may be treated using antibiotics, which combat acne-causing bacteria. For women with hormone-related acne, birth control pills at low dosage levels can help keep hormones under control and reduce the incidence of pimples.
How can I control my acne without resorting to strong medications and harsh skin creams?
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