For many years, young and adult women have struggled with acne, one of the most dreaded skin troubles. For some, acne has left them with a lifetime's worth of low-self esteem, while others have visible scars to show for it. But acne is not incurable; most importantly, you're not the only one struggling with it! It is estimated that 22% of U.S. adult women over 20 have acne. There are different acne types, and it is essential to understand the kind of acne you're dealing with so that your acne treatment will be effective. This article will guide you in dealing with hormonal acne and show you the best non-hormonal supplements to eliminate hormonal acne effectively.
What Do Hormones Have to Do with Acne?
A lot. Acne Vulgaris, commonly known as acne, is a skin condition caused by several factors. Sometimes, it could be genetic - if you have a family history of acne. Other times it could result from poor food choices or poor choice of makeup. The leading cause of adult acne, however, is your hormones.
When a hormonal imbalance occurs in a woman, the sebaceous glands produce more oil than they used to and cause your skin pores to be inflamed and blocked. This leads to bacterial growth and colonization, which triggers the formation that we see on the skin.
Hormones are primarily at play in your adolescence (sex hormonal growth in puberty), during pregnancy, and during menopause. These are usually periods where many women suffer from hormonal acne. A study shows that 50% of women between ages 20 to 29 are plagued with hormonal acne, while 29% of women aged 40 - 49 also struggle. These are critical stages where the hormones come out to play in full. A lot is going on with a woman's body at this point, which may trigger hormonal imbalance, which spurs acne's growth.
How Can I Tell If Acne is Hormonal?
If you notice acne forming when you're menstruating, dealing with polycystic ovarian syndrome, having increased levels of androgen, or dealing with menopause, it could be hormonal acne. Hormonal adult acne is typically around the mouth, jawline, and neck.
What are the Best Non-Hormonal Supplements to Treat Acne?
The first step in treating adult acne will be using the right oil-free makeup and topical medication. Good topical treatment for adult acne will include mild medicated cleansers with salicylic acid, niacinamide-based moisturizers, and retinol-based treatment creams. Adding oral supplements to topical treatment usually leads to faster and better results than using topicals alone.
1. DIM Supplements
DIM or Diindolylmethane is found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, etc. This powerful combination of active plant extracts helps balance hormonal levels and your body's response to these hormones. A better balance of the hormones leads to clearer skin and reduces heavy periods and PMS.
Main ingredients of DIM skin-clearing supplements:
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Diindolylmethane (DIM): The main active ingredient - is derived from cruciferous veggies.
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Alfalfa powder: Rich in essential nutrients such as copper, folate, and Vitamins C and K.
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Kale powder: High in magnesium, Vitamins C and E, and helps to reduce oil in the skin, which leads to fewer clogged pores.
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Brussels sprouts powder: Works excellent for boosting the immune system.
2. Skin Clearing Vitamins + Minerals
Another supplement option is based on vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid and Vitamin A and will suit all types of acne at any age and gender. The unique combination of MDacne's vitamins and mineral supplements was formulated to support the special treatment for active acne and help with scarring. Its significant ingredients include Vitamins A, B1, B2 & B3, Pantothenic acid (B5), Zinc, Selenium, and Chromium.
How does it work?
- Vitamin A sheds the dead skin cells that build up to form acne inside your skin pores. In addition, it reduces sebum production and creates healthy collagen.
- Vitamin B5 reduces skin production, sebum, and excess oil.
- Vitamins B1, B2 & B3 are essential for removing toxins, necessary for hair, and improving skin elasticity.
- Zinc and Selenium possess anti-inflammatory, which prevents your skin from getting inflamed.
- Chromium boosts immunity and fights against (harmful) skin bacteria and fungi.
Should I Be Worried About Any Side Effects?
These supplements are made with natural minerals and vitamins that work within your body to clear out acne. These supplements are generally safe for use. As with every supplement, you must check with your doctor whether these supplements will interfere with any medications you're on. Also, be careful to verify whether you're allergic to any ingredients in the supplement. Do NOT use the supplement if you are allergic to any. Also, avoid these supplements if you're pregnant or nursing.
Conclusion
Hormonal acne takes a toll on its patients at times when it's the last thing they need to deal with. Whether you've battled with it incessantly for years or they only pop up occasionally, it's no fun dealing with such conspicuous skin bumps. Non-hormonal supplements work inside your body and relieve acne by ridding your skin of pimples and cysts. In addition, they're fortified with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins to bring out the best look your skin has ever had; skin beauty from within.
FAQs:
Q. What is the connection between hormones and acne?
A. Hormones play a significant role in the development of acne. Specifically, hormonal imbalances in a woman's body can trigger the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil. This overproduction can lead to clogged and inflamed skin pores, fostering bacterial growth and subsequently causing the formation of acne. Hormonal fluctuations typically occur during adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause, making these periods particularly prone to the outbreak of hormonal acne.
Q. How can I determine if my acne is hormone-related?
A. Hormonal acne varies by age and typically manifests in specific areas of the face. Pregnancy acne often appears on the forehead and cheeks of young women undergoing puberty. In contrast, hormonal adult acne is commonly found around the mouth, jawline, and neck. If you notice acne outbreaks associated with menstruation, polycystic ovarian syndrome, elevated androgen levels, or menopause, your acne may be hormonal.
Q. Why should I consider non-hormonal supplements for treating acne?
A. Non-hormonal supplements are effective for acne because they tackle the problem without causing hormonal imbalances. Many people have tried various treatments without success, not because of a lack of effort but due to inappropriate treatment for their acne type. Non-hormonal supplements work from within to balance your body's response to hormones, leading to clearer skin without the drastic hormonal level spikes that can worsen acne.
Q. What are some of the best non-hormonal supplements for treating acne?
A. There are several beneficial non-hormonal supplements for treating acne. MDacne's DIM (Diindolylmethane) Skin-Clearing Supplements, derived from cruciferous vegetables, balance hormonal levels and your body's response to these hormones. They contain active plant extracts, including Alfalfa powder, Kale powder, and Brussels sprouts powder, which are rich in essential nutrients and help reduce skin oiliness and inflammation.
MDacne's Skin Clearing Vitamins + Minerals is another excellent supplement option. This unique combination was formulated to support the treatment of active acne and aid with scarring. It contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and B5, and Zinc, Selenium, and Chromium, which work together to shed dead skin cells, reduce sebum production, remove toxins, and boost immunity.
Q. Are there any side effects associated with non-hormonal supplements for acne?
A. Non-hormonal supplements for acne are generally safe as they contain natural minerals and vitamins. However, it's crucial to consult your doctor before starting any supplement regimen to avoid potential interactions with other medications. Also, make sure to check for any allergic reactions to the ingredients. These supplements should be avoided if you're pregnant or nursing.
Q. What is the overall benefit of using non-hormonal supplements for hormonal acne?
A. Non-hormonal supplements offer a comprehensive approach to treating hormonal acne. They work from within to clear acne and provide your skin with essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. By reducing inflammation, balancing hormonal responses, and promoting skin health, these supplements can significantly improve the condition of your skin and contribute to your overall well-being. Hormonal acne can be a challenging condition to deal with, but with the proper treatment, you can achieve clear and healthy skin.
More info:
Dermatologist tips for treating adult acne faster
16 common causes of adult acne flare-ups
7 Essential Tips to Prevent Adult Acne Breakouts
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DIM Skin-Clearing Supplements
Skin Clearing Vitamins + Minerals
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