How hormones affect zits and skin
Implicated in a wide range of conditions and illnesses, hormones also play a role in the development of acne - inflammation of the skin that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and red spots usually called “pimples” or “zits.” Androgens, hormones that are secreted in different amounts by both men and women, play a huge role in most cases of acne. Androgens stimulate the hormone-sensitive sebaceous glands, which produce oil known as sebum. Sebum, in turn, has been labeled as “the fuel that feeds the flame of acne.”
Teens are more likely to suffer from breakouts because at the onset of puberty, their bodies begin to produce androgens. These “male” hormones are a natural part of development for both boys and girls, but boys tend to produce more of them, resulting in more severe breakouts. After about age 20, sebum production begins to decrease but it can flare up again at any age.
Due to the presence of androgens, your oil glands go into overdrive. They produce extra oil, which block your follicles and clump together with the dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin. When this sticky mixture works its way into your pores, it acts just like a cork in a bottle — trapping oil and bacteria inside. Unfortunately, your oil glands cannot determine when to stop so they keep producing oil thus making the follicle swollen. Your body’s natural defense system — white blood cells — rush to the area to produce an enzyme that damages the wall of the follicle, allowing the contents of the follicle to enter the dermis. This process causes an inflammatory response that results in either red, painful bumps (papules); blackheads and whiteheads (comedones); pimples or acne. Contrary to common belief, this condition has nothing to do with what you eat, or how often you wash your face.
Dermatologists point out that dietary factors neither cause nor cure acne. In almost all cases, the food you eat has almost nothing to do with your acne, except for those containing iodine and muscle-enhancing steroids. If you ingest a large amount of iodine like mineral pills, your acne will likely flare up. Steroids have also been known to cause a type of acne referred to as steroid acne.
Hormones affect acne but having acne is not a sign of a hormonal imbalance. Changes in hormones, such as the specific point in your menstrual cycle (ovulation vs. having your period), pregnancy, or menopause all are normal, yet all can cause dramatic changes in your skin condition.
Female hormone levels change and vary throughout the monthly cycle. These fluctuations do cause acne to flare and diminish depending on the time of the month. The most effective way to treat menstrual cycle acne is to treat the acne itself by applying topical medications, oral antibiotics, or even changing or adjusting a birth control pill since the hormones found in these contraceptives are also related to flare-ups of acne.
Several symptoms can help your dermatologist identify hormonally-influenced acne: adult-onset acne, or breakouts that appear for the first time in adults; acne flare-ups preceding the menstrual cycle; a history of irregular menstrual cycles, increased facial oiliness; Hirsutism (excessive growth of hair, or hair in unusual places); and elevated levels of certain androgens in the blood stream.
Last 5 posts in Health/Weight Loss
- Acne scars – a review - January 4th, 2009
- Who gets acne? - January 4th, 2009
- Give body acne no chance - ClearPores - January 4th, 2009
- Keeping your skin free from acne scars - January 4th, 2009
- SUMMER SKIN RASHES - January 4th, 2009
Acne scars – a review
Acne scars are the marks left behind by lesions that had not healed or had become inflamed. Their size, frequency and type depend on various genetic factors, which are particular to every person. Some persons are more likely to see scars forming on their skin, due to their heritage and skin colour. This is why many people want to make sure their lesions will heal properly.
There are only two types of acne scars. The simplest scar is nothing more than a spot of skin bearing a brown, pink or purple colour, testimony to the fact that… Continue reading
Who gets acne?
Believe it or not, nearly everybody in the world gets pimples. When the body shifts into higher gear and puberty begins at the age of 12, hormones start taking over. It doesn not matter if you抮e a man or a woman. It doesn not matter where you come from and who your parents were. I have never heard of a person who had stayed blemish-free in all the years of his or her life. Whether it抯 food or pollution, something is bound to upset your hormonal balance sooner or later.
More than 40 percent of all teens develop… Continue reading
Give body acne no chance - ClearPores
Acne is a common skin condition featuring pimples outbreaks on the body and facial skin. Many people develop acne on the chest, shoulders and back, which can sometimes be the first inkling to the emergence of more severe forms of acne. The severe forms of acne are painful and can only be treated with drugs under the supervision of a dermatologist.
People suffering from mild or moderate body acne, we heartily recommend the Clear Pores System. Hard to treat cases are better left to a dermatologist抯 skills, although ClearPores is… Continue reading
Keeping your skin free from acne scars
Many people suffering from acne are familiar with the problem of acne scars. While acne is enough of a problem on its own, the issue of more or less permanent scars makes everything even more complicated. Pimples are a tempting target for squeezing or picking open in what may be seen as a futile attempt to get rid of them. However, squeezing and picking is exactly what you should refrain from doing because it will only make everything worse.
I know that you heard this advice a million times, but do try to keep… Continue reading
February 28th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
This is the biggest cause of acne. If I break out with a pimple, it is usually around that wonderful time of the month.