5 Ways to Improve Your Hormonal Acne

Here’s something that may surprise you: hormonal acne is not just for teenagers. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. It impacts more than 50 million people each year.

Acne can occur at any life stage – and it’s actually on the rise in adult women. Why? One reason is hormonal imbalance. Unfortunately, hormonal imbalance is usually overlooked as a cause of acne and even looked at as a “superficial” concern. However, if you have dealt with acne, you know how challenging it can be.

Acne is not only painful, it can also be embarrassing and cause a great deal of mental pain. If you’re dealing with hormonal acne, there is hope, even if it feels like you have tried everything. Here are five steps you can take to understand the root cause of acne and improve the radiance of your skin.

What is acne?

Acne is more than just zits, pimples, or bumps. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) calls acne an “inflammatory disorder of the skin” involving the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Acne can appear on the face, back, chest, and even on the arms.

Acne is common in teenagers. Adults can also get acne, but it is more common in adult women than men.

What causes acne?

NIAMS cites the most common causes of acne as:

• Excess oil production
• A build-up of dead skin cells in pores
• Bacteria growth

Acne can also occur from hormonal imbalance. For example, the Columbia Skin Clinic notes that “fluctuations of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone” can lead to hormonal acne.

To break it down further:

• Excess androgens can cause an increase in oil production leading to acne.
• High cortisol also causes excess oil production leading to acne.
• High insulin stimulates excess oil production.

Hormonal acne outbreaks tend to occur when stopping or starting birth control, during menopause, during pregnancy, and during puberty. However, it isn’t just life changes that can trigger hormonal acne. Eating certain foods can also throw hormones off balance and create acne. As you can see, these variations make hormonal acne challenging to deal with.

5 ways to improve hormonal acne

So you have hormonal acne – what can you do about it?

1. Improve your gut health

More and more studies are showing that probiotics can help promote healthy gut flora. For example, one recent study concluded that “intestinal microbes have significant effects on acne.”

Promoting good gut health with a healthy diet, probiotics, adequate sleep, and plenty of hydration – you may see the results on your skin. So fill up your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, eat nourishing whole foods, and avoid processed foods whenever possible!

2. Reduce sugar intake

Reducing your sugar intake makes it easier to manage insulin. These days, sugar is hidden in everything. It’s in soda, break, dressings, condiments, energy drinks, protein bars, and just about everything else. Many foods such as processed, high-carbohydrate foods also turn into sugar in the body. This can lead to sugar crashes and fluctuating insulin levels, which may play a role in acne.

Eating a well-balanced diet that includes healthy, nourishing fats, fiber, and protein can help stop these spikes from happening. If you want to measure where your blood sugar levels are, they can be evaluated with a simple blood test.

3. Reduce stress

We know it’s hard to reduce stress. Stress is a part of daily life. However, learning how to manage stress can greatly improve your well-being, help you sleep more, and even help your skin.

When stress is constant, cortisol levels can remain high. Stress can also cause gut bacteria disturbances and lead to poor sleep. Whether together or separate, all of these things can create an environment perfect for acne.

4. Use natural skincare products

It may seem crazy, but some skincare products may actually aggravate acne if you aren’t using the right kind. You might be allergic to a specific ingredient (especially potentially toxic chemicals). You might be disrupting your hormones when certain ingredients are absorbed. You might simply be using the wrong type of product for your skin type.

Teami’s natural skincare line is designed for all skin types – even sensitive skin. If you haven’t tried it yet, the Hibiscus Infused Vitamin C Serum is a fan favorite! And if you’re looking for a spot treatment, the Green Tea Detox Mask naturally detoxifies pores and replenishes skin.

5. Balance your hormones

This one can be challenging, but worth it. Balancing your hormones with the help of a professional can have a big impact on your well-being. That includes clearing up acne.

The best way to balance hormones is by making dietary and lifestyle changes that promote balance in the body. One way to balance your hormones is with herbs such as chasteberry (also known as vitex). Research shows that chasteberry may help with hormonal acne.

Chasteberry is also one of the herbs in Teami’s Hormone Hero supplement.

Try Teami Hormone Hero

Teami Hormone Hero is a powerful blend of adaptogenic herbs. It is designed to help you achieve hormonal serenity in just two capsules daily! We created this supplement to help you promote balance, support energy, manage stress – and help keep hormonal acne at bay.*

Herbs in Hormone Hero include:

• Ashwagandha root: Supports occasional adrenal fatigue and a calm mind*
• Maca root: For natural energy, hormonal transitions, mood support, and vitality*
• Chasteberry: For PMS relief and hormonal acne reduction
• Wild yam root: For soothing occasional cramps due to the menstrual cycle
• Broccoli extract: Supports healthy estrogen metabolism*

Hormone Hero was formulated for total cycle support, so you can deal with challenges like hormonal acne.

Herbs are a natural way to support your body – and your journey to optimal health and vitality. If you’re taking any medication, it’s essential to discuss adding herbs to your routine with your personal healthcare practitioner to rule out any interactions.

Although there are ways to deal with acne or treat acne with medications, an alternative approach that incorporates a natural, root-cause approach can not only help you clear up embarrassing and painful acne. You’ll also improve other aspects of your health.

Got acne? You’re not alone! We want to be part of your journey toward healing. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok – and tag us to let us know how you are doing.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.