How to Get Rid of Hormonal Acne

I have acne prone skin which I have said a million times before. What you might not know is that my struggle with acne is about 95% hormonal. In this post, I will share tips for how to get rid of hormonal acne (from my perspective). These tips also worked on my cystic acne.

Causes of Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne can be caused by many factors but as explained by my dermatologist, the root cause is usually a shift in the hormones that leads to excess sebum or oil gland production which then causes clogged pores, clogged hair follicles, increased presence of acne causing bacteria and/or skin inflammation.

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How to Get Rid of Hormonal Acne

My favorite brand is Dermalogica but have you seen the price? It’s quite expensive. When I’m not using Dermalogica everything, I follow the below regimen for my skin:

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Grandpa’s Sulfur Soap

This soap is amazing. I have recommended it to many and they have thanked me for it.

Improves blemished skin by:

• Softening the hard shell of acne blemishes (keratolytic action)
• Dissolving and removing blackheads
• Washing away excess oils which may cause blackheads
• Freshening the skin with its thorough cleansing action

As we know, sulfur can be drying but that’s just it! The drying effect of this soap is great for drying acne without drying the skin. This soap does not make any claims to having the ability to improve hormonal acne but it has worked well for me. I use this soap a few times per week to keep my face in check. I use it daily during acne flare-ups.

Cetaphil Cleanser

Gentle and moisturizing! It removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin. I use it at night to cleanse my face. I almost never use a cleanser in the morning. Instead, I rinse with cool water to wake me up, get me going and reduce puffiness.

CeraVe PM Facial Mositurizing Lotion

Excellent moisturizer for replenishing moisture and repairing the skin. I use twice daily (morning and night).

Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster

CeraVe PM is designed for night-time use (hence the letters PM), thus it does not contain SPF. Dermalogica Solar Defense offers outstanding sun protection which my skin tolerates well so I mix a drop of it with CeraVe PM.

 

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil evens the complexion and fades pesky imperfections. I mix a drop of rosehip seed oil with my CeraVe PM and Dermalogica Solar Defense.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Extra virgin coconut oil is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial so it targets problem bacteria on or under the skin. It also evens out the complexion and provides the skin with a healthy glow. I use extra virgin coconut oil in the same way as rosehip seed oil. I mix a pea size amount with CeraVe PM and Dermalogica Solar Defense.

Note: I will often mix a small drop of each rosehip seed oil and extra virgin coconut oil with Cerave PM and Dermalogica Daily Defense for a double dose of goodness.

Dermalogica Microfoliant

This is the best exfoliator! It’s texture is fine white powder with zero grit, thus it gently exfoliates the skin without damage. I use it several times per weeks to slough off dead skin cells which helps renew the skin and lift hyperpigmentation.

Facial Regimen for Acne 

Professional Facials Help!

I am super cheap and hate spending money unless necessary but I now realize facials are a must (for me). Not only are they pampering but they are excellent for skin health and have improved the overall appearance of my acne prone, hyperpigmentation filled skin. An average facial comes with deep cleaning to unclog pores and purge the junk that’s underneath the skin, extractions to resolve acne that is present on the surface of the skin and gentle exfoliation to promote cell turnover to renew the skin. Proper skin health is more than just getting a professional facial, it also includes taking care of your skin at home.

At-Home Facials with Bentonite Clay Face Mask

Recently, I added a bentonite clay face mask to my regimen to draw out impurities and toxins from underneath the skin. I am currently using Ancient Healing Bentonite Clay Face Mask by MapleHolistics although there are many options available on the market.

The bentonite clay mask removes dead skin cells while unclogging pores, removes black heads, white heads and calms acne while leaving the skin with a glow. Because it draws out toxins from underneath the skin, the skin is left appearing youthful and healthy.

How to Apply

After removing the bentonite clay face mask, I follow-up with my moisturizer mixed with my concoction of oils to restore moisture and glow to my skin.

Clarisonic Smart Profile

I use my Clarisonic Smart Profile when I need deep cleansing action. I use it once every one to two weeks with my Cetaphil cleanser.

Facial Steamer

I love my facial steamer! I use it to steam my face with tea tree oil which helps to reduce the duration of acne flare-ups. The facial steamer is a must during the winter when the skin is a bit dry. It calms and soothes irritated skin with the quickness!

Note: I also purchased my hair steamer from this company. Great product and excellent customer service.

Dermatologist – I see a dermatologist several times per year to ensure things are on track. I have dr. prescribed creams to fall back on should the above fail to work. However, I have been able to rely solely on my regimen for a few years now. Yay for me.

What are your facial regimen product favorites?

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