Managing Hormonal Acne

Between fluctuating hormones and stress, acne can sometimes be a daily issue. I know I’ve struggled with it since I was a teenager and first got my period. Because of that, skin care has always been a really big part of my life. Though I have had so many years of trial and error, it's still something I have to work at everyday. I’ve learned the best thing to do is to keep up with your routine, find what works best for the skin you have, and try eliminating foods that can cause inflammation.

My routine

Both morning and night, I have three different steps for my skin care. First, I use a cleanser to scrub away oils and dirt. I switch brands a lot to see what's most effective and though most help, there are always some that work better than others. A lot depends on your skin type, so it’s good to read labels and see if it’ll be a good match for you. Second, I use a liquid exfoliator with Salicylic acid. Salicylic Acid is a very common skin care ingredient because it is known for treating acne extremely well. Though it can dry your skin out, I’m addicted to it because of how well it works. Because it can make your skin dry, my last step is using an oil-free lotion. I use oil-free because my face is naturally oily and the lotion seems to soak into my skin better. Sometimes, I’ll get fancy and throw in a vitamin C serum in the morning in between the Salicylic Acid and the lotion. This helps my skin feel more energized and ready for the day.

Sticking to it

Sticking to the routine can sometimes be the hardest part. Life can get in the way of us taking the time for self-care. It could be because you’re running late for work or you’re too exhausted at night. Sometimes, it’s a pain flare that makes everything feel impossible. All of a sudden, you’re breaking out and it can make you feel self-conscious. This is especially worse when the rest of you doesn’t feel good either.

Like forming any habit, it takes time. I try to add it to my other routines like brushing my teeth or taking a shower. I’ll even keep my cleanser in the shower to remember to wash my face and then when I get out I’ll do my next two steps. Another thing that helps is buying face masks, because everyone loves a good mask. My favorite are clay masks because they are known for absorbing extra oil and they make my skin feel incredible afterwards. Whenever I have one, I always feel more motivated for self-care. I use mine after I’ve used my cleanser, so I’m putting it on a clean face. I love having it as a night time routine because I can put on a show, relax, and enjoy the mask!

Low-inflammation diet

Some of us already cut out certain foods for our endometriosis, which can already be super beneficial. Though everyone's skin may react differently, it’s helpful to try it out. I find trying new things helps me stay positive about finding a solution. The most common foods to avoid in a low-inflammation diet are bread, sugars, and dairy. Now, I don't expect anyone to wake up one day and immediately cut all of those out. So, sometimes, just picking one is a good start. Surprisingly, I noticed that cutting out sugar didn’t help my skin clear up, though I still stay away from it for other inflammation in my body. The biggest help for me was dairy, which was also the hardest for me to cut out. Though I still break out and need to stick with my routine every day, my acne seems to be a bit smaller and less red than usual.

I know our community can be incredibly helpful when it comes to tips. I’ve heard so many different suggestions and though some might not work for you, you never know what will be your new favorite treatment! What do you use to manage your hormonal acne? What are your favorite products for your skin type?