Relieving hormonal acne at home

Acne may be more synonymous with our teenage years, but even when puberty becomes a distant memory, many women suffer from uncomfortable and confidence-knocking acne.

Due to periods and the all-too-common polycystic ovary syndrome, adult acne is more prevalent in women than it is in men. Its link to hormone level fluctuations means acne can flare-up from month to month to become a continuous battle.

Major life events, such as pregnancy and menopause, also inspire acne to make an appearance. Relieving hormonal acne and enjoying healthy, clear, and glowing skin is possible however with the right pointers.

Here we explain more about how mild hormonal acne can be relieved naturally – without traditionally used oral contraceptives, retinoids, and anti-androgen medication.

Drink your way to clearer skin

Whilst water is an excellent choice for enhancing skin from the inside out, another beverage provides fantastic anti-inflammatory qualities that work wonders alongside a topical skincare routine.

Drinking green tea on a regular basis has been proven to be good for your skin and for combating hormonal acne.

Although not as popular as its cousin, black tea, green tea is a great fall back and one that’s packed with potent antioxidants.

Green tea also contains polyphenols, a type of bioflavonoid, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties. On top of this, green tea is rich in catechins, a phytonutrient that helps to regulate the hormonal imbalances that cause excess sebum production and acne breakouts.

Rethink what you eat too

Your diet needs careful consideration if you suffer from bouts of hormonal acne. Whilst the connection between what we eat and hormonal acne hasn’t been heavily researched, foods that have inflammation-fighting qualities have been proven to have a positive effect on controlling hormone-based acne issues.

Plant-based foods contain the antioxidants needed to promote clearer, healthier skin. Foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids, such as chia seeds, flax seeds, tofu, and avocados, also relieve skin inflammation.

In addition to this, there are some foods that you must avoid to keep hormonal acne under control as Healthline details:

“Certain foods raise your blood sugar more quickly than others. When your blood sugar rises quickly, it causes the body to release a hormone called insulin. Having excess insulin in your blood can cause your oil glands to produce more oil, increasing your risks of acne.

Some foods that trigger spikes in insulin include pasta, white rice, white bread, sugar… Chocolate is also believed to worsen acne, but it doesn’t seem to affect all people, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.”

Fix your skincare regime

What you apply topically to your skin makes a huge difference to your defence against hormonal acne flare-ups.

Specialist acne products can be harsh on the skin but it is possible to take a gentler approach to hormonal acne treatment.

Start with a cleanser that’s suitable for your skin type to reduce excess oil, then use our award-winning Active Face Hydrating Gel to protect and moisturise.

Treat yourself to an indulgent self-facial every week to heal the skin at a deeper level. Find out how to do your own acne healing facial at home right here.