Having acne at 30 and over? You're not alone!
Many of us develop acne later in life. According to statistics, more than 70% of women experience hormonal acne at least once in their lives. According to the French Society of Dermatology, 3.3 million people affected by acne are over 15 years old ( study conducted on 40,000 people in 2016). "Adult acne is increasing dramatically; 40% of people in their thirties and early forties, especially women, have it ," warns Dr. Nina Roos, dermatologist and author of "Healthy Skin!"
The cyclical nature of acne breakouts , directly linked to the menstrual cycle, has highlighted the essential role of hormones in adult female acne. Other factors, related to lifestyle, stress, and genetics, can trigger and worsen acne, making it sometimes difficult to identify the true cause.
How to recognize hormonal acne?
Unlike teenage acne (juvenile acne), hormonal acne in adult women is primarily inflammatory with few or no comedones and most often on the lower face.
What hormones are responsible for acne?
In the human body, numerous hormones work together in a complex balance. Their fluctuation (or hormonal imbalance ) can cause acne, notably by influencing sebum production by the sebaceous glands. Why do hormones cause breakouts?
Androgen hormones and acne
Androgen hormones are the main hormones that control the activity of the sebaceous glands (glands that secrete sebum, present all over the skin except on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet). During puberty, the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, leading to an increase in sebum production and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, resulting in the formation of microcomedones.
In acne patients, androgen hormones are present in greater quantities than in non-acne patients.
Estrogen and acne
Estrogen and progesterone play an anti-androgenic role in women. Taking exogenous estrogen (oral contraceptive pill) reduces the overproduction of sebum caused by androgens and diminishes acne lesions. Less testosterone in the body is available to stimulate the sebaceous glands, thus altering the androgen/estrogen balance (in favor of estrogen). Consequently, the sebaceous glands are less stimulated (because fewer androgen hormones are available).
Unlike male androgen hormones, female estrogen hormones have a beneficial effect on acne.
When a woman's estrogen levels decrease (this is the case just before the start of the menstrual cycle, for example), the hormonal balance is altered in favor of male hormones and acne can worsen due to stimulation of the sebaceous glands.
This is why acne is more common during puberty due to the low levels of estrogen and progesterone during the first menstrual cycles.
Are you suffering from acne after stopping the pill ? We'll give you the keys to limiting inflammation.
Hormones and the menstrual cycle
A menstrual cycle lasts approximately 28 days. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate: male and female hormone levels vary. This fluctuation impacts sebum production and skin quality.
- Day 1 to day 14 : Secretion of LH and FSH hormones; estrogen is predominant compared to progesterone. Skin is clearer and acne lesions are reduced.
- Day 14 to day 28 : The amount of progesterone is greater than that of estrogens, which stimulates sebum production .
- Shortly before the start of bleeding, estrogen and progesterone levels are low, testosterone levels are higher relative to other hormones , which causes an increase in sebum production.
- Day 18 to Day 21 : Acne usually appears 7 to 10 days before menstruation.
Stress and acne
When a person is stressed, the body produces a specific hormone: cortisol . This hormone stimulates the adrenal glands. These glands produce various hormones that increase testosterone production, which in turn stimulates sebum production by the sebaceous glands. Stress exacerbates acne in oily or acne-prone skin.
How to treat hormonal acne naturally
Plants and hormones
Some plants have benefits similar to those of hormones, allowing either to counteract certain effects or to stimulate them.
- Plants that have an anti-androgenic action to reduce acne: hops, peony, nettle.
- Plants that have estrogen-like effects to reduce acne: sage, hops, niaouli, fennel, cypress, parsley, hops, soy, oats, flax, red clover, white willow, alfalfa, black cohosh
Plants that have an anti-cortisone action to reduce acne: plants with relaxing properties such as St. John's wort or valerian.
Atelier Nubio's plant-based dietary supplements easily integrate into your daily routine and work from within to heal and beautify the skin. All acne-prone skin types will benefit from these supplements, taken alone or in combination.
The Skin Detox Duo combined in synergy:
— the capsules. We want rose petal skin. which detoxify the skin and act specifically on hormonal acne
— Microbiota & Skin capsules which aid digestion for soothed skin.
How can you tell if acne is hormonal?
Our skin is an organ that protects us against external aggressions, but it's also an eliminatory organ that removes excess toxins that the body hasn't been able to eliminate. The skin reflects our organism and mirrors our emotions and inner health, which is the basis of our concept of beauty, Inside & Out : to heal your skin, you must take care of your diet, embrace your emotions, and carefully choose the cosmetics you apply to your skin.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it's possible to determine the state of the organs by observing the area of the face where blemishes appear; this is called Face Mapping . Face mapping is a visual representation of the different areas of the face. From the top of the forehead to the neck, each area of the face is linked to an internal organ. In short, if you have blemishes in a particular area, it likely indicates imbalances in a specific system (digestive, respiratory, etc.). In this approach, each organ has a physical function, but also an emotional one (fear, anger, sadness, joy, etc.).
Thanks to Face Mapping, discover the true causes of your acne:
- On the forehead : this area is linked to digestive problems; at the top and bottom of the forehead, it's associated with heart problems and stress. Pamper your gut by providing it with the right fibers to facilitate healthy digestion, and you can even replace one meal a week with a mono-diet, thus allowing your digestive system and skin to rest. We also recommend a course of Microbiota & Skin treatment. , known to optimize digestion, reduce intestinal inflammation and provide lasting relief for your skin.
- On the lower forehead : an area linked to stress, take time for yourself and relax with a massage, meditation or a hot bath!
- Between the eyebrows: the space between the eyebrows symbolizes a liver problem. The liver plays a major role in a woman's hormonal balance; it is responsible for cleansing and recycling our waste, including certain hormones. If it is overloaded, the skin takes over. It can be supported with rosemary and milk thistle herbal teas and the supplement We want a detox booster .
- On the nose: pimples on the nose may indicate high cholesterol. It's important to consume healthy fats and limit saturated fats.
- On the temples and ears: pimples in this area indicate kidney problems . To address kidney issues, drink skin-cleansing herbal teas containing burdock, wild pansy, and nettle.
- On the cheeks: acne on the cheeks corresponds to the lung area . Get some fresh air and exercise!
On the sides of the chin, the jawline: this is the main area affected by hormonal acne , and it's the most sensitive to hormonal imbalances. Emotional stress also affects this area. Learn to manage your stress and adopt a healthy lifestyle. We recommend the Duo Skin Detox. which combines two synergistic supplements to detoxify the skin and activate radiance.
- In the middle of the chin: this could mean you have minor intestinal or stomach problems. Pay attention to what you eat.
- On the neck and chest: these spots are related to stress.
What to do in case of an acne flare-up?
Anti-acne skincare routine
First, cleanse your skin with natural, non-stripping products (pH neutral) and prioritize a skin-friendly moisturizer. " You have to cleanse without being harsh, using gentle products and not detergents ," explains Dr. Marc Perrussel, dermatologist at the University Hospital of Rennes. Once or twice a day is sufficient. And above all, don't touch the pimples, as this creates sores that can become infected and lead to scarring later on.
Also, be careful with the makeup you use, " Having acne doesn't prevent you from wearing makeup, but you should avoid powders, which tend to clog pores, and opt for a tinted moisturizer ," adds Professor Brigitte Dréno, head of the dermato-cancer department at the University Hospital of Nantes.
Essential oils for hormonal acne
When pimples appear, you can apply a drop of true lavender and/or tea tree essential oil diluted in a carrier oil topically (test first on the inside of your arm to avoid any potential allergies). Hydrosols, particularly lavender, geranium, rose, and rosemary, can be very helpful for acne; simply spray them on your face after cleansing. Also, try using green clay masks, which have absorbent and purifying properties to combat microbes, bacteria, and excess sebum.
We adopt new habits
We relax and learn to manage stress using proven methods such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and exercise, which also helps eliminate impurities. We pay closer attention to our lifestyle and ensure we get enough sleep: at night, the body regenerates and detoxifies, and also regulates certain hormones that contribute to good physical and mental balance.
Preventing hormonal acne: 10 tips that really work!
Our holistic approach considers all aspects of the human being, from physical manifestations to mental and emotional state; what happens inside is reflected on the outside. Here are a few tips to help you adopt the right habits for beautiful skin!
1. Limit refined sugars : sugary cereals, pastries, white bread, cookies, sugary drinks, pasta… The more sugar you consume, the more insulin your body produces, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. A high level of insulin stimulates the production of androgens, causing an overproduction of sebum and thickening of the skin, which becomes oily, dull, and prone to blemishes.
2. Limit cow's milk, by-products of large animals (cow's cheese, pork, beef, deli meats) and processed industrial products: the hormones present in cow's milk & animal products, not to mention the preservatives, additives and saturated fats of industrial products promote pimples and should be avoided for good overall health.
3. We bring life into our diet: a diet richer in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes by consuming fruits, fresh vegetables, cold-pressed vegetable juices, sprouted seeds, and seaweed. We combat inflammation and promote healing with zinc (fish, seafood, legumes). We invite you to read our Beauty Food guide, manifesto and beauty recipes .
4. We load up on omega-3: its anti-inflammatory action and its role in skin hydration are essential. They are found in small oily fish (herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies...), nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds, etc.), rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, camelina oil, hemp oil.
5. We supplement with plant-based food supplements . Duo Skin Detox is a duo of 100% organic plant-based supplements that detoxify, soothe, and balance the skin.
6. Add aromatic herbs to your plate, such as thyme, rosemary, coriander, and parsley. Also consider turmeric and ginger for their anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Cut back on alcohol: alcohol is bad for our skin, damages our liver, and dehydrates the epidermis. Let's not forget that alcohol is also sugar and that it also affects the condition of our skin.
8. We drink filtered and low mineral water to flush out toxins and hydrate our cells, a minimum of 1.5 liters per day.
9. Get active: Exercise releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) in the body. These hormones help you feel better and relax. Exercise also helps open pores and eliminate excess sebum and toxins from the skin.
10. We relax: hot baths, hammam, sauna, massage contribute to well-being and relaxation and at the same time help to eliminate toxins.
We've gathered all the advice in the Holistic Skin™ guide for blemish-prone skin.
