How to Treat Acne in Women
Acne is the most common inflammatory skin condition which causes spots and pimples mainly on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest and upper arms. It usually occurs during puberty when the sebaceous glands activate. It can occur to a person of any age group and can also leave skin scars. The glands generate oil which is stimulated by hormones produced by the adrenal glands in males as well as females. Active Acne is highly annoying and affects your appearance as well as self-confidence.
What Triggers Skin Inflammation in Ladies?
Numerous elements can trigger skin inflammation in ladies:
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal acne occurs due to fluctuations in hormones especially a rise in androgens. Androgen is a type of hormone which rises when adolescence begins. In women, it gets converted into estrogen. A rise in androgen levels leads to the growth of oil glands under the skin. The enlarged androgen produces excess sebum which breaks down cellular walls in pores causing bacteria to grow. Another type of hormone that causes acne is the male hormone known as testosterone produced in both males and females. Hormonal acne appears in the T-zone of the face including forehead, nose, and chin. In some cases, hormonal acne takes the form of blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples which come to head or cysts.
- Menstrual Cycle: This is one of the most common rise of acne. Acne lesions tend to form a few days before the beginning of the menstrual cycle and disappear once the cycle gets completed. Other hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy may either improve or worsen the effect of acne in women. Discontinuation of birth control pills can also affect acne.
- Medication: Certain medicines used for the treatment of disorders such as epilepsy and types of depression can also lead to acne formation.
- Weight on the Skin: Friction brought about by things, for example, protective caps or knapsacks can exacerbate skin inflammation. Also, regular make-ups can cause acne.
- Heredity: If any of your family members have a persistent acne problem, there are high chances that you may experience the same.
- Poor Hygiene: Rigorous scrubbing and washing of skin harshly can make acne worse. Use mild soap or cleanser to gently wash the face at least twice a day.
Treatment for Acne in Females
Like other forms of acne, acne caused due to hormonal changes in women can also be treated with the use of a combination of safe, effective medications and skin care products. Besides, small changes in lifestyle can make it possible to control and minimize the effects of acne on the skin. However, you may consult a dermatologist to find the best treatment for acne:
- Treatment for Mild Acne: Treatment for mild acne problem is manageable on your own. Mellow skin inflammation normally involves whiteheads, zits and little pustules. Make a daily practice to wash your face in any event two times every day with warm water and delicate chemical/cleanser. Your dermatologist may prescribe some over-the-counter medicines, creams or lotions to deal with acne. Medicines can make your skin dry if taken for long.
- Treatment for Modestly Extreme Skin Inflammation: Moderate skin break out is the one with a few whiteheads, clogged pores, papules, and pustules which covers the practically complete face as well as different pieces of the body. Antibiotic lotions or gels can treat such acne formations. Retinoic acid, an altered form of vitamin A can also prevent whiteheads and blackheads. Antibiotic pills such as erythromycin can also help treat acne. However, retinoic acid and antibiotic pills can make skin sensitive to the sun.
- Treatment for Severe Acne: Severe acne comprises deep cysts, redness, swelling, extreme damage to the skin and scarring. Dermatologists treat such acne by recommending appropriate oral antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Large inflamed cysts can be treated with drug injections to reduce redness, swelling and irritation. Injections also promote healing. In extreme cases, your dermatologist may prescribe Accutane which is strong medicine to prevent scarring and active disease. However, it has a major side effect that can cause birth defects. Other side effects of this drug may be dry eyes, itching, mood swings, changes in blood and liver. For large-sized cysts, draining or removal is the only solution. This should be done by an expert only.
- Photodynamic Therapy: The therapy is used for acne treatment. Light microdermabrasion is used to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the face. After that, acid is applied on the skin for around an hour and is later taken out. In the end, the skin is treated with a laser to achieve long-term results.
However, in case of medicines dont work, your dermatologist may recommend topical treatments that include retinoids, resorcinol, and anti-inflammatories such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat mild acne. Benzoyl peroxide reduces oil made by the glands while resorcinol and salicylic acid help breakdown whiteheads and blackheads.