How to Combat Hormonal Skin Breakouts

Hormonal breakouts can be a frustrating problem for women, especially as they get older. Midland Skin states that hormonal acne is actually very common amongst women after puberty, especially in adulthood. This is because changes in hormonal levels lead to increased oil production and inflammation in the skin.The decrease in estrogen and increase in testosterone leads to hormonal skin breakouts in older women. In addition, these changes can increase sebum production, which can clog pores and cause acne.

Other factors contributing to hormonal breakouts in older women include stress, diet, and genetics. High-stress levels can cause hormonal problems, leading to many unwelcome skin issues. Eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can also be responsible for hormone changes and inflammation in the body, which can manifest in the skin. Genetics also play a role, as some women may be more prone to acne due to inherited factors.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage hormonal breakouts and keep your skin looking its best. One effective solution is to use natural skin care products, such as those available at Natural Radiant Life.

Use gentle skincare products for hormonal skin issues

One way to deal with hormonal breakouts is to establish a consistent skincare routine that includes products specifically designed for acne-prone skin. We offer a range of products free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin and even exacerbate certain skin issues. Our cleansers, toners, and moisturizers contain ingredients like olive oil, bamboo water, and aloe vera, all of which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These ingredients are also physically soothing on the skin, and will make a breakout and irritated skinfeel better, too. 

Another effective way to manage hormonal breakouts is to exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and unclog pores, which can greatly reduce the occurrence of acne. When pores are regularly given the chance to breathe and shed dead skin, breakouts are far less likely to occur. Natural Radiant Life offers several exfoliating products, such as our Coffee Exfoliating Bar and Facial Renewal Mask, which are gentle yet effective at removing impurities and promoting healthy skin.

Natural Radiant Life also offers products to help with other common skin concerns, such as dark spots, fine lines, and dryness which can frequently be worsened after a breakout. Our Radiant C Serum is an excellent option for reducing hyperpigmentation, while the Facial Firming Cream can help to plump and hydrate the skin. Using a combination of products, women can effectively manage hormonal breakouts and other skin issues that may arise as they age.

What to Avoid when dealing with hormonal skin

Skincare products that contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances should be avoided during a hormonal breakout, as these can irritate the skin and make problems worse. Products that are drying, strip the skin, or contain loads of complicated chemicals are great examples of what we should all strive to keep away from our skin. It can feel overwhelming having to filter through so many potentially bad products and being able to recognize which ingredients are bad, so we have compiled a few of the most important skincare ingredients to avoid:

Alcohol

Skincare products that contain high amounts of alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Alcohol is quite harsh and can make the skin even more sore or irritated. A lot of products aimed at eliminating acne typically contain alcohol in order to dry out pimples and impurities, but we recommend opting out of using these kinds of products. There are certainly products with less harmful ingredients that will still address acne and other skin issues.

Sulfates

Sulfates are often found in cleansers and can be too harsh for the skin, leading to inflammation and breakouts. Check skincare products and avoid those containing sulfates if you are in the middle of a breakout.

Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions and irritation, exacerbating hormonal breakouts. So even though scents can make products smell great, they may not be the best for irritated skin.

Retinoids

While retinoids can be effective for treating acne, they can also be too harsh for sensitive skin and cause dryness and irritation. If you are someone who has sensitive skin, you should be aware of how strong retinoids are– they should only be used on skin that can handle it, and need it.

Physical exfoliants

Physical exfoliants, such as scrubs and brushes, can be too abrasive for sensitive skin, leading to further irritation and inflammation. Those with sensitive skin should be careful not to exfoliate too much (as it could cause extreme irritation and, ultimately, do more harm than good), and aim for a light exfoliant. 

Conclusion

Dealing with hormonal breakouts can be challenging, but a consistent skincare routine and natural products can minimize the effects. By incorporating the right products into your daily routine, you can achieve clear, glowing skin and maintain a fresh, youthful appearance. Our skin will never be perfect nor will there ever be a one-size-fits-all approach to having healthy and beautiful skin, but adding natural products to your routine while also avoiding things that cause inflammation and irritation will take your skincare journey to a whole new level, and make your skin healthy from the inside out.