Tired of pimples? Tips for managing hormonal acne

Hello, there! Are you dealing with hormonal acne?  You’re not alone — many women deal with this. And I know how frustrating it can be, especially around their period or during pregnancy. It’s often triggered or worsened by those lovely hormone fluctuations. When your body goes through changes in hormone levels (like during puberty, being on your period, or pregnancy), your hormones can go a bit wild. That can lead to breakouts.¹

As women, our bodies are beautiful. Miraculous. But with our hormones being such a big part of things, we tend to get some funky symptoms. But you don’t have to be in the dark about them! If you’re wondering about hormones, menstrual cycles, or how womens’ bodies work, our blog at ThriVe is a great place to start. We’re your BFF when it comes to women’s health, pregnancy, abortion info, and more. We care about your health, and we want you to feel confident and beautiful. You deserve it.

Promoting healthy skin

No one likes waking up to a new acne blemish. You want to look and feel beautiful. You deserve it! You’ve got places to be and people to meet. Don’t despair! You light up the room no matter what the status of your skin is, girl. But there are actually things you can do to promote healthy skin. Let’s get you back to your glow.

1. Clean your face, girl: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser.² This helps remove dead skin cells, bacteria, oil, and makeup that can clog pores and cause acne.^{1, 2} It doesn’t have to be an expensive product or anything. Just look for a mild cleanser or gentle cleanser. Clean skin is a big step toward healthy skin. Don’t forget a nonoily moisturizer and sunscreen after you wash!²

2. Use the right products: Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means they won’t block your pores and cause acne. If your pores are clogged, you’re more likely to break out with acne.²

3. Eat healthy: Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and lean protein can actually help your skin! Some people find that cutting back on carbohydrate-rich foods (like chips and bagels) helps too^{.3, 1} This doesn’t mean you have to get on a crazy diet or calorie deficit to have healthy skin. The most important thing is eating healthy. You could drink a smoothie with kale or spinach mixed in, or simply add a side of carrots or cherry tomatoes to your plate. It doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ve got this!

4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.³ Find a water bottle that’s cute and makes you feel excited to get your water in. Decorate it with stickers if you want! When you stay hydrated, it can help you feel your glow coming back. Drinking enough water helps your body in so many ways. It’s self-care.

5. Don’t touch your face: It’s tempting to pick at acne on your skin, I totally get it. It’s a really common way to cope with anxiety or stress. Many women do it without even thinking about it. But touching your face can trigger acne or lead to infection.² If you’ve got to touch your face, just try to wash your hands frequently. That way, you’ll be touching your face with clean hands!

Remember, your skin’s health is a big part of your overall well-being, so it’s worth paying attention to. And if you’re ever in doubt about what’s safe for you (including acne treatments!), especially if there’s a chance you could be pregnant, ThriVe is a trusted resource. We’re all about empowering women with accurate, no-judgment information. Our blog is a great place to find more info about your hormones and women’s health.

So we’ve talked about how to keep your skin healthy in general, but what if that’s not working to treat your type of acne? There could be something more going on. Let’s talk about what else could be causing your acne, and how you can take the next steps.

What’s causing my hormonal acne?

The possibility of pregnancy

If you’ve struggled with acne before, you might notice it gets worse during PMS or if you’re pregnant.¹ And here’s something important: some acne treatments, especially those you’d usually turn to, aren’t safe if you’re pregnant.² Crazy, I know. So, if there’s any chance you might be pregnant, it’s a smart move to get a no-cost pregnancy test at ThriVe. We want to make sure you get the right care.

If you are pregnant, you’ll need information about your health, whatever pregnancy decision you make. And some acne treatments are not safe during pregnancy. If you’ve missed a period come in for your no-cost pregnancy test. Your health matters. We’ve got your back.

Using birth control to manage acne

Now, about treating hormonal acne. Some people use birth control pills to treat severe acne in women because they say it can help balance hormones. It might even be prescribed by a dermatologist or other health professional. But it’s important to understand that there are risks with that too. Birth control isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. And some kinds of birth control can actually cause acne!⁴ It’s hard to tell how it will affect each woman.

Why? Our bodies are all different. That’s why there are so many side effects and risks listed on the box you’ll see at the store. It can come with side effects like mood swings, weight gain, acne, or even blood clots.⁵ One woman might use a brand and experience weight gain, mood swings, and acne. Another woman taking the same brand might get blood clots and feel depressed. It all depends on how your body responds.

It’s worth trying natural remedies and lifestyle changes to manage acne before hormonal birth control. Trying out these changes is part of learning about YOUR body, specifically. You can become the expert on your body to achieve the best health!

So, what are the risks of birth control?

Birth control pills are often used to manage hormonal acne (even though some can cause acne!), but they come with risks:

– Mood swings: Hormone changes can affect your emotions, leading to sudden mood shifts. Others can cause more “numb” feelings, like depression.⁶

– Headaches: Some women experience more frequent or severe headaches while on the pill.⁵

– Weight gain: Hormonal changes can sometimes lead to weight fluctuations.⁶

– Acne: Acne is a side effect of multiple kinds of birth control.⁴

– Increased risk of blood clots: Birth control pills can raise the risk of developing blood clots. That can lead to more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

– Higher blood pressure: Some women experience an increase in blood pressure while on birth control.

– Risk of stroke: Particularly for women who smoke or have other risk factors, the pill can increase the risk of a stroke.⁵

Why do some women choose to risk birth control?

Even with the risks, many women choose birth control for contraception, or to treat adolescent or adult acne. But there are natural alternatives you might want to consider:

– Preventing pregnancy: Birth control is often recommended by doctors to avoid getting pregnant, but postponing sex is a natural alternative that removes the need for hormonal contraception altogether. Learn more about how delaying sex for now is empowering, and why so many women are joining the movement. You can take control of your health and future.

– Regulating periods: Instead of using birth control to make your periods more predictable (because sometimes this doesn’t work), you can try tracking your cycle naturally. There are apps or methods like the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). This approach helps you understand your body’s rhythm and can help you predict your cycle more naturally. Doing things naturally equips you to be the expert on your body and natural rhythm.

– Reducing menstrual pain: While birth control is sometimes prescribed to ease cramps, there are also natural alternatives like regular exercise, applying heat (like a heating pad), and using supplements like vitamin E and magnesium. Ask your doctor if these might help reduce pain and discomfort.⁷

– Managing hormonal acne: Instead of relying on birth control, you might  consider learning more about  natural remedies for acne. That could be adjusting your diet to include more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains; as well as using tea tree oil, or maintaining a good skincare routine with non-comedogenic products.^{2, 3} You’re worth it.

Do women really postpone sex anymore?

If you’re concerned about the risks or unsure if birth control is right for you, postponing sex might be a good alternative. It’s actually empowering. You’ll be able to prioritize your health and well-being without worrying about potential side effects. Plus, you’ll have found the secret to having total confidence in your future. You’ve got goals and plans for your life. Delaying sex can help you focus on them! Becoming sexually active should be your choice, so never let anyone pressure you. This is your life and your future. You deserve the confidence and security.

So what now?

Taking care of your skin, avoiding acne, and making decisions about birth control can be a lot to think about. But you don’t have to do it alone. ThriVe is here to provide medically accurate info and a supportive, judgment-free environment. We’re really a safe space for women, no matter what stage you’re in. You can explore your options. Whether you’re considering birth control, postponing sex, or just need someone to talk to, ThriVe has your back with information.

If you think you might be pregnant, give us a call to talk or schedule your no-cost pregnancy test. You’re beautiful, capable, and totally worth it. 

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