Ever notice the odd pimple or even a full-fledged breakout in the middle of your cycle? You may be experiencing ovulation acne. The good news is that you’re not alone and this common condition affects nearly 54% of the female population.
Ovulation acne all comes down to hormonal fluctuations and not everyone experiences these breakouts in the same way. It’s no mystery though, your hormones follow a predictable path during your cycle and anyone who’s been a teenager knows all too well how hormones can wreak havoc on your skin.
In this post we’ll look into why ovulation acne occurs and what you can do about it. We’ll discuss some of the common treatments available as well as natural methods used to treat it. And then we’ll wrap it all up with some commonly asked questions about acne during ovulation.
Read on for more information and how to identify and remedy breakouts during ovulation!
Can Ovulation Cause Acne?
In a word – yes. But don’t panic, that doesn’t mean everyone who ovulates will experience ovulation acne, and it certainly isn’t a death sentence for your skin. For some women, the hormonal fluctuations that occur during your cycle can also cause acne flare ups. Specifically, as the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone change relative to one another, the breeding grounds are ripe for a breakout.
Hormones and Acne – How Are They Related?
Your skin is your largest organ and aside from providing a protective barrier and regulating your temperature, it allows your body to eliminate certain fluids like sweat and oils. The skin changes in response to hormones so as your body goes through the different phases of the menstrual cycle, your skin can also change.
The first half of your cycle is dominated by estrogen but by mid-cycle estrogen levels start to fall and progesterone prevails. As progesterone levels rise during the second half of your cycle, it encourages the production of sebum - the oily substance produced by sebaceous glands on the skin to lubricate and protect it.
Sebaceous glands are influenced by sex hormones and are especially affected by testosterone. Although testosterone remains fairly constant through your cycle, it becomes higher in relation to other hormonal fluctuations and your skin produces more sebum leading to noticeably oilier skin.
Excess sebum and dead skin cells create the perfect environment to allow the bacteria P.acne to multiply and cause breakouts. Bacteria is a normal part of the skin flora, but when your hormonal balance changes, it can influence skin health.
Hormonal fluctuations during ovulation can contribute to acne and overall skin appearance. Period related breakouts are very common and many women report acne related to their menstrual cycle. Even though we can see and feel the effects of these fluctuations with acne, understanding how they play a role in your health can be made easier by checking our hormones regularly. Monitoring your hormones at home is possible with the Mira Monitor and our wands, which can measure numeric hormone levels in urine. Together with the free Mira App, you can track these fluctuations to support your skin’s health and gain insights into your cycle.
What Does Hormonal Acne Look Like?
Hormonal acne can present in many different ways. Breakouts often pop up along the lower half of the face, especially the chin and jawline, and show up at regular intervals. The white heads and black heads that form with hormonal acne are also the perfect breeding ground for bacteria like P. acnes, the bacteria involved in inflammatory acne lesions or zits. If you’re dealing with painful cysts or deeper bumps you just can’t get to, you are almost always dealing with hormonal acne.
Hormonal acne tends to present on the lower part of your face, but may also show up between the brows. For some, these breakouts are mild and occur closer to your period, but for others they can be severe and persist throughout the month. If you’re noticing breakouts that happen along the lower third of your face and they get worse before your period, you can be fairly certain you’re dealing with hormonal acne. Painful cysts or deeper bumps may need the help of a dermatologist since they are cystic and inflammatory in nature and may require a more clinical approach than over the counter remedies can provide.
Hormonal Acne vs. Bacterial Acne vs. Fungal Acne
Not all acne is the same and there are different types and solutions to the problem. Hormonal acne is caused by hormonal fluctuations that impact the production of sebum on the skin whereas bacterial acne is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that can then clog pores. Fungal acne is often confused for other types of acne, but is not caused by excess sebum production, rather by a type of fungus on the skin. Much like other bacteria, the fungus is a normal part of your skin flora, but when an overgrowth of yeast (fungus) takes hold, your skin’s natural balance is affected and acne-like symptoms can occur.
Can Acne Increase During Ovulation?
The hormonal changes that occur around the time of ovulation can lead to an increase in acne during this time. As testosterone spikes, it increases sebum production which provides a ripe environment for clogged pores and bacteria growth. While some women experience a glow with the increased oil production during ovulation, others experience pimples and breakouts thanks to the excess oil and clogged pores.
Causes of Increased Acne During Ovulation
Acne during ovulation is usually a result of increased sebum production in your pores. Testosterone and its metabolites begin to climb and bind to receptors on sebaceous glands in the skin. This results in more sebum being produced and secreted which then combines with dead skin cells to block the pore and trap the sebum. This leaves the skin primed for potential breakouts and often manifests as acne. Rising progesterone can also increase sebum production leading to the same result.
Diagnosis & When to See a Doctor
Acne is a common experience that many people go through so it can be hard to know when it requires more intervention.
See a doctor if:
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your acne is painful or severe
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over-the-counter treatments aren’t working
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breakouts clear but always come back
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you have deep, painful acne cysts or nodules
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your acne is affecting your quality of life
If you have additional symptoms like excessive facial or body hair, weight gain, or irregular periods you should definitely consult a doctor. This can be a sign of something more serious going on like polycystic ovarian syndrome that requires a more holistic approach.
There are even certain PCOS supplements that can help your skin as part of a comprehensive hormonal care approach. Mira’s own PCOS supplements may help alleviate many of the symptoms of PCOS, including acne. Mira’s formulation, created by experts and fertility doctors, helps nourish your body’s natural rhythm while supporting your hormonal fluctuations and promoting good skin health.
Common Ways to Treat Ovulation Acne
There are a number of ways to treat ovulation acne from topical solutions to oral medications and natural remedies. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach though and what works for you may not work for someone else. Sometimes hormonal acne can become treatment resistant and common solutions like isotretinoin may not work because they don’t address the hormonal imbalance causing the acne in the first place.
Oral Contraceptives and Treatments
Birth control pills are a common treatment option for acne during ovulation especially for women who also need contraception. Combination pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone work by regulating hormonal activity and decreasing sebum production that leads to clogged pores and acne. Many studies have found the pill to be an effective treatment for acne and some pills have even been approved specifically for treating the condition.
Other oral treatment options include Spironolactone and Metformin. Spironolactone is a medication often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, fluid retention, and also acne and excess hair growth in women. It’s often prescribed when other treatments don’t work and is an effective option for deep-seated acne. A word of caution about this ovulation acne treatment though, if you can get pregnant, it’s essential to use birth control while on Spironolactone as it is known to cause serious birth defects.
Metformin is a common option for ovulation acne, especially for those with PCOS. Many women with PCOS also have heightened levels of insulin, which can lead to the production of too much testosterone, one of the androgens. Metformin aims to target the hormonal imbalance causing acne, leading to improvements in your skin, and is showing promise in those with and without PCOS.
Retinoids
Retinoids are a family of compounds that come from vitamin A and are considered the gold standard to treat acne. They can help ovulation acne by exfoliating your skin and ridding it of excess dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. Spread on the skin, retinoids greatest benefit is that they effectively slough off dead skin cells to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts.
Retinoids are only available by prescription and can come in the form of topical treatments or oral capsules. Accutane is a well-known type of retinoid used to treat acne. Retinoids for acne work best when combined with other treatments like benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment sold in different concentrations that treats the bacteria on your skin causing acne, as well as helping to shed dead skin cells and excess sebum. If you are taking retinoids and may become pregnant, it’s recommended to be on birth control.
Hormonal Treatment
Hormonal treatment for ovulation acne is any medication that acts on your hormones to treat the issue. Many are used to treat acne, whether that is their original intention or not. Our hormones are easily affected by normal parts of our life, like stress, sleep and diet. Treating acne may involve more than taking medication and introducing hormone-balancing habits into your life can help.
Everything from the foods we consume to how much sleep we get can influence our hormonal balance. But balancing hormones isn’t an easy fix and although it can be done, it can take some time and effort. It can be helpful to talk to your doctor or a trusted professional like a hormone health coach. Mira’s own Hormone Health Clinic for Fertility is a great place to start with our empathetic fertility experts who can answer all your questions and offer personalized support to balance your hormones.
How to Treat Ovulation Acne Naturally
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree native to Australia has natural antiseptic properties that can help fight acne. Specifically, tea tree oil kills C. acnes, one of the bacterias associated with acne. It’s also been shown to reduce inflammation which can help with the redness around acne.
Green Tea
Green tea contains powerful antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Research has shown that for some women, it can improve oily skin and the lesions and redness associated with acne. It is especially rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a plant-based compound that has anti-androgenic properties. This works to break the cycle of androgen hormones like testosterone causing the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
Teas that contain hormone-supportive herbs may also be a treatment option to help balance sebum production and reduce acne flare-ups. Mira Fertility Tea is designed to provide you with a mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your overall health.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
AHA’s work to exfoliate the skin and remove excess dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. They do this by stripping the outermost layer of the skin of dead skin cells to reveal live epidermal tissue. These acids encourage cellular turnover and help inhibit excess sebum production and clear your pores. There are different types of AHAs and they are commonly used in many skincare products since they have so many benefits for your skin
Manage Stress
It’s no secret that stress can be detrimental to your health. When we are experiencing stress, our bodies release stress hormones in response and this can have an effect on multiple systems throughout our body. Stress doesn’t cause acne but it’s effects on the body can exacerbate any acne you have. Chronic stress can cause your body to have a prolonged hormonal imbalance and can exacerbate the root causes of your ovulation acne. Managing your stress is foundational to any healing plan and balancing hormones.
Limit Sugar and Refined Carb Intake
Food and beverages high in sugar and refined carbs raise your blood sugar quickly and contribute to the inflammation causing effects of insulin. Some foods actually promote inflammation and we know that our diet can affect our hormones as well. When we eat high-fat and high-sugar foods it can cause a rise in insulin - the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Insulin spikes can cause inflammation throughout your body and also an increase in sebum production. Foods that cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels are known as “high glycemic foods” and can contribute to a number of health issues, including acne. Scientists believe that by limiting high glycemic foods to reduce insulin spikes can help reduce inflammation which may cause acne.
Limit Dairy
Dairy is known as a common trigger for acne and although there are many hypotheses, more research is needed in the area. If you are struggling with hormonal acne, dairy alternatives like goat or soy milk might be worth trying.
Increase Soluble Fiber, Omega-3 and Antioxidants
Research shows that a high fiber diet can decrease blood testosterone – the androgen that triggers hormonal acne. Increasing soluble fiber helps optimize elimination pathways and keep the gut flora healthy to balance hormones and encourage a healthy metabolism.
Antioxidants can also help your skin health by offsetting the free radicals through the body, and limiting their negative impact on your skin. They’re a vital part of your skin and can help ovulation acne by reducing inflammation and supporting healing processes.
While antioxidants work to reduce free radicals and the damage they can do to your skin, Omega-3’s can enhance antioxidant defense and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Adding antioxidants and Omega-3’s to your routine can help balance your hormones and may improve the look of your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hormonal acne last?
Hormonal acne is most common during big hormonal shifts like puberty, ovulation, pregnancy, and menopause. It can last for months or years with symptoms coming and going as you go through hormonal fluctuations.
Why does acne keep coming back?
If you feel like you’ve tried everything and your acne is still coming back, it may be due to factors like a hormonal imbalance, lifestyle choices, and even genetics. A wide number of factors can influence acne so it can be helpful to identify your triggers or work with a doctor to determine the root cause of your acne.
Does hormonal acne require hormone testing?
Yes. If hormonal acne is accompanied by other symptoms and signs of a hormone imbalance, it may be beneficial. For routine insight into your hormonal fluctuations you can track your hormone levels at home with Mira’s Hormone Monitor. This will allow you to see your unique hormone patterns and fluctuations and can be shared with your healthcare provider.
What’s the best diet for acne?
The best diet for acne focuses on low-glycemic and nutrient rich foods that can support skin health and reduce inflammation. Include nutrients that support hormonal balance, like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, seeds, and whole grains while avoiding processed foods and high sugar intake.
Can natural treatments replace medication?
Natural treatments vs medication depends on the type of acne you are experiencing and your overall health situation. Some natural remedies may help but may not be as effective as medication to treat your acne.
