INSIDE OUT
THERE’S A COMMON CULPRIT BEHIND SKIN FREAKOUTS
Hormones. The mere mention of the word elicits groans from women and growls from men everywhere. While it’s easy to blame our skin problems on our hormones and quietly rejoice in pimple popping, the more we understand this intricate bodily function, the better we can manage its effect on our skin.
“Hormones is the term used to describe our body’s chemical messengers that are produced in organs such as ovaries and thyroid glands,” Biologi dermal specialist Lucy Kuper says.
“These chemical messengers help regulate the body’s tissues and organs and can play a big role in the appearance of our skin.”
Lucy says it’s when the body over or under-produces certain hormones that skin conditions can appear.
“This can happen during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, but can also be caused by external factors such as stress, poor diet and nutrition,” Lucy says. “Hormone imbalances can wreak havoc on our skin, causing blemishes, acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines or skin conditions like rosacea.
“Hormonal acne is related to the rise in androgen levels (testosterone), which is produced in both men and women. This rise triggers higher sebum production (the oily substance secreted at the base of hairs) and can lead to breakouts and clogged pores.
“We often hear of women experiencing this, however, it can happen to men too and because they naturally secrete more testosterone, their cases of hormonal acne can be more severe.”
Lucy says hormonal pimples usually appear as a concentrated area of blemishes on the face, typically on the chin and jawline.
“If you’re no longer a teenager but prone to breakouts this can be linked back to your hormones,” Lucy says. “Another way is if you’re noticing breakouts once a month, occurring similar to a menstrual cycle.”
Unfortunately there’s no straightforward “cure”, but leading a more wholesome life and using quality skincare products can make a world of difference.
“Protect your skin from sun damage and keep it internally and externally hydrated,” Lucy says.
“Focus on eating a nutritionally dense diet, including protein. Eat a lot of vegies, highfibre foods, healthy proteins and healthy fats.
“Try to de-stress when you can. Stress can increase cortisol levels, leading to more sebum production and acne breakouts.
“For some women, birth control pills can help regulate hormones.
“Invest in a skincare routine that will target hormonal imbalances. Biologi’s range of serums will help to manage skin effects from hormones by reducing oil build-up, acne, wrinkles, psoriasis and rosacea.”