Can an Imbalance of Hormones Cause Acne?

Acne and its development is said to have a close connection with changes in hormones. People suffering from acne often have oily skin due to the high level of the androgen and testosterone hormones present in the body, as certain studies have shown. Because of this a sort of Yin and Yang phenomenon, a balance of androgen and estrogen, is thought to be required to maintain healthy skin. Acne tends to develop when hormonal imbalances occur.

Because acne often starts around the age of 19 to 24 and usually starts with teens but also affects mature adults, there is a belief that there is a connection between acne and hormones. This is when people will typically get lesions on the lower face, mostly on the chin and jaw line. It may also appear on the chest and back, although a majority of its victims are affected mainly on the face.

The idea that there is a connection between acne and hormones comes from thew fact that acne typically starts to appear when the body starts to produce androgen hormones. Androgens are the biggest culprit that incite the sebaceous glands to enlarge and emit sebum. Sebum builds up in the follicle and then gets pushed up the hair shaft until it reaches the exterior of the skin. With this movement the sebum then blends with bacteria which cause the hair follicle to get blocked. It is merely the blocked follicles which become the breeding area for bacteria, resulting in acne.

It is worth noting that hormones basically regulate every function of the body. As you may know, sleep, growth and other related body functions largely depend upon your hormones. Acne may be a byproduct of hormonal imbalance due to this dependency.With hormonal balance there is less chance for acne to emerge.

The occurrence of acne in teens as well as in adults also tends to explain the connection between acne and hormones. Since the production of androgen begins during the teen years at the onset of puberty, this contributes to the development of acne. The acne and hormones connection is most noticed in mature women during their menstrual cycle. It has been noted in certain studies that acne that worsens during a woman's monthly cycle is not something that women will grow out of as they get older.

A good acne treatment should be effective at every stage of life.