Female acne

Premenstrual adult acne

Premenstrual adult acne may be caused by over-stimulated androgens (hormones that stimulate sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the skin). During this time a woman’s oil-producing glands can go into overdrive. Women may also see acne throughout their cycle, the cause of which we do not fully understand.

Acne and pregnancy

Pregnant women and women undergoing menopause and post-menopause may also experience hormonal acne. During pregnancy in particular, it is important that an expectant mother speak closely with her physician regarding appropriate acne treatments, topical or oral.

There are a few treatment options available for adult female acne. For women who have found that antibiotics or topical treatments have not been helpful, there are still alternatives. After consulting a physician, many women have turned to birth control. As an acne treatment, birth-control pills, when used in low-dosages, can decrease the amount of extra androgens, therefore limiting breakouts. Before resorting to this type of treatment, women should be aware of other side effects related to birth control and consult a gynecologist.

In my experience, men and women do not differ much in terms of effective acne treatment, and simple topical treatment is often the best option. I have personally coached many men and women through the Regimen with equal success.