New Acne for Women in Their 20’s and 30’s
Many of our female patients tell us that they never had acne in their teenage years. These 20-40 year old women are often frustrated by the new onset of acne during a time when they never expected it. Dr. Schweiger explains that, “Acne commonly presents for women in their 20’s and 30’s. Hormonal changes, some of which are regular and some of which are the result of hormone imbalances, influence the sebaceous glands. This leads to an increase in acne lesions, particularly on the lower face and jawline.”
Hormonal acne can be addressed in a variety of ways:
- Topical antibacterial medications and topical retinoids reduce the p. acnes bacteria and microcomedones that progress to acne lesions
- Laser and light therapy, such as photodynamic therapy and the isolaz acne treatment, can be used to reduce p. acnes bacteria, decrease sebaceous gland activity and clear out the pores
- Hormonal treatments can reduce the androgen effect on the sebaceous gland oil production. Examples of hormonal treatments include oral contraceptive pills (birth control) and an androgen antagonist called spironolactone.
Click here to read more about hormonal acne in women.
