The 10 Best Beauty Products For Hormonal Acne
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Despite its name, hormonal acne can occur far beyond your teenage years. In fact, it's totally common to be suffering from this particularly frustrating type of acne well into your 30s and 40s — but don't lose heart! There are ways to combat hormonal acne, but first you have to understand exactly what's causing it.
Typically when there is a rise in testosterone levels, skin becomes oilier and pores get clogged. If inflammation forms, it will cause hormonal acne. Types of blemishes are typically cysts, nodules, and pustules. According to dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler, the issue can oftentimes be solved in women by taking birth control pills, but that doesn't work for everyone.
The sheer number of products available to treat hormonal acne is overwhelming, so we spoke to a few professionals about what to look for.
"When it comes to hormonal breakouts, it's key to use products that contain calming, antipuffiness, antibacterial ingredients like salicylic acid, Chinese licorice, and tea tree, says celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau. "Acne is an inflammation disease of the skin, so the goal with hormonal breakouts is to not dry out your skin with harsh acne products, especially when the breakouts are occasional and appear only on certain areas of the face."
I know from firsthand experience that having cystic acne can wreak havoc on your self-esteem. But with a little bit of knowledge and help from the following products, having clear skin won't be an out-of-reach dream. Keeping in mind that everyone has different skin sensitivities, here is a list of highly rated products that have been proven to work against hormonal acne.
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Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask
Sulfur is like kryptonite to acne, and the Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask ($55) is medicated with 10 percent of the good stuff! It also helps reduce oiliness and pores while boasting a high dosage of tea tree oil to help soothe acne rosacea.
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Bamboo Charcoal Dew Puff
The Bamboo Charcoal Dew Puff ($8) is made from water and fiber of an Asian root vegetable called Konjac. This gentle cleansing face puff includes a natural bamboo charcoal powder ingredient, which provides extra bacteria-fighting power.
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Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
This Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel ($54) has a cult following — and for good reason! The salicylic and glycolic acids specifically target whiteheads, blackheads, and acne blemishes. It's also fragrance-free for sensitive skin.
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Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask
The Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask ($16) expunges impurities with charcoal, treating acne breakouts with salicylic acid and botanical extracts. You'll get to fight off hormonal acne while smelling like you just stepped out of a spa.
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Glytone Acne Clearing Toner
This amazing Glytone Acne Clearing Toner ($25) contains 2 percent salicylic acid to exfoliate and clear the skin. Not only will that reduce oil production on your face, but this wonder toner will also help unclog your pores.
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Renée Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment
The Renée Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment ($46) contains ethyl lactate and provides fast reduction of visible inflammation and redness stemming from cystic acne bumps. "Ethyl lactate (a purified form of lactic acid ester) works well because it purifies within the pore to clear and calm visible cysts and bumps," says Rouleau.
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Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser
The Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser ($34) is paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free, plus it contains amino acids and hyaluronic acid to better moisturize your skin.
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Pestle & Mortar Superstar Retinol Night Oil
Dr. Wechsler, notes that "if bumps are inflamed and deep, or cystic, they may be more stubborn. In that case, you might need a retinoid." This Pestle & Mortar Superstar Retinol Night Oil ($90) has two types of retinol to help fight cystic acne and give you clear skin.
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Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer
Rouleau warns that "drying out the skin will only make it worse as this creates surface cell buildup that can keep oil and bacteria trapped in the pore, leading to even more breakouts." So be sure to regularly use an oil-free moisturizer such as the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer ($6). Not only is it supereffective at replenishing moisture, it's also easy on the wallet.
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Eve Lom Dynaspot Salicylic Acid Emergency Acne Treatment
Finally, if you're looking for something to spot-treat unexpected breakouts, the Eve Lom Dynaspot Salicylic Acid Emergency Acne Treatment ($34) is your new best friend.
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