Hormonal acne can be a real cause of distress for many individuals, especially women going through puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. The hormonal fluctuations during these times can lead to the production of excessive oil in the skin, leading to clogged pores, inflammation, and pimples. While there are several over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat hormonal acne, they often come with various side effects.
Luckily, several natural remedies can help alleviate hormonal acne without harming your body. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the practical, science-backed natural remedies you can try.
1. Tea tree oil
This essential oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria that cause pimples. A study conducted on 124 participants with acne found that a 5% tea tree oil gel was as effective as a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion in reducing acne.
2. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and prevent acne breakouts. A systematic review of several studies found that zinc supplementation could significantly reduce acne symptoms in individuals. The best food-based source of zinc is oysters, but it's also plentiful in red meat & poultry.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that our body cannot produce. They have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne inflammation and improve skin health. A study conducted on 45 individuals found that omega-3 supplementation reduced acne lesions by 42%. One of my favorite ways to get Omega-3's is through fatty fish like wild-caught salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel,
4. Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that can benefit our gut and skin health. Studies have found that taking probiotics can decrease inflammation and improve the skin's barrier, reducing acne breakouts. Improving your gut microbiome overall can significantly improve your skin- read my blog post on how to improve your gut microbiome for more details on this!
5. Green tea
Green tea contains polyphenols and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and prevent acne breakouts. A study conducted on 80 individuals found that applying green tea extract to the skin significantly reduced sebum production and improved overall skin health.
Hormonal acne can be challenging to manage, but several natural remedies can help reduce inflammation and prevent acne breakouts. However, it is essential to keep in mind that natural remedies may take a while to show results and may not work for everyone. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedies to ensure it is safe for you. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating hormonal acne. A combination of lifestyle changes and natural remedies can help you find relief from this skin condition.
If you're struggling with your hormonal acne and/or other hormonal issues and want to get to the root cause in the most holistic way possible, consider working with a certified holistic health coach- learn more about working with me privately here!
