According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, women make up to 75 per cent of adult acne cases, with hormonal changes like menstruation playing a big role in those numbers.

Why do hormones have such a big impact on acne, how long will it last, and what can people do to care for their skin when they’re experiencing hormonal breakouts? Dr. Jennifer Tran, a Sunnybrook dermatologist, shares her insight.

Understanding hormonal acne

People often anticipate breakouts around the time they are menstruating. What’s less talked about is that acne can be brought on by other hormonal changes, such as starting birth control, pregnancy and menopause.

“There is evidence that hormonal fluctuations in androgens, progesterone and testosterone can worsen acne,” says Dr. Tran. Though, while these changes have been linked to acne, the connection is not so straightforward.

“The exact pathogenesis of acne in these scenarios is unclear,” she says. In fact, she adds, “Some studies have looked at measuring various hormone levels in patients with acne, and in the majority of cases, these levels are within normal range.”

How long will these breakouts last?

Similar to the uncertainty surrounding the cause of hormonal acne, the length of time that these breakouts will stick around is also unclear.

“Timing depends,” says Dr. Tran. “It can be very specific to a patient’s circumstances. For example, if someone is pregnant, it can last the duration of their pregnancy. For some, hormonal acne can last for several years.”

Treatment

To manage these hormonal breakouts, Dr. Tran encourages people to speak with their doctor to discuss options.

“Topical treatments, oral medications such as spironolactone or certain oral contraceptive pills, and even antibiotics and isotretinoin can be used for hormonal acne,” she says.

And while acne is typically harmless, in some instances, it can be indicative of a bigger issue.

“Hormonal acne is sometimes associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome,” she says. “If there are other signs or symptoms of this condition, patients should be screened.”

The post Hormonal acne: Sunnybrook dermatologist explains its causes and treatment appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Dr. Jennifer Tran is a dermatologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Did you grow up in an environment where skincare was a priority?

No, I wouldn’t say it was a focus. As a kid, I remember my mom lathering me up with sunscreen when we were at the beach, but at that time it wasn’t widely known to always wear sunscreen and avoid the sun at peak times. All that definitely came into focus when I began to study dermatology

So what would you tell your younger self if you could?

When I was younger, I thought getting a base tan before going away on holidays was a good idea.  I even went to tanning beds a few times.  Like many people, I was told that getting a base tan would help reduce the risk of burning in the sun.  Now as a dermatologist, I would never recommend getting a base tan due to increased risk of melanoma (skin cancer).  If I really feel the need to look tanned, I use a self-tanner and make sure I lather up with sunscreen.

What does your daily skincare routine look like now?

I’m not loyal to one brand and I try to keep things really simple. Dermatologists tend to avoid fragrances and trendy ingredients because they could contain potential allergens.

In the morning I wash my face and apply sunscreen. These days, my foundation contains SPF 50 broad spectrum sunscreen, which offers good protection. In the evening, I use a simple fragrance-free face wash and apply a retinoid and moisturizer.

For my body, I moisturize when I get out of the shower and avoid using products that contain fragrance.

Do you think this routine will change as you get older?

No, I think I’ll use this routine for a long time. What’s always consistent is using a sunscreen in the morning, a retinoid at night and fragrance-free moisturizer for my face and body daily.

When you go to dinner parties, is it a given that someone will ask you about a skin issue?

Some people ask me if my job is anything like Dr. Pimple Popper. (It isn’t.) I do get a lot of parents asking about their kids’ rashes, but not so much their own!  I love dermatology and enjoy answering questions to help ease people’s concerns.

What’s something people would find surprising about your job?

Probably how little my day-to-day work has to do with simply skin care. In dermatology, we treat a lot of sick people dealing with complex conditions, like autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. These sometimes serious conditions may manifest on the skin sometimes with rashes, boils and blisters. Recognizing skin findings that can be related to a serious underlying disease can help determine the diagnosis and treatment. It’s truly fascinating how the skin is a mirror of what’s happening inside our bodies.

The post How to live like the experts: Taking care of your skin with Dr. Jennifer Tran appeared first on Your Health Matters.

To answer this question, we spoke with Dr. Brittany Waller, community dermatologist and former Sunnybrook clinical fellow.

Here’s her reply:

Before we can discuss topical products, we need to understand the physiological differences between male and female skin. In general, males tend to have 25 per cent thicker skin than females. In males, the outer layer of the skin’s epidermis, known as the stratum corneum, tends to be quite dense, which can lead to uneven texture. Male skin is also firmer with a higher concentration of collagen, the main protein that provides skin’s structure. With higher concentrations of androgens, aka male hormones, men tend to have oilier complexions.

Men have more dark, coarse facial hair, which can lead to significant irritation with shaving. Using a hydrating shave cream to protect the skin while allowing the blade to glide smoothly is very important. Given the increased oil production, men tend to be more acne-prone and need lighter moisturizers. Heavy creams, which may be needed by women with drier skin, can lead to breakouts in men.

Trans patients taking gender-affirming hormones may experience changes that align with more masculine skin if taking testosterone and more feminine skin if on estrogen and androgen-blocking medications. Please speak with your primary care provider and/or dermatologist if you are taking these hormones and have any questions or concerns.

The number one most important skin care product for everyone is sunscreen. In addition to preventing sunburn, sunscreens prevent repetitive UV damage, something directly linked to skin cancer development. Sunscreens also protect against pigmentation changes/uneven tone and fine lines/wrinkles, so they have both health and cosmetic benefits. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA/UVB rays. An SPF of minimum 30 or higher is also important too.

So to answer your question, using your wife’s face cream won’t likely do much harm, but consider picking up a product that’s right for your own personal skin care needs.

Keep it simple for both of you and look for non-scented, gentle products free of perfumes and fragrances. The Canada Dermatology Association has some great recommendations listed on their website. Check it out, and protect the skin you’re in.

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