What causes female acne in teens?
Our skin is affected by the hormones that circulate in our bodies; that’s why female back acne is so common in teenagers. Many of the changes that occur during adolescence, including changes in our skin, are linked to these hormones.
When it comes to female back acne, testosterone is the main culprit. Although testosterone is commonly considered a male hormone, we all produce it to some degree. The link between our hormones and adult acne also explains why women typically get adult acne throughout their menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
The increase in testosterone that occurs throughout adolescence can cause female back acne by causing the oil glands in our skin to enlarge. We produce more sebum, which is an oily substance. To protect our skin, sebum typically travels out of the oil glands and onto the surface through our pores. When we produce a lot of sebum during adolescence, though, the pores might become clogged. The oil is trapped inside, attracting bacteria that cause the spots’ redness and swelling.
Because everyone’s hormones change during puberty, most of us will see some spots during our adolescent years. However, the number of spots you have, the severity of your back acne, and the length of time your acne lasts can all differ. Some teenagers suffer from severe back acne, while others have clear skin.
What causes female back acne in adults?
Acne can be caused by a variety of reasons, including genetics. Back acne is thought to be driven by an increase in testosterone levels during our teen years, which occurs in both boys and girls.
The skin’s sebaceous glands are susceptible to changes in hormone levels, and they might overproduce sebum, the oily substance that lubricates the skin.
Acne breakouts in adult and older women are thought to be caused by the same issue: hormonal fluctuations that cause the sebaceous glands to produce too much oil.
Periods
Estrogen and progesterone levels drop just before your period begins. This may cause your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, an oily material that moisturizes your skin. Too much might block pores and cause outbreaks. Hormones can also exacerbate skin irritation and acne-causing bacteria production.
Pregnancy
Elevated hormone levels in the first trimester of pregnancy are the leading cause female back acne. The higher the level, the more natural oils your skin produces. It’s tough to predict who will get acne during pregnancy. It’s relatively uncommon for women to get female back acne for the first time while pregnant, usually within the first three months of their pregnancy. On the other hand, some women’s acne improves during pregnancy.
The menopause
During menopause, some women develop female back acne. This is most likely related to a decrease in estrogen levels or a rise in androgen hormones such as testosterone. Even if you’re using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help with your menopause symptoms, you may still get menopausal acne.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Yes, polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) can cause back acne.
Acne caused by PCOS frequently affects the lower face, particularly the jawline, chin, and upper neck. These locations have a hormonal pattern for female back acne, although it is not a hard and fast rule. Acne lesions may be more profound, more prominent, and take longer to heal in women with PCOS.
How to treat female back acne
Your treatment to get rid of back acne will depend on your age, medical history, and severity. There are, nonetheless, some broad guidelines for undergoing treatment.
If your back acne is mild, start by going to your local drugstore and seeking assistance from the pharmacist. There are a variety of non-prescription treatments available, including ones containing benzoyl peroxide.
See your doctor if over-the-counter remedies don’t work, or if your female back acne is moderate to severe. They can prescribe topical retinoids, antibiotic pills, and the combined contraceptive pill, among other things. One of the advantages of using the combination pill for female back acne is that it can also be used as a form of long-term contraception.
You may need to see a specialist if your acne is severe. Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) and co-cyprindiol, which can also be used as contraception, are two treatments for severe female acne.
What can pregnant women use for back acne?
If you’re expecting, you’ll need to be more cautious about the acne treatments you choose. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, for example, must take a different antibiotic tablet than other people.
Isotretinoin and co-cyprindiol, unfortunately, are both harmful to pregnant women. The NHS recommends that women using isotretinoin use contraception to avoid pregnancy during treatment and one month afterward. It can harm an unborn child and increase the risk of miscarriage.
If you become pregnant while taking either of these medicines, you should immediately stop taking them and contact your prescribing doctor.
What can menopausal women use for back acne?
Many conventional female back acne treatments may be too harsh for menopausal skin, which is thinner and drier.
There are several effective options for therapy if you have dehydrated and sensitive skin after menopause, including salicylic acid and azelaic acid, both of which are gentler on the skin than other topical therapies.