20 Ways To Cure Hormonal Acne Naturally

Acne was a topic that lacked information on the radar of the Internet. When I suffered from acne three years back, I thought that I was the only one who went through such demoralized pain which led me to self-deprecation with all the negative thoughts flowing over me and feeling ugly physically. I wondered what the actual cause of my acne was. 

When I started to search for this topic online, I couldn't find the reason for my acne specifically for my skin type (and I didn't know what my skin type was). So in desperation to cure my acne, I consulted the dermatologist which went badly. I finally went to this facial place that was recommended by the hairdresser that my family went to often, which helped me through this agony. 

Through the process of healing and advice, I had been taught and researched, I am here to share a few tips to speed up the recovery of your acne. Bear in mind that this may not work for everyone but pick the one that suits you most. I hope you find this blog post helpful as you're reading this because these tips have helped me a lot throughout my acne journey and I'm on my way to being healed completely.

🧴 PRODUCTS 🧴

1. KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE

Knowing your skin type is important to understand the root of the cause of your acne. In my case, I have a combination skin type. If you need any help recognizing your skin type, go to a skin expert on the supermarket counter where you purchase your products before and ask them, for free. If you're sceptical of them, find a trusted, TRUSTED dermatologist to help you out so that they will give you an honest answer. 

The most common skin types are OILY, COMBINATION (an oily combination for those living in a humid climate; a dry combination for those living in a dry climate), and DRY. You may ask about the sensitivity of acne skin- most of us who suffer from acne have sensitive skin.

2. PRODUCT TYPE

When you figure out your skin type, let's move on to the kinds of textures of products in the market. When you walk into a beauty store, you're bombarded with all the different brands and products, and you have no idea which is best for you. First, I would like to discuss the textures of the product with your skin type. For OILY or COMBINATION skin, it is best to find a gel consistency of facial products (cleanser and moisturizer). This is because gel dissolves and dries quickly onto oily skin. A gel is water-based which makes it lightweight. For DRY skin, you may want to find a thicker consistency- liquid like a facial cleanser that requires shaking to create bubbles; and cream for moisturizer.

3. INGREDIENTS IN PRODUCTS

The ingredients in the face product you use are essential to know so that they don't irritate your skin. Bear in mind that when you have acne, do not apply harsh ingredients or textures as they can further damage your problem skin. AVOID OR STOP USING FACE SCRUBS. Some people may say face scrubs can remove the dead cells of acne, but that's not true. Further scrubbing will irritate the acne and trigger them to become swollen and inflamed even more. I tried that, and my acne was worse. So, I advise you to stop scrubbing your face as your face is a gentle and delicate part of your body.

When you purchase products, don't restrain yourself to only looking at the 'acne' labelled products as some of these products can be harmful or drying to your skin. Look for natural products or products that can combat acne as well. Products that contain ingredients like rosehip oil, tea tree oil, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) are great for combating acne. Before purchasing any products, look at the ingredient list behind the packaging.

Ingredients to avoid are such as dimethicone, silicone, alcohol, coconut oil, retinol, fragrance, benzoyl peroxide, parabens, etc. (refer to acne.org or carry skincare for the lists of pore-clogging ingredients) as these are all comedogenic- which means these ingredients have high irritation that can promote further breakouts.

Also, do look out for products that are labelled to be clinically proven, dermatologically proven or for sensitive skin. These labels prove that the product is safe to use especially for us with sensitive, acne skin. However, do refer to the ingredient list as well to justify the label. You don't have to have all the ingredients mentioned in your products. If there are a few from the lists, it's good depending on your skin's need and sensitivity. For harmful components, avoid all if possible.

4. STEPS ON USING PRODUCTS

Trending Korean 10-step skincare can be quite confusing and burdensome to keep up with every day, especially when you're busy. Plus we do not know which products suit our skin best and can be very costly if it doesn't suit them. For acne-prone skin starters, I suggest the 4-step routine: cleanse, tone, healing lotion or liquid or cream and moisturizer. I used this routine every day when I had acne, and it helped a lot. 

The most important thing to note is to find the best effective healing lotion or cream to soothe and heal active acne and dark spots. An extra step is to double cleanse which means that the cleansing routine is two times when you do use sunblock during the day. Double cleanse at night only. The double cleanse concept is to use an oil-based cleanser followed by a gel/foam cleanser. An oil-based cleanser clears all the grease and residue of the sunblock from your skin, and a gel/foam cleanser cleans all the residue that is not being cleansed by the oil cleanser. You need a clean canvas for the toner. 

🍚 FOOD 🍚

5. AVOID DEEP FRY & SOUR FOOD

Deep-fried food contains a large amount of oil, and too much oil can clog pores and cause the facial sebum to produce more oil which can cause acne to grow. So, cut down on fast food and oily food. Try to eat more steam, stir fry, boil or baking techniques for making food that requires no/less oil. Acidic or sour food like sour candy and lemons can aggravate acne scars or spots to slow down its healing process and sometimes it can worsen the wound.

6. CUT DOWN YOUR SUGAR INTAKE

Sugar can cause blood sugar to rise which triggers the increase of insulin. Too much sugar in the bloodstream can cause changes in your body which can lead to the growth of pore-clogging cells. It can also increase the production of oil glands. Source: WebMD. Reduce the consumption of food that has a high sugar level such as canned drinks, sweets, sweet chocolates, ice cream, etc. Eat with a small amount. No sugar will harm your body as well. Eat in moderation.

7. SKIP DAIRY PRODUCTS

If you're milk intolerant like me, stop drinking dairy milk, butter or any animal sources of fat. This is only applicable if you're lactose intolerant or if you want to speed up your recovery. If you're not, then you can still consume dairy. Dairy products contain hormones that can change the hormones in your body which leads to the production of a hormone similar to insulin that can cause inflammation. 

8. AVOID SEAFOOD

Except for fish. Other seafood like prawns, crabs, lobster, clam, and mussels contain a considerable amount of iodine which can link to acne breakouts. Boiled eggs and cheese are high in iodine as well. Seafood can inflame your skin and clog pores. Minimize ( you can consume a small amount) the intake amount of iodine if possible.

💦 LIFESTYLE 💦

9. CHANGE PILLOWCASES AND TOWELS WEEKLY/SEMIWEEKLY

Cleanliness is essential when you have sensitive skin. You use your pillow and towel every day which can accumulate all the dirt from the environment. When you wipe or sleep with your sheet or pillow, dirt or germs can transfer to your face and inflame the current acne or even grow new pimples. Change them frequently to avoid any bacteria living on your face.

10. CONSISTENT SLEEPING PATTERN

This is super important when you have acne. Some people suffer from acne due to a hormonal imbalance or a change of hormones. Do note that some acne causes are due to inheritance. Sleep early- the latest by midnight and sleep at 10 pm consistently every day without fail. Then, you will see results. 

11. BE AWARE OF OTHER HEALTH ISSUES YOU HAVE

Our acne can be the cause of our other health issues like constipation or gastric that appear on our face. Do watch out for your diet and your other health issues that might be the cause of your acne. Consult your doctor for a further guide on your health issues and understand their effects. For example, I used to have gastric in my early years, and I should avoid acidic food, which can speed up my acne recovery.

12. EXERCISE REGULARLY

Exercise can help to sweat all the toxins in your body. So, besides taking care of your diet, do some workouts to further aid in improving your skin condition. 

13. USE SUNSCREEN

I am guilty of not using sunblock because of my laziness. Use your sunscreen every day, even if you're indoors the entire day. This can prevent any hyperpigmentation or wrinkles from appearing on your skin. Damaged skin can cause skin cancer in the future. Fun fact: hyperpigmentation takes 20-30 years to be visible. So start protecting your face now. Warning: double cleanse if you use sunblock.

14. CLEANSE YOUR FACE TWICE A DAY

Yes. The environment that we are in today is never clean, even if you have trees around you because of the flumes from cars, shophouses or factories in the air. Morning cleanses to clean all the excessive oils and saliva from the night of sleeping (you never know if you sweat during the night) to keep your skin fresh. Night cleanse to clear all the dirt and oil throughout the day and prepare your face for healing at night when sleeping.

15. SQUEEZING ACNE YOURSELF

Do not ever squeeze your acne by yourself. If you're not careful, the wrong method of squeezing can spread the bacteria to other areas on your face and acne will grow again. If you squeeze in the wrong direction, it can cause acne scars that appear to be dented. Best to ask professionals to squeeze it for you. 

However, if you're really in a rush for an event, then I suggest you use two pieces of tissue paper on the opposite of each finger, where the acne is in the middle, press then squeeze the gunk out. Use another tissue to wipe it clean, then proceed to clean your face and apply any healing lotion or cream.

16. DRINK WATER

Drink at least eight glasses of water per day (even better if you can track your weight to the amount of water you should drink per day). This is to hydrate your body and your skin. Plus your body is made up of mostly water, so you have to replenish the amount of water in your body. Your skin will feel supple as your organs work well to flush out the toxins from your body.

17. EAT MORE FRESH FRUITS and VEGETABLES

When your skin barrier is damaged and turns dull, vitamin C is crucial to replenish and restore new cells on your skin. Fruits and vegetables are great to detoxify your body which in turn will improve your skin texture as well. Avoid canned food as it contains preservatives and additives that can accumulate in your body and clog pores. So buy fresh food, if possible.

💆🏻 MIND 💆🏻

18. BE POSITIVE

I cannot emphasize this enough to anyone who suffers from acne. In my own experience, I was once negative, sad and had low self-esteem, even to the extent of hating myself when I looked myself in the mirror. I hate to socialize or hang out with people because of my ugly face. I got nasty comments and questions about my look. Things got worse. However, with God and support from my family, I discovered the importance of positivity during this circumstance. When I started to think and believe that I could be healed, I indeed DID (yes you heard that right!). 

Ignore the people that told you you're ugly, and those who hate your look. Forget them because you only need positive people in your life. Even when you have no friends, remember you have God, and God can help you through as well. When you begin to dwell in bad thoughts about yourself, pivot. Instead, think of how happy and grateful you are because you have a healthy body and mind to move and talk. Think about only lovely things. Say positive and motivating words to yourself. This is the time when you should love and take care of your body the most. Treat this journey as an experience.

19. TELL YOURSELF YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS!

Say to yourself aloud that you can do it!!! Loudly, in your room, every day. Believe in yourself. Believe you can. Believe that one day will come. Believe you are beautiful. Indeed, you are what you believe. This is powerful, trust me. 

❤️‍🩹 OTHERS ❤️‍🩹

20. FIND SAFER OR NATURAL OPTIONS TO CURE

I understand that a lot of people who find nothing that can cure their acne go for Roaccutane. The risk of taking pills is rather high, as I'd researched online. Some people regret going on Roaccutane because it disturbs their monthly period cycle, emotions, and the texture of their skin. Going on pills is not guaranteed to be able to cure acne completely. I respect your decision if you want to (especially for those who have severe cystic acne). However, for those who are still on the hunt to find a better resolution to cure acne, let's put Roaccutane as a last resort.  I was asked to take pills to cure my acne by a dermatologist without any further consultation or explanation, I felt so wrong and anxious, which led me to look up the pills online and realize I should find other safer options before committing to those pills. 

A few of the safest/safer ways to cure acne are a natural remedy or facial wash. I don't specifically recommend natural treatment as we all are not familiar with the effectiveness and chemical composition of natural resources unless we master them very well on those things. You can try it out if you want to, but it's best to go for a facial wash as those people are credited and certified to cure face problems. They understand your face condition better and can consult and recommend suitable products for your skin type. 

REMINDER: only go to a facial place that you trust, and that has helped a lot of people previously. The most common facial wash processes are extraction or chemical peel. If they recommend other options, ask for more information and do further research on those online or in books before committing to it. 

***

Follow any of the steps above that you find could help fight acne. It's worth it when you see the results at the end. Do bear in mind that following these steps requires months to see the results. Patience is the key. I believe you can do it just as I did. All the best! Let me know in the comment box if this has helped you in any way or if you want me to share more about acne. Do leave a few tips of yours, because I'd love to know ;)

Prisc

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